Flag Football Four Downs: Move the Chains
A 5-on-5 flag football game on a field split into 10 m sections: the offense has 4 downs to reach the next marker and earn a new set of downs. Students learn how down and distance works, and when to choose a short run or a deep pass.
How to play
- Field of 40 x 20 m (about 44 x 22 yd) with 5 m end zones and flat disc cones every 10 m (about 11 yd) on the sidelines. Four teams of 5-6: two play, two are the chain crew (3 min).
- The offense starts on its 5 m line. Each play begins with a snap to the QB, who passes or hands off; one defender may rush after a count of five from 5 m away.
- A play ends on a flag pull, an incompletion, or the ball going out. Getting past the next marker earns a new set of downs; if not in 4 downs, the other team takes over at that spot.
- Touchdown, 6 points; each first down, 1 point. Two chain crew members move the line-of-scrimmage cone and call down and distance: "Third and four!"
- Play 9-minute games, then switch roles (18 min). Finish with 4 minutes: when is a deep pass worth the risk?
Rules
- No contact and no blocking: offensive players without the ball may not screen defenders.
- Forward passes are only allowed from behind the line of scrimmage.
- Safety: no diving, and the chain crew stays 2 m (6 ft) off the field.
Variations
Easier
The offense only needs to gain 5 m (about 5 yd) for a new first down.
Standard
Five-on-five, 4 downs to gain 10 m (about 11 yd), and a rush after a count of five.
Harder
On fourth down the offense must decide before the snap whether to go for it or punt, giving the ball up 15 m (about 16 yd) farther back.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can be the full-time QB or lead the chain crew, calling down and distance.
- Hearing impairment: the chain crew shows the down with fingers and the distance on a sign.
- Fitness or skill level: allow unlimited substitutions from the sideline so students can manage their effort.
Learning goals
- Understand down and distance in flag football.
- Choose a play based on the down and the yards still needed.
- Take responsibility for the chain crew role.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flag belts: 25
- foam football: 2
- cones: 12
- pinnies: 12
- flat disc cones: 16
Teacher tip
At first students throw deep every time: before the first game, ask what they would call on "fourth and one." Let the chain crew officiate and step in only if there is blocking.
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