Flag football positions and what the letters mean
Play diagrams use letters instead of names. Once you know what each letter means, any play on this site reads like a set of simple directions: who lines up where, and who runs which way.
Offense in 5 on 5
A 5v5 offense has a quarterback, a center and three other players. Our plays call them X, Y and Z when they line up as receivers, and H and R when they line up as backs behind the QB.
| Letter | Position | Usual job |
|---|---|---|
| Q | Quarterback | Takes the snap, then throws, hands off or pitches. Cannot run past the line in NFL FLAG style rules. Yellow circle on our diagrams. |
| C | Center | Snaps the ball, then runs a short route. Often the check-down over the middle. |
| X | Wide receiver, left | Lines up wide left. Often runs deep to clear space or runs the backside route. |
| Y | Slot receiver | Lines up between the center and an outside receiver. Runs inside routes: crosses, seams, snags, corners. |
| Z | Wide receiver, right | Lines up wide right. Often the deep threat on that side. |
| H | Back or second slot | A back in run plays (takes the handoff or runs the fake), or a second slot receiver in 7v7. |
| R | Running back | Lines up in the backfield. Takes handoffs and runs swing routes as a quick outlet. |
The letters are labels, not rules. On a run play like Crossbuck, H and R replace two receivers so there are still five players. On Snag, X lines up on the right side because the play needs three receivers there. Always check the diagram.
Offense in 7 on 7
7v7 adds two players. Our 7v7 plays usually put two receivers on each side (X and Y on the left, H and Z on the right) with R next to the QB.
Defense
Defense in flag does not need letters as much, but these are the names coaches use. In 5v5 you have five defenders, often lined up like the diagram above: one rusher, two cornerbacks, one linebacker in the middle and one safety deep. If your league does not allow a rusher, that player usually becomes a second linebacker or a second safety.
- Rusher: starts 7 yards off the ball and chases the QB at the snap. Pick a fast player who stays under control, because touching the QB is a penalty.
- Cornerbacks: line up across from the outside receivers and cover them near the sideline.
- Linebacker (middle defender): a few yards off the ball in the middle. Covers the center and short crossing routes and chases runs. Many of our pass plays are built to make this one player choose.
- Safety: the deepest defender and the last line of defense. Keeps everything in front and pulls the flag if anyone breaks free.
Man-to-man and zone, in one picture
Every defense is some mix of two ideas. In man-to-man, each defender follows one receiver. In zone, each defender guards an area and covers whoever comes into it.
See every defense we cover, with each defender's job and how offenses beat it, in the flag football defense guide.
Why it matters for your offense: crossing routes and tight formations like bunch beat man-to-man, and putting two receivers in one defender's area beats zone. Each play page tells you which one it is built for.
Picking kids for each spot
- QB: the calmest decision-maker, not always the best arm. Rotate the QB at young ages so every kid gets a turn.
- Center: someone who can snap the same way every time. A bad snap wastes a down.
- Receivers: kids who listen to where to go. Speed helps, but running the route to the right depth matters more.
- Backs: kids who hold onto the ball and run straight when told to.
- Rusher: fast and under control. Safety: your best flag puller.