Sideline Flag Pull Drill (youth flag football drill)
A ball carrier races for a two-cone gate on the sideline while a flag puller takes an angle to cut them off. It teaches the most important defensive skill in flag football: take a smart angle, get in front of the runner, and pull the flag with your eyes on the hips.
Setup
Set two cones 10 yards apart on the sideline to make a scoring gate. About 25 yards in from that sideline, set a start cone for the ball carrier line (A) and a second start cone 6 yards upfield for the flag puller line (D). Players line up just in front of their cone. Everyone wears a flag belt, and the ball carrier holds a football.
How to run it
- On "Go", the ball carrier runs for the gate on the sideline.
- At the same time, the flag puller runs at an angle to meet the ball carrier before the gate. Aim for a spot in front of the runner, not at where the runner is right now.
- When close, the flag puller shortens their steps, bends the knees, keeps their eyes on the runner's hips and pulls a flag.
- If the ball carrier gets through the gate with both flags, the offense wins the rep. A pulled flag is a win for the defense.
- Players switch lines after every rep so everyone plays both sides.
Coaching points
- Eyes on the belly button and hips, not the ball or the head. Hips cannot fake.
- Take away the sideline first. Make the runner cut back toward the middle, where teammates can help.
- Chop the feet when close: short steps, knees bent, then reach.
- Pull with one hand and hold the flag up high so everyone can see it.
Judge the meeting point, not the chase
Watch where the defender arrives relative to the cone gate. Reaching it behind the runner means the initial angle was too shallow, even if the defender is fast. Start the runner at a jog and point to the intended meeting spot. Return to full speed once the defender can arrive under control without grabbing clothing.
Connect the drill to your defensive assignment
Explain whether the player's game-day job is to protect the outside or turn the runner toward teammates. A one-on-one drill has no real help defender, so make that instruction explicit. Follow with a controlled team rep in your chosen flag football defense to show where the help is supposed to be.
Common mistakes
- Running straight at the runner instead of at a spot in front of them, then chasing from behind.
- Grabbing the jersey or diving. Only the flag counts, and a grab on clothing is a penalty.
- The ball carrier swatting the puller's hands away. Teach the runner to keep hands clear of the flags and check your league's flag-guarding rule.
Make it easier
- Have the ball carrier jog at half speed for the first few reps.
- Make the gate narrower (5 yards) so the flag puller knows where the runner has to go.
Make it harder
- Let the ball carrier cut back toward the middle at any time.
- Start the flag puller 2 yards farther back so the angle has to be just right.
Used in these practice plans
- First Flag Football Practice of the Season (8 minutes)
- 8U Flag Football Practice Plan (8 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 3 Zone (7v7 defense)
- Cover 3 Zone (No Rush) (5v5 defense)
- Man-to-Man (Cover 0) (7v7 defense)
Related drills
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