Free 7 Man Flag Football Plays. Jason Bellomy TheFlagFootballPlaybook.com. Copyright 2012 TheFlagFootballPlaybook.com. Smashwords Edition

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1 Free 7 Man Flag Football Plays Jason Bellomy TheFlagFootballPlaybook.com Copyright 2012 TheFlagFootballPlaybook.com Smashwords Edition

2 Table of Contents How To Use This Playbook Standard Plays Big Hitters 1st/2nd and Short Situations Trick Plays Quarterback Play Utilizing the Center in the Passing Game Defensive Sets: Man-to-Man vs Zone Goal Line Defense Additional Resources

3 How To Use This Playbook This free playbook is being provided because I feel the sample of the paid version did not give enough. If you are undecided on the format of the full playbook, this free playbook sampler will give you insight to how the full playbook is laid out. This playbook includes 4 plays whereas the full version includes 29 plays. The rest of this playbook is pulled directly from the full version. This playbook is designed for all levels of play. The base personnel for all formations is 3 wide receivers, 2 linemen, 1 center, and a quarterback. However, the linemen and center will run passing routes in some of the plays. The plays are set up with a consistent color scheme. The far left receiver will always be Red. The right receiver is Green. The middle receive is Blue. Since regular Kindles do not display color, in the play descriptions, the receivers will be noted by color and location. For example: Red (L), Blue (M), Green (R). The linemen are always Yellow. The center is Black. The quarterback is Orange. For non color devices, these will be designated as Yellow (L), Black (C), and Orange (QB). If you have not used a playbook with your team, my recommendation is pick out 2 plays from each section excluding Running and Trick. Many winning teams utilize less than 10 plays in their playbook. It s better to have 8 plays that your offense runs to almost perfection instead of 20 plays that your team executes average. As your team gets more comfortable with the routes and throws, you can add more plays if you like. Based on abilities, some of the plays may not work well for your team. A play may require giving the quarterback a little more time to throw to the ball. If your linemen are not good blockers, gravitate toward plays that are quick strikes. Most of the plays show the quarterback staying in the pocket. However, if your quarterback is more mobile, adjust the play so the quarterback is rolling left or right. Finally, if a play consistently fails, scrap it and add another.

4 Many of the play names include numbers. These are based on the passing tree diagram provided later in the book. The passing tree assigns a number to each route so plays can be called quicker and consistently.

5 Standard Plays These plays are the staple of most playbooks. Winning teams that do not have superior talent usually take a long drive, ball possession approach. This philosophy includes plays designed to pick up 5 12 yards. The standard plays provided are these types of plays. We call them Nickel and Dimers. As stated before if you are just beginning, start off with just a couple of these. However, as you build up your playbook, you ll want at least 4 or 5 of these types of plays.

6 83 Mirror Play Theory: The two receivers on the left are running an 8 route (Red (L)) and a 3 route (Blue (M)). The same routes are mirrored on the right with the lone receiver and the center. This play works best against man coverage and a cover 3. Against a cover 3, this play is virtually unstoppable. On the snap, the two cornerbacks should cover the two wide receivers, leaving the underneath routes wide open. With the linebacker most likely covering the center, Blue (M) should be wide open. Because the corners are bailing with the receivers, this play can also net a good chunk of yards after catch (YAC). Play Variations: Against a cover 2, this play is somewhat limited because all the routes end up in a defensive player s zone. However, some adjustments can lead to big plays.

7 Prior to the snap, the quarterback should be able to read whether the defense is cover 2 or cover 3 (two safeties vs one safety). If facing a cover 2, the Blue (M) receiver can adjust his route from a 5 yard out to a yard out. If the corner plays tight to the line, Blue (M) can sneak in behind. If the quarterback rolls left, the corner will either backpeddle to Blue (M) which then the QB can just run or the corner will come up for the tackle which leaves Blue (M) naked for a big gain. Play Calling Tip: The quarterback can help the offense by recognizing the defense presnap. He can relay this information to the rest of the team via a few simple calls. Double Two or Twin can signal cover 2. Triple or 3 means cover 3.

