Flag Football Plays for 5 and 6 Year Olds
For 5 and 6 year olds, start by checking whether players can line up, take a handoff and run toward the correct goal. Choose a small set with one clear job per player. Walk through each assignment before adding speed, and shorten the practice segment when attention fades.
Coaching tips for 5 and 6 year olds
- Point out each player's starting spot and walk their path on the field.
- Teach a secure handoff and a short, reachable pass before adding another exchange.
- Rotate roles in practice and prepare game-day participation under your league's rules.
5 plays to choose from for 5 and 6 year olds (6U)
Why it works at this age: Introduce it after one clean handoff is repeatable. Walk both crossing backs through separate lanes and add the fake only when the exchange is secure.
Why it works at this age: Begin with a nearby target and a comfortable throwing distance. Teach the two receiver jobs separately before asking the QB to choose between them.
Why it works at this age: A direct handoff gives a new runner one clear starting job. Mark the runner's path and keep the other players clear of the exchange.
Why it works at this age: This needs two secure exchanges, so it is an optional next step. Keep the single-handoff play if players cannot yet complete both transfers.
Why it works at this age: Show the runner the outside landmark and correct goal line. Rehearse the turn upfield at a controlled pace before adding a defender.
Pick three or four of these, then print them as wristband cards so the kids can call plays by number.
Everything else for coaching 5 and 6 year olds
- Practice: the 6U Flag Football Practice Plan (60 minutes, with a 45-minute version)
- Drills: 10 drills that work for 6U
- Defense: 1-3-1 Zone
- Game day: run your plays, subs and score from one phone with Game Day
Other ages: 7 and 8 year olds · 9 and 10 year olds · 11 and 12 year olds · 13 and 14 year olds
Start with a direction and a secure exchange
Use Sweep for one moving handoff before adding another backfield job. Give players a consistent formation and ask the runner to point toward the scoring end. A second run such as Crossbuck can come later, once the players can keep the fake and real handoff separate.
Decide when a pass is ready for the game
Begin with one reachable target and repeat the same lining-up instruction. Add a defender only after the snap, throw and catch work without one. Use the 6U practice plan to repeat those skills in short blocks. Choose plays by the group's readiness rather than asking every five-year-old to run the whole catalog.
Content updated