How to Play Flag Football as Quarterback

2005 NFL Pro Bowl - Legends Game - February 11, 2005

Just like in football, a flag football quarterback's primary responsibility is to control the offense. It starts with controlling the snap from center and making a sure handoff, or setting up to throw a pass. Ball handling and accurate passing should be practiced every day. An effective quarterback has the ability to read defensive coverage and make accurate passes to open receivers. Learning to exploit the weakness in a defense comes with game experience. Just like with most things in life, Confidence is also key to being a good flag football quarterback.

How do you develop accuracy as a Quarterback?

You can develop your passing accuracy by simply throwing the football.

One exercise is throwing a football through a bicycle tire suspended on a length of rope.

Make a series of throws from 15 yards away with the tire stationary, then practice with it swinging from side to side. With each series, increase the distance by five yards until you're able to hit the target consistently. The final series of passes should be from a distance that equals the longest passing play in your arsenal. You can also grab friends and play catch with moving targets. You can build team chemistry by doing this with your receivers.

How do I begin a flag football game as a quarterback?

There are many ways to start a football game but the best QB's take note of what the defense gives them early. Begin the first offensive series of a game with short passing plays to both sides of the field.

Make accurate passes and, as you release the ball, note the proximity of the defensive linemen. Observe the timing of the defensive pass rush so you can throw the football effectively before the rushers can get to you. Also take note of the coverage and where you can exploit it.

How do I avoid rushers as a Quarterback?

Avoid the defensive rush by using good footwork and running to a place where you have a clear passing lane to spot your receiver. Stop and set your feet before throwing the football whenever possible on scrambling plays.

Make sensible throws while avoiding interceptions or turnovers and throw the football so only your receiver has a chance to make the catch.

Can you run as QB in flag football?

According to flag football association rules, flag football quarterbacks cannot run with the football.

After a hand-off to another player behind the line of scrimmage, the QB is an eligible receiver, so potentially can receive a pass and become a runner.

What can the quarterback do with the football in flag football?

The quarterback in flag football can either hand-off the football to another player behind the line of scrimmage or pass the football downfield to a receiver.

As stated above, the flag football can also potentially become a receiver after a hand-off.

A flag football quarterback can do three general actions:

  1. Receives the football at the snap or start of the action
  2. Hands-off the ball to a player behind the line of scrimmage
  3. Passes the ball to a receiver down field

How do I communicate as a Quarterback?

Talk to your offensive teammates after every play​. This helps you develop a sense for the vulnerability and strength of the defense. Use this information to call plays that take advantage of your teammates' ability to block and to make catches down field. Watch for areas in the defensive backfield that open up, allowing you to direct your receivers in that directions.