Flag Football Pursuit Angles and Flag Pulls
A progression of lane duels that teaches students how to defend the ball carrier: take the right pursuit angle, break down with short choppy steps, and pull the flag without running into anyone. It develops defending, quick reactions, and body control on the run.
How to play
- Mark 5 lanes, 20 x 8 m (about 22 x 9 yd): ball carriers at one end and defenders on the side, 5 m (16 ft) away; everyone wears flags (2 min).
- Breakdown position: about 2 m (6 ft) from the runner, short choppy steps, knees bent, hands out front. Practice in pairs at a jog (3 min).
- Angle duel: the runner goes straight and the defender sprints from the side to a spot ahead of the runner, not at the runner. A flag pulled before the line scores for the defense (4 min).
- Head-on duel from 15 m (about 16 yd): the runner may make one cut; the defender breaks down, stays in front, and pulls the flag on the side the runner goes (4 min).
- Open 6-second duel in the full lane; 5 duels, then switch roles (4 min). Finally, pairs compare flags pulled with a good angle versus from behind (1 min).
Rules
- No jumping on the ball carrier or diving at the waist: pull flags while staying on your feet.
- Ball carriers may not swat hands away or guard flags with an arm.
- Safety: head-on duels start on the whistle, and only one pair uses a lane at a time.
Variations
Easier
The ball carrier speed-walks instead of running and may not change direction.
Standard
Angle duel, head-on duel, and open duel with a 6-second clock to cross.
Harder
Widen the lane to 12 m (about 13 yd) and allow the ball carrier two cuts.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair defends a narrower 4 m (13 ft) lane, the runner must pass within reach, and a shoulder tag counts as a flag pull.
- Visual impairment: the ball carrier wears a bright pinnie and claps when starting, and the lane is shortened to 10 m (about 11 yd).
- Fitness or skill level: slower students start on defense from 3 m (10 ft) instead of 5 m (16 ft).
Learning goals
- Choose a pursuit angle that cuts off the ball carrier's path.
- Break down under control before pulling the flag to avoid collisions.
- Explain why no-contact defense helps prevent injuries.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flag belts: 25
- foam football: 5
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
The usual mistake is running straight at the ball carrier and arriving late: put a cone where they should meet so students can see the angle.
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