Flag Football Plays for 7 and 8 Year Olds
Choose plays for 7 and 8 year olds by watching the snap, exchange and first route in practice. Keep the formation familiar while adding one new assignment. A team ready for a short passing combination may still need more work on a second handoff or pre-snap motion.
Coaching tips for 7 and 8 year olds
- Use the same short names for the same assignments at every practice.
- Teach one first read, then explain what the QB should do if it is covered.
- Repeat snaps and handoffs before adding trick plays or motion.
17 plays to choose from for 7 and 8 year olds (8U)
Why it works at this age: Mark separate exit lanes from the bunch. Teach the slant and flat first, then check whether the corner throw is within the passer's range.
Why it works at this age: Add the fake after players can complete the crossing exchange without a collision. Keep the fake runner's job simple and repeatable.
Why it works at this age: Walk the short defender toward one target, then the other. Ask the QB to name the available receiver before making the throw.
Why it works at this age: Use it to check the snap, handoff and first running steps. Add a defender only after the offense can repeat that sequence.
Why it works at this age: Teach the shallow and deeper receiver separate landmarks. Introduce the QB's progression at a speed where both routes remain clear.
Why it works at this age: Use the same first exchange as the reverse. Explain that the second runner carries out a fake and does not take the ball.
Why it works at this age: Begin with the flat and middle target. Keep the deep route as an assignment, but call a deep throw only when the passer can reach it.
Why it works at this age: Practice the motion and snap together at a walking pace. Increase speed only when the runner reaches the exchange on time.
Why it works at this age: Walk the two crossers through different depths before adding coverage. Receivers must avoid contact and intentional picks.
Why it works at this age: Check both handoffs in practice. If the second exchange is unreliable, return to the sweep and revisit the reverse later.
Why it works at this age: Show the receiver where to stop and face the QB. Add the flat as a second option when the passer can recognize a covered target.
Why it works at this age: Give the two stacked receivers separate release paths. Rehearse the short out and turn to the QB before adding a defender.
Why it works at this age: Teach the outside landmark and upfield turn. A runner who goes too wide can run out of room even after a clean handoff.
Pick three or four of these, then print them as wristband cards so the kids can call plays by number.
Everything else for coaching 7 and 8 year olds
- Practice: the 8U Flag Football Practice Plan (60 minutes, with a 45-minute version)
- Drills: 12 drills that work for 8U
- Defense: 1-3-1 Zone, 2-2 Zone (Cover 2), Cover 3 Zone (No Rush)
- Game day: run your plays, subs and score from one phone with Game Day
Other ages: 5 and 6 year olds · 9 and 10 year olds · 11 and 12 year olds · 13 and 14 year olds
Use one defender to teach the first passing read
Begin with Curl-Flat and a coach choosing between the two short windows. Ask the quarterback to name the available route before throwing. Receivers should learn their landmarks first; a memorized read does not help when both receivers arrive in the same space.
Add variety after the formation becomes familiar
Choose a run and a second passing concept from a similar alignment rather than several unrelated formations. The 8U practice plan shows how to combine routes and flag pulling. Confirm your division's rushing restrictions before introducing live pressure, and keep a smaller version of the playbook for new or returning players.
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