Handoff Exchange Drill (youth flag football drill)
The QB turns and places the ball into the runner's pocket, and the runner squeezes it through a cone gate. Most youth flag fumbles happen at the handoff, so a few minutes of this every week pays off on game day.
Looking for flag football handoff drills? Start here. The QB places the ball into the runner's pocket and the runner has to carry it cleanly through a cone gate, in both directions. For a game-speed version with teams, run the handoff relay race next.
Setup
Put a cone where the ball is snapped. The QB (Q) stands 2 yards behind it holding the ball. Runners line up single file about 6 yards to the QB's left, a little deeper than the QB (A first, then B and C). Set two cones 4 yards apart as a gate 6 yards to the QB's right, and a finish cone upfield past the gate.
How to run it
- The QB says "Hike!", then turns toward the runner and holds the ball out with two hands at belly height.
- The runner starts on "Hike" and makes a pocket: inside elbow up, outside hand low, palms facing each other.
- The QB places the ball into the pocket. The runner squeezes it with both hands and runs through the gate.
- Past the gate, the runner tucks the ball high and tight and sprints past the finish cone.
- The runner brings the ball back to the QB and goes to the end of the line. Switch QBs every few reps.
Coaching points
- The QB puts the ball in the pocket. The runner does not reach for it.
- Runners look upfield, not down at the ball. The pocket does the catching.
- Squeeze with both hands until through the gate, then tuck.
- Keep the runner's path flat to the gate. A curved path slows everything down.
Check who controls the ball at the exchange
Begin slowly enough to see the receiver secure the ball before the passer releases it. The runner presents a clear target and keeps looking along the running path once the exchange is understood. Run both directions; a clean rightward handoff does not prove the same pair is ready to exchange leftward.
Add the play's timing after the handoff is secure
Use the same players and starting positions as the run you are installing. For Crossbuck, rehearse the fake back separately before combining the two paths. A dropped exchange means return to the simpler rep, not add more speed or another fake. Track clean exchanges for each pairing.
Common mistakes
- The QB tosses the ball instead of handing it. Many youth fumbles start right here.
- The runner arrives before the QB has turned. Start the runner a step deeper.
- The runner's arms hang low, so the ball bounces off an elbow.
Make it easier
- Walk through it with no ball first, then at half speed with the ball.
- Start the runners only 3 yards from the QB.
Make it harder
- Add a fake: the QB fakes to one runner and hands to a second runner coming from the other side, like the Crossbuck play.
- Put a flag puller at the finish cone.
Used in these practice plans
- First Flag Football Practice of the Season (8 minutes)
- 6U Flag Football Practice Plan (8 minutes)
What this drill builds
The skill in this drill shows up in these plays. Run the drill first, then install them the same week.
- Counter (7v7 run)
- Crossbuck (5v5 run)
- Double Back Dive (5v5 run)
- Draw (7v7 run)
- Fake Reverse (5v5 trick)
- Halfback Pass (7v7 trick)
Related drills
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