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.
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. Flag guarding is a penalty in every league.
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)