Flag Football Lead Passes to Moving Receivers
A passing circuit in groups of five where the quarterback has to throw ahead of the receiver so the receiver can catch in stride, on crossing routes and on deep routes toward a hoop. It builds throwing accuracy, judging the ball's flight, and catching on the run.
How to play
- Five groups of 5 (one QB, four receivers) in 20 x 15 m (about 22 x 16 yd) spaces: a QB cone, a starting cone 8 m (about 9 yd) to the left, and a hoop 12 m (about 13 yd) ahead (2 min).
- Crossing route: the receiver runs across in front of the QB at 8 m, and the QB aims 1 m (3 ft) ahead of the chest. Three reps each (4 min).
- Deep route: the receiver runs at the hoop and the QB throws after four steps. A catch in stride is 2 points; slowing down is 1 (4 min).
- Change QBs every 6 throws so everyone gets a turn, and the group adds up its points.
- Two rounds alternating routes, signaled by hand, to beat the score (6 min). Finally, each QB shares where they aimed (2 min).
Rules
- Every group throws in the same direction, and receivers jog back along the side, never through the passing area.
- The next receiver doesn't go until the previous one has caught the ball or it has hit the ground.
- Safety: nobody dives for a catch; if the ball is too far, let it drop.
Variations
Easier
Run the crossing route at 5 m (16 ft) at a jog, and move the hoop in to 8 m (about 9 yd).
Standard
Crossing route at 8 m and deep route to a hoop at 12 m (about 9 and 13 yd), with a new QB every 6 throws.
Harder
The receiver may change speed during the route, and the QB has to adjust the timing of the throw.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can be the QB or a receiver moving at their own pace; the QB adjusts the lead to their speed.
- Visual impairment: use a brightly colored ball and have the QB clap before throwing.
- Fitness or skill level: students with less arm strength may move their cone 3 m (10 ft) closer.
Learning goals
- Throw ahead of a receiver based on their speed.
- Catch the ball on the run without slowing down.
- Work with the group to improve a shared score.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam football: 5
- cones: 15
- hoops: 5
Teacher tip
Many students throw at the receiver's body, which forces the receiver to slow down: have them aim at a spot in front, like the ball has a meeting point. Foam footballs let them throw with confidence.
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