Introduction to Offensive Fundamental Skills Skills and Drills This section reviews the fundamental skills of flag football, explains why each is important and emphasizes the skill s basic teaching points. Each skill is followed by a basic drill that reinforces the skill. This drill is acceptable for any age group as it introduces the concept of the skill. For more advanced age-appropriate drills for each skill, as well as complete practice plans, go to MyUpward.org. Many of the drills described in this playbook require one ball per player. If you are limited in the number of balls you have for practice, you will need to modify the drill by creating lines based on the number of balls you have available. The Center's Skills
Snapping Skills Because each play begins with the snap of the ball to the quarterback, it is extremely important to have a successful snap on each play. Practicing this skill will promote successful offensive plays. Two types of snaps should be worked on: the under-center snap and the shotgun snap. Use the following directions to instruct players. Under-Center Snap Center begins in a two-point stance (feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, elbows resting on knees, head up). Reach throwing hand out to the football. Grip the football with the first knuckle of the thumb placed in-between the white line and the first lace. The palm of the hand should then rest on the outside of the ball, with the four fingers spread across the back. Lift head before snapping the ball. As the ball is snapped, turn hand inward so the ball is delivered sideways to the quarterback who is standing right behind the center. Release the ball and run the play called. * K5 and 1st-2nd grade players may use the side snap. The traditional snap can be difficult for the younger players with small hands even when using two hands. Shotgun Snap Center begins in a two-point stance (feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, elbows resting on knees, head up). Reach throwing hand out to the football. Grip the football with the first knuckle of the thumb placed in-between the white line and the first lace. The palm of the hand should then rest on the outside of the ball, with the four fingers spread across the back. Lift head before snapping the ball. On the snap, flick wrist as the ball leaves the hand to deliver it several feet back to the quarterback.
*Depending on the player s ability to grip the football with one hand, a center may shotgunsnap the football with either one or two hands. If two hands are needed, a player should use his non-dominant hand to guide the football as it is snapped by placing that hand on the open side of the football. The Quarterback's Skills
Pass Drops For quarterbacks, learning how to drop back properly is important. Being further back from the line-of-scrimmage creates additional distance between the quarterback and the defensive rusher(s). 1. As you receive the snap, turn sideways in the direction of your throwing arm. 2. The first step is a reach step. It is a powerful, quick, deep step with the back foot. 3. The next steps (middle steps) are crossover steps. 4. The last step is the plant step. It is a small reach step. As the plant step takes place, your front shoulder should dip down slightly to help maintain balance. 5. It is important to drop back quickly and keep looking downfield for an open receiver. Passing Skills Passing Techniques The steps below will provide the foundation to becoming a good passer. 1. Gripping the football correctly improves the throwing mechanics and balance of the ball. A correct grip varies from one person to another, as size of hands and length of fingers always influence the placement of the hand. There is no one right way to grip the football. To provide enough control and pressure on the surface of the ball, hold the top half with one to three fingers spread across the laces. Practice different grips to find which one works best for you. 2. Turn sideways, with your non-throwing shoulder pointing toward the target. 3. Pull your throwing arm back to an L position, with the football up by your ear. 4. Step toward the target with your front foot as you release the ball. 5. Follow through toward the target, with your thumb pointing to the ground and palm facing out. 6. To get the most control, speed, and distance on the ball, throw a spiral. A spiral is also easier for the receiver to catch. Proper release of the football will result in a spiral. Your index finger should be the last finger to leave the football. Passing Drills Distance Passing Players will pair off and begin 5 yards from each other. Have players throw the ball back and forth. Make sure players use the appropriate touch on the pass, according to the distance they are from one another. After a few throws, have each player take a step back. Drop-Backs (no ball required) Have players work on dropping back and getting their feet set and ready to throw. Begin with a three-step drop, and work up to a five-step drop. Have players work on keeping their eyes downfield and keeping the imaginary football up in a secure position between the armpits. The Hand-Off The hand-off is a direct exchange from one Player to another. To effectively execute a handoff, the Player receiving the ball creates a pocket with his/her arms in which the Quarterback will place the ball. The Receiver should lift his/her elbow closest to the Quarterback high so that the Quarterback can easily place the ball in the pocket. There is a distinct period of time during which the responsibility for the ball is transferred from the Quarterback to the ball carrier.
Lateral Passing (Toss) There are various lateral passing techniques, using either one or two hands, but the most effective method to reduce the chance of fumbling is the Two Hand Underhand Lateral Pass. 1. Grasp the ball with both hands. 2. Pivot to the left or right on the appropriate foot (Tossing the ball to the right, pivot on the left foot Tossing the ball to the left, pivot on the right foot. This pivot is called the Open Pivot.) 3. Step in the direction of the pass with the other foot. 4. Shovel pass the ball underhanded to the Receiver in a nice, easy motion. This should result with the ball not spinning or flipping allowing for a soft catch. 5. Follow through by extending the arms toward the Receiver and transferring the weight to the forward foot. Types of Pivots Clock Reference An effective teaching tool is to paint a clock on the practice field. Quarterback stands in the middle, facing 12 o clock. Quarterback assumes a good stance. Quarterback is told to turn to any hour of the clock, using a specific pivot. Coach and athlete can now check correctness and consistency of movement away from the center Open Pivot This action is defined when the quarterback initiates his/her turn towards, and moves in the direction of, the point of attack and is perhaps the first technique taught in moving away from the center. The first step is taken with the foot closest to the point of attack (i.e., right, going right and left going left). As defined, the quarterback can open pivot from 1 to 6 o clock going right, and from 11 to 6 o clock going left. Sprint Out The sprint out is designed for the quarterback to clear the center by pivoting to the side of the desired sprint out. It is designed to move the quarterback away from a quick pass rusher and challenge one side of the field. As in the open pivot the quarterback initiates their turn towards the direction of the sprint out then gaining width and depth. The head and eyes should lead the quarterback. The ball should be held with both hands at sternum level. The quarterback will search for a receiver in that part of the field that the sprint out is taken. Once finding a receiver the quarterback can turn up field, then squaring up with the hips and shoulders towards the receiver. The ball is brought up and prepared to pass. The quarterback steps directly at the receiver with the foot opposite the passing arm while moving the hips and shoulders toward the receiver. A normal throwing motion (see section on throwing motion) is used coming over the front foot.
