7-Yard Rusher Drill (youth flag football drill)
Where your division permits it, a designated rusher starts behind the 7-yard mark, leaves on the snap and approaches the passer under control. The drill practices legal timing, a clear path and a non-contact flag pull.
Setup
Put two cones 7 yards from the line of scrimmage, 10 yards apart, to mark the rush line (7 yards is the NFL FLAG rule; check your league). The center (C) is on the ball and the QB (Q) stands 4 yards behind the center. The rusher (R) starts on the rush line, a little to the side of the center.
How to run it
- The rusher sets up behind the rush line in a ready stance, eyes on the ball, not the QB.
- On the snap, the rusher sprints at the QB, running around the center, never through.
- About 3 yards from the QB, the rusher gets both hands straight up to block the throwing lane.
- If the QB runs, the rusher breaks down and pulls a flag. If the QB throws, the rusher turns and chases the ball.
- Give each rusher 3 reps, then switch. Rotate the QB and center too.
Coaching points
- Go when the ball moves, not when the QB talks. That is how rushers avoid jumping early.
- Take the straightest path to the QB that goes around the center.
- Hands up high and straight, not waving. The goal is to block the view, not the arm.
- No contact with the QB. Rushers can block a pass in the air but cannot touch the QB or the ball in the QB's hand.
- Check your division before live reps: some younger league divisions restrict rushing before a legal handoff. Distance alone does not establish permission to rush.
Match the drill to the division's rushing rule
The 7-yard setup is useful only when that division permits the rush being practiced. Some younger NFL FLAG league divisions restrict rushing before a handoff. Check the local rule and teach the eligible trigger alongside the starting distance. Use the rushing rules guide to identify the questions to ask.
End the approach under control
Watch the snap, clear the center without contact and shorten the final steps near the passer. Hands may obstruct a throwing lane, but the rusher must not strike the passer or the ball in the passer's hand. First rehearse the path slowly; then add a receiver so the rush must respond to an actual throw.
Common mistakes
- Leaving before the snap. That is an offside penalty.
- Running into the center. Rushers must go around.
- Jumping in the air too early, which lets the QB step around and throw.
Make it easier
- Walk it at half speed with no ball first.
- Start the rusher 9 or 10 yards away so the QB has time to throw.
Make it harder
- Add a receiver so the QB has a real target and the rusher has to force a quick throw.
- Let the QB roll out, so the rusher has to change direction and take a new angle.
Used in these practice plans
- 10U Flag Football Practice Plan (8 minutes)
- 14U Flag Football Practice Plan (7 minutes)
What this drill builds
The skill in this drill shows up in these defenses. Run the drill first, then install them the same week.
- 1-3-1 Zone (5v5 defense)
- Cover 2 Zone (7v7 defense)
- 2-2 Zone (Cover 2) (5v5 defense)
- Cover 3 Zone (7v7 defense)
Related drills
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