Flag Football Option Pitch Play
Students learn the flag football option play: the QB runs toward the sideline with a teammate trailing behind and outside, reads the defender, and decides whether to keep the ball or pitch it underhand. It progresses from 2-on-1 to a game. It builds decision-making and pitching on the run.
How to play
- Five groups of 5 in 20 x 15 m (about 22 x 16 yd) spaces with a line of scrimmage and a goal line 12 m (about 13 yd) away; everyone wears flags (2 min).
- Pitch with no defense: the QB runs diagonally to the sideline with a teammate 3 m (10 ft) behind and outside, and tosses underhand to the chest. Six reps each (4 min).
- Read: a defender waits 6 m (20 ft) away. If they go at the QB, pitch; if they go at the pitch player, the QB keeps it. Reaching the line with flags on is 1 point (5 min).
- Three-on-two: a receiver runs a short route, so the QB can throw, keep, or pitch. A touchdown after a pitch is 2 points (5 min).
- Five-on-five mini game with 4 downs, and the option is required once per possession (5 min). Finally, 1 minute: what was the QB watching?
Rules
- The pitch must go backward or sideways and be tossed underhand.
- If a pitch hits the ground, the play is dead at that spot; nobody dives for the ball.
- Safety: the pitch player always keeps 3 m (10 ft) of space to avoid running into the QB.
Variations
Easier
The defender only walks and always goes after the QB, so the pitch is always the right choice.
Standard
Pitch practice, the 2-on-1 read, 3-on-2 with a receiver, and a game where the option is required.
Harder
The defender may fake going after one player and switch targets at the last second.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can be the pitch player and advance 5 m (16 ft) without having a flag pulled.
- Visual impairment: the trailing teammate claps to signal their position.
- Fitness or skill level: shorten the space to 10 m (about 11 yd) deep for students who need less running.
Learning goals
- Read the defender's action to decide whether to keep or pitch.
- Make an accurate pitch on the run.
- Keep the right spacing with a teammate during the play.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam football: 5
- flag belts: 25
- cones: 20
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is deciding before the play starts: stress watching the defender and waiting for them to commit.
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