Flag Football Plays for 13 and 14 Year Olds
For 13 and 14 year olds, add timing, coverage recognition and formation changes according to the team's experience. New players may still need a small starter set. Use the league's format and contact rules to decide which releases, transfers and deeper concepts belong in the playbook.
Coaching tips for 13 and 14 year olds
- Rehearse releases against the contact your league permits.
- Use a short opening script to observe alignment and pursuit before adding counters.
- Treat motion as a coverage clue and confirm the picture after the snap.
20 plays to choose from for 13 and 14 year olds (14U)
Why it works at this age: Treat the second passer as a separate skill decision. Rehearse the legal first transfer, reset and target choice before using the deep option.
Why it works at this age: Time the shallow and deeper routes so both targets arrive where the QB expects. Add pressure after the offense can repeat the progression.
Why it works at this age: Identify which defender takes each route level. Follow the diagram's reads and do not force a covered deep throw just because three receivers are on one side.
Why it works at this age: Use a defender's actual reaction to the slant to decide whether to add the double move. Check the time and space available for the deeper throw.
Why it works at this age: Work the hitch-corner decision with throws on time. Keep both targets in the passer's range and vary the outside defender's response.
Why it works at this age: Compare the stopping route against zone space and close man coverage. Teach the QB when to move to another target instead of waiting on the snag.
Why it works at this age: Measure the seam throw in practice under controlled pressure. Arm strength and safety position determine the available window for this team.
Why it works at this age: Rehearse the two releases against the pressure your league allows. Give the short out a clear break point and check for contact between routes.
Why it works at this age: For 7v7, observe whether the defender follows the first step or stays with the runner. Teach the fake and exchange without assuming either response.
Why it works at this age: Have the 7v7 QB locate the deeper in-route and its underneath coverage. Practice the throw at a depth and timing the passer can repeat.
Why it works at this age: Show the 7v7 QB a middle defender dropping deep, staying short and closing the first target. The progression needs an answer for each look.
Why it works at this age: Check how the 7v7 rusher reacts to the pass look. Keep an alternative call if that defender holds position rather than running past the exchange.
Why it works at this age: For 7v7, rehearse throws away from the safety along with a covered-seam rep. The outlet remains part of the QB's decision.
Why it works at this age: Select the 7v7 second passer by reliable exchanges and throws. Call the pass only when the run response and target give it a practical opening.
Why it works at this age: Rehearse the 7v7 wheel against a trailing defender and a defender staying outside. Check whether the ball arrives with space to catch before the boundary.
Why it works at this age: For 7v7, practice the crossing release against both a switch and defenders staying with their receivers. Keep the routes clear of illegal contact.
Pick three or four of these, then print them as wristband cards so the kids can call plays by number.
Everything else for coaching 13 and 14 year olds
- Practice: the 14U Flag Football Practice Plan (60 minutes, with a 45-minute version)
- Drills: 13 drills that work for 14U
- Defense: 2-2 Zone (Cover 2), Cover 3 Zone (No Rush), Man-to-Man with One Rusher
- Game day: run your plays, subs and score from one phone with Game Day
Other ages: 5 and 6 year olds · 7 and 8 year olds · 9 and 10 year olds · 11 and 12 year olds
Match the call to down, distance and time
Put the line to gain into the practice situation before choosing a route combination. A short outlet remains useful under pressure, but the quarterback should know whether it can reach the needed distance. Test Spread Verticals with the deep option covered so the fallback decision gets practice too.
Use the team's actual school or league rules
High-school and youth formats can differ in eligible receivers, rushing and contact. Check those assignments before adapting a concept from this page. The 7v7 library provides seven-player versions, while the 14U practice plan provides timed teaching blocks rather than a mandatory skill standard.
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