7-Yard Rusher Drill (youth flag football drill)
A rusher starts behind the 7-yard mark, goes on the snap, and gets to the QB with the hands up to block the view and the throw. A good rusher is the fastest way to speed up a youth QB and force bad throws.
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.
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)