FLAG FOOTBALL

History1. American football as we know it originated in the late 1800’s,

developing from two English sports, soccer and rugby.

2. In 1876 the Intercollegiate Football Association was formed and developed rules of the game, including line of scrimmage, systems of downs, and the scoring system.

3. Touch and flag football grew out of the interest in American football.

4. Flag football eliminated the controversy in touch football; which allowed for less contact and a clearly successful tackle by pulling a flag

5. The skill to grab or protect the flag also made flag football more interesting than touch football.

FLAG FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT

• Football• Flags • Comfortable athletic clothing including

athletic shoes• Pinnies

How to Play Flag Football

1. 8 players on each team2. Game starts with a placekick from the field’s

centerline3. Objective is to carry or pass the football across the

defense’s goal line for a touchdown4. Offense gets 4 consecutive attempts, called downs, to

advance the ball 10 yards5. There are two types of scoring, 6 point touchdown

and 2 point conversion6. Defense stops offense by pulling one flag7. No body contact is allowed

FOOTBALL FIELD

FLAG FOOTBALL SAFETY• In regulation game of flag football players need to

wear athletic shoes and clothing

• Players need to be aware of all surroundings making sure not to come in contact with another player

• Make sure football field is free of debris, specifically, rocks or left out equipment

• Practice proper communication when playing, make sure you are speaking loud enough to be heard over any other noises.

PositionsQuarterback-The offensive player who receives the ball from the center at the start of each play before either handing it to the running back, throwing it to a receiver, or running with it himself Wide Receiver-Key offensive player involved in passing playsRunning Back- An offensive player who runs with the footballCenter-The offensive lineman who hikes (or snaps) the ball to the quarterback at the start of each playDefenders- Unit that is responsible for keeping the opposition out of their end zone.

Offense and Defense

Offense DefenseThe team that has the football and

attempts to advance it toward their goal for a touchdown

The team that is trying to stop the offense from scoring by

pulling their flag or intercepting the ball

Offense Defense

SNAPTo put the ball in play by giving it

to the quarterback

PASSINGThe act of throwing the ball to another player.

LATERAL PASSA sideways or backwards pass thrown from one

player to another.

Forward Pass Cues

1. One hand with Fingers on strings2. Side to the target 3. Step with opposite foot4. Twist5. Throw

Receiving Cues

1. Elbows flexed

2. Reach with hands

3. Eyes track the ball

4. Soft hands pull it in

The act of catching a football without dropping it.

1. Pinkies together with fingers forward2. Eyes track ball3. Extend arms with pinkies together 4. Use 2 hands 5. Soft hands pull it in

Receiving A Football That Is Thrown Low/Medium

1. Eyes track ball2. Extend arms with thumbs

together 3. Use 2 hands 4. Soft hands pull it in

Thumbs Together

Receiving a Football That Is Thrown High

HANDOFFThe act of giving the ball to another player

DownOne play, starting when the ball is put into play and

ending when the ball is ruled deadThere are 4 Downs in Flag FootballThe offensive team has 4 downs or plays to either score or gain 10 yards. If the team gains 10 yards, then the downs start over. If they don't gain 10 yards, after the fourth try, the opposing team gets possession of the football at the spot of the tackle

“Tackle”Performed by pulling one flag off the

offensive ball carrier

BLOCKINGThe action made by one of the linesmen or

backs to get in the way of an opponent trying to tackle the player with the ball.

PlacekickA kick in which a ball is held by a

person or tee on the ground

PuntA kick in which the kicker holds the ball and drops and

kicks it before it touches the ground.

Completion and Interception

A completion is a forward pass that is caught by an eligible receiver

An interception is pass thrown to an offensive player but is caught by a defensive player

Touchdown

A scoring play in which any part of the ball, while legally in the possession of a player who is in-bounds, crosses the plane of the opponent's goal line. A

touchdown counts as 6 points.

Line Of ScrimmageAn imaginary line stretching the width of the field that

separates the two teams prior to the snap of the ball and where the ball is placed before each play

How Will Flag Football Benefit Me In My Life?

Playing flag football keeps me at a healthy weight

Physical activity such as flag football keeps me active and alert and keeps me from being tired

Playing flag football is a great way to have fun and make friends