The Quarterback: Running Back Ball Exchange The Quarterback Running Back exchange is not instantaneous. There is a time element during which the responsibility for the possession of the ball is transferred from the Quarterback to the Running Back. It is useful to think of the exchange as having three phases. 1. The Mesh Point where the Quarterback and the Running Back meet and the Quarterback places the ball in the pocket made by the Running Back. 2. The Flow the period of time (and movement) where possession of the ball is transferred to the Running Back. 3. The Exchange Point where the Quarterback withdraws his/her hand from the ball and the Running Back has control of it. Responsibilities The Quarterback must get to the mesh point first and establish the correct distance between himself/herself and the Running Back (not crowding him/her nor stretching to reach him/her). The Quarterback is responsible for placing the ball in the Running Back s pocket, and moving the ball through the flow phase of the exchange. The Running Back must consistently run the correct path to the point of attack. To do this, he/she cannot be looking for the football. He/she makes a pocket in which the ball will be placed, by raising his/her elbow which is closest to the Quarterback. Running Back Techniques Runs correct path. Makes a pocket for the football as he/she nears the mesh point (keep elbow closed to the Quarterback high). Closes over the football and assumes control of it during the flow phase. Has possession of the ball at the exchange point. Bootleg The quarterback uses a fake handoff to the running back to confuse the defense and a quick rusher. After the fake the ball is hidden on the hip of the quarterback away from the defense. As in the sprint out the quarterback focuses down field to select a receiver. Turning up field and squaring the hips and chest with the receiver. The ball is brought up and prepared to pass. The quarterback steps directly at the receiver with the opposite throwing arm, moving the hips and shoulders toward the receiver. A normal throwing motion is used coming over the front foot. Carrying the Ball When carrying the ball, the player uses three pressure points: Spreads middle finger and index finger over forward tip of ball Holds rear point of ball snugly under bicep Holds length of ball flat along forearm muscles and snugly against the ribs Receiver Skills Catching
The proper technique for catching a football needs to be taught. Most kids do not know how to catch a football properly. 1. Always catch the ball with your hands away from your body. Arms should be extended out about three-fourths of the way to allow room to cushion the catch. 2. To catch balls above waist-height, put your index finger and thumbs together to form a triangle. For a low ball, keep your little fingers and elbows together to cradle the catch. For deep passes that are over the shoulder, you want to have your pinkies and elbows together to cradle the catch in front of your chest. This pass should caught over the outside shoulder. 3. Keep your eye on the ball. The most important part in catching the ball is to watch the ball all the way, until it s in your hands. 4. Once the ball is in your hands, secure it by quickly tucking it away, high under your armpit, clamping it tightly to your body. Cover the front tip of the football with your fingers. Use your free arm to maintain balance. Routes Running good pass routes will go a long way toward helping your team move the ball. A good route has four main parts: start, stem, break, and burst. 1. Start A good route begins with a good stance and start. It s important to gain as much ground as you can as quickly as possible. 2. Stem The receiver forces the defensive back up the field. Run toward the outside shoulder of the defender in an attempt to get him to turn his hips away from the line of scrimmage. 3. Break The receiver transitions from the stem to the burst by making a directionchanging cut. In order to get in and out of a break quickly, stay low and maintain proper balance by keeping your shoulders directly over your feet.
4. Burst The receiver comes out of the break and attempts to create additional separation from the defender. Different routes require different bursts. A curl requires the receiver to come off the break with two steps back to the quarterback and then stop. A post requires a full-speed, continued burst after the break. *Teaching the importance of everyone running his/her assigned route will be a challenge. This is a good time to explain and teach the importance of teamwork. Remember to be patient with your players, especially the younger ones. Receiving Drills Moving Catch 1. Players will line up, single file, on one side of the field. 2. One at a time, players will begin to jog across the field, looking toward the coach. 3. The coach will pass the ball to each player. 4. Players should work on catching the ball away from their bodies, using their hands with proper technique. 5. Use the up, slant, curl, and out. This is a half-speed drill to work on catching the ball while in motion. Cone Weave 1. Line up four cones in a straight line, with about a yard and a half between each one. 2. A fifth cone should be set up off the last cone to determine the route. 3. Begin working on the curl route by setting up the fifth cone in the proper comeback angle to catch a curl. 4. Move the fifth cone to different parts of the field based on the route (in, out, or post). 5. After running through the drill a few times, add the catching part of the drill, in which a coach throws the ball on the break. *Now players will have to take their minds off their footwork and concentrate on catching the ball. Players will develop their footwork and the ability to come out of a break to catch the football. Pass Pattern Fundamentals The following are pass patterns, which students may run during the course of a Flag Football game. When teaching the patterns for the first time, do so without a Quarterback throwing the football. This will allow the Receiver to focus on the proper footwork for the pattern, as opposed to making a catch. Key Points in Running a Pass Route: Run the required distance of the pattern. Slow down at the break point and come under control. Lower centre of gravity at the break point. Plant or cut and push off of the foot opposite the intended direction. (If cutting to the right, plant and push off with the left foot). Look for the ball after the break is made in the pattern.