8 Twins Left Strong Left Play Theory: This is one of those nickel & dime plays that will frustrate your opponents as you march down the field. Against a Cover 2, Red (L) and Blue (M) should occupy the safety and cornerback. Usually, the linebacker will stay in his zone allowing the center (Black (C)) to break free. If the linebacker covers Black (C), then Green (R) will be open on the quick slant in. If the cornerback stays home, then either Red (L) or Blue (M) will be open for some bigger yards. Play Variation: If the cornerback is not vacating his zone, Blue s route can be varied for greater opportunities. A quick 10 yard hook in should be available. However, be aware of the linebacker shifting with Black (C) as he may move into the passing lane. Another route Blue (M) can run is the flag route (7 route). This can be more effective if Blue (M) delays his route allowing the safety start running with Red (L). Once the safety has

9 cleared out, Blue (M) runs the flag route and the quarterback can throw the pass toward the sideline.

10 Big Hitters 1st/2nd and Short Situations Barring a sack or penalty, you should be able to pick up a first down when starting 1 st and short (less than 7 yards). These instances often present themselves as one of the best times to try a big play. The reason is that some players on the defense may be expecting you to go short and pick of the first down. This is especially the case if your offense has been focused on shorter plays and picking up first downs quickly. For most of these plays, the center does not have a passing route. If your linemen are decent at blocking, send the center out on a route that will be the release route should everyone else be covered.

11 Trips Left Play Theory: This play is effective versus Cover 2, Cover 3, and Man defense. Against a Cover 2, look to move the safety closer to the middle of the field (Red (L)). This will free up Blue (M) on the 7 route. When facing a Cover 3, Green (R) should be open every time. This is because the cornerback should drop to the deep sideline (Blue (M)). The safety will cover Red (L). Versus man coverage, you should have your fastest receiver line up as Green (R). As Red (L) and Blue (M) clear out their men, Green (R) should be open. If Green (R) gets a good jump on his defender, he should have room to catch and run up field for some additional yards after catch.

12 Tip: Against a Cover 3, if you run this play a few times hitting Green (R) for some decent yards, you might be able to mix in a pump fake for a bigger play. The cornerback may start anticipating the short pass to Green (R). Pump fake Green (R), and hit Blue (M) on the slant out. If the cornerback does not bite on the play, Green (R) should still be open.

13 Trick Plays Trick plays can be used effectively throughout a game. In flag football, you re limited on what can be done. No fumblerouskis allowed and triple reverses rarely work unless you have some athletes. This leaves laterals. The reason these can be used throughout the game and not just in do or die situations is due to the dead ball rule. Since fumbles can not be recovered, taking some chances with a trick play can be beneficial. Once positive to doing this early is that if you are playing a super aggressive defense where everyone swarms to the ball, a quick pitch can lead to a big play. Also, once you have done this, it will be in the back of the defensive player s minds. Sometimes, it s this hesitation that allows one missed tackle to become a touchdown.

14 Lineman Pitch Play Theory: If you catch the defense napping, this pitch play can yield some big yards after catch. The Red (L) receiver runs a square in (4 route), catching the pass, and laterals to the lineman coming underneath. If the safety turns his back and runs with Blue (M), the lineman should have yards of daylight. Blue s (M) route can be either a streak or post. If this receiver is fast, the streak is the better option as the defender will usually turn his back to play and sprint with the receiver. Against the post, most defenders keep one eye on the ball. Green (R) is the safety valve. The route and can be varied. If most of the action and quarterback s attention is on one side of the field, it is generally good play design to have a receiver drag across the field to limit the distance of the throw.

15 Tip: This plays requires some timing. The lineman should block for 1 or 2 seconds, then sprint out for the pitch. Play Variations: Instead of passing to Red (L), the quarterback can elect to just hit Yellow (L) on the speed out. The quarterback should roll out to his left and wait until Yellow (L) is past Red (L) before making the throw. Otherwise, Red s (L) defender will be there for a quick tackle. Also, if timing an issue, the center can run the pitch route and Yellow (L) remains a blocker.

16 Quarterback Play The most critical position in flag football is the quarterback. Teams in lower level leagues can succeed without a decent quarterback. However, in order to win at the elite levels, a team must have a person who can accurately throw the football. The ability to throw a deep pass is not a necessity. The key to winning in flag football is utilizing a ball control offense. If a team can average 6-8 yards per play, it will be successful. In leading a team, the quarterback should be the one in control of the huddle. Too many times, I ve seen teams where everyone in the huddle is trying to call a play. The first few seconds of a huddle can be for general comments by everyone: The middle is wide open. I think we can attack the left side. Their rusher on the right side is killing us. Let s try rolling left or running the ball. Other than that, the quarterback needs to take control and call a play. Another aspect of a quarterback that can greatly increase a team s chances of winning is having a mobile quarterback. Unless your opponent does not have any athletes rushing, in flag football, it s difficult to give a quarterback more than a few seconds to throw the ball. Having an agile quarterback can give the passing game a few more needed seconds to contact on longer developing plays. An agile quarterback does not necessary mean a fast running quarterback. The quarterback just needs to be able to side step a rush and be able to throw on the move. One final characteristic that can lead to success is occasionally running the ball with the quarterback. This can be achieved either through a designed run or play where all the receivers are covered. Having a quarterback that will not force a throw and instead run for a small gain will keep turnovers down. Remember, success in flag football is usually achieved by picking up small chunks of yards working down the field.

