Long Yardage Flag Football Plays 4 plays with diagrams
When you need 10 yards or more, the defense usually backs up. These plays either send receivers behind that coverage or use the space the dropping defenders leave underneath. Each one is here because its own notes name long yardage, 10 or more yards, or a big gain.
Quick list: Spread Verticals (5v5), Dagger (7v7), Draw (7v7), Four Verticals (7v7).
Spread Verticals (5 on 5)
When to call it: When the defense crowds the line of scrimmage, or you need a big gain late in a half.
Three receivers run vertically in separate lanes while the center settles at 6 yards. The quarterback reads the deep coverage and uses the center when the longer throws are covered.
Dagger (7 on 7)
When to call it: Against zone defenses with one deep safety, and when you need 10 or more yards.
The right slot runs a seam while the outside receiver breaks inside at 12 yards behind the underneath coverage. The seam, dig and short center route give the quarterback options at different depths.
Draw (7 on 7)
When to call it: Against a fast rusher and defenses that drop deep to stop the pass, especially on long-yardage downs.
The receivers show a passing look while the QB delays a handoff to R. The run aims at space left by defenders dropping into coverage, but the quarterback and runner still need a secure exchange before pressure arrives.
Four Verticals (7 on 7)
When to call it: Against a single deep safety, after the defense has crept up to stop short passes, or when you need a big play.
All four receivers run straight downfield, stretching the defense deep across the whole width of the field. With seven defenders spread thin, one seam usually opens behind the underneath defenders. The back swings out to the left as the check-down if everyone is covered.
Coaching the long yardage call
- Every play here keeps a short outlet. Coach the quarterback to take it when the deep routes are covered; a short gain beats a thrown-away down or an interception.
- Deep routes take time. If your league allows a rush, a deep call needs a quarterback who can get the ball out before the rusher arrives.
- Watch where the safeties stand before the snap. One deep safety leaves both sidelines; two leave the middle.
Plays for other situations
- Short