17 Utilizing the Center in the Passing Game In the passing game, one position that is often overlooked is the center. Most teams starting out bring a tackle football mindset to flag football. The center s purpose is to hike the ball and block. The problem with this is brought to light against team with even an average rush. By the time the center snaps the ball, he is out of position and can only be an effective blocking when the quarterback scrambles. In 7-on-7, most teams will rush only 2 players most of the game. Leaving the center in to block means in the backfield, your offense is using 4 guys (3 linemen and quarterback) to combat the 2 rushers. This leaves your three receivers going against five defenders. Sending the center on a passing route shifts the balance to 4 against 5 which is more preferable. Most teams utilize some form of zone defense. Just sending the center on a 5 yard hook or out will occupy a linebacker. However, having the center run longer routes is where the big plays can happen. Many times the cornerbacks and safeties are focusing on the receivers. Run a play that will draw the safety to one side of the field and have the center fill in the now open area.

18 Defensive Sets: Man-to-Man vs Zone When setting up your defense, most teams play either a man-to-man or zone. Below are their advantages and disadvantages. Man-to-Man: Advantages: Coverage Responsibility Before a play starts each defender knows who they are covering. Increased Quarterback Sacks Playing man-to-man should allow your rush some more time to get to the quarterback since the receivers will be covered on the line of scrimmage. Disadvantages: Quarterback Coverage When playing man-to-man, the defenders will lose sight of the quarterback more as they running with the receivers. This can allow for some quarterback scrambling. Susceptible to Big Play If facing a fast receiver and the rush is not getting to the quarterback, your defense could give a big play. Zone: Advantages: Area of Responsibility Defenders generally stay in a designated area. Facing the Quarterback For the most part in a zone, all eyes will be on the quarterback. This can be good against a quarterback who likes to rush a lot. Disadvantages:

19 Coverage Confusion Players may cover receivers into another zone leaving their area open. A cornerback may let a receiver go thinking he has safety help behind him. However, the safety may be covering another receiver if the offense sends two into his zone. Death by Nickels and Dimes Playing zone usually means receivers will be open early in their routes. This can allow a good offense to use a short passing attack and work their way up the field against your defense.

20 Goal Line Defense Playing defense against a competent offense can be tough. However, it gets ever tougher on the goal line. Even with the much shorter field, the offense has many options. What makes playing defense more challenging on the goal line is that usually the plays develop much quicker. Our recommendation is to play man or cover 4. We call the cover 4 columns or quarters. The idea is simple. The two cornerbacks and two safeties split the field into equal quarter sections and stick within their zone. However, one reason not to play this defense is that everyone has to be on the same page. The offense can exploit one weak link by flooding the zone with multiple players. Playing man defense takes the guess work out of where someone should be. However, this leaves the defense susceptible to quarterback runs. With 7-on-7 flag football, you will most likely be facing a 3 wide receiver set. One of the best defense strategies is to have three defensive backs man up on the receivers. The linebacker will cover the center should the offense utilize him in the play. The extra defensive back (DB) will line up closer to the line of scrimmage and spy the quarterback to prevent a scramble. If your DB has some speed, he can do a delayed blitz. This is where the defensive player will wait a 1 or 2 seconds then blitz. The hope is that your rush will force the quarterback to commit to one side allowing the DB to shoot through and pressure the quarterback into a bad throw or sack.

21 Additional Resources Purchase the full version of this playbook for your Kindle or Kindle App at: 7 Man Flag Football Playbook For animations of some of the plays in the playbook, check out: TheFlagFootballPlaybook.com Get full playbooks for 4 Man, 5 Man, and 7 Man for your iphone or Android. The app versions include animations of each of the plays. Finally, check out the YouTube channel for play animations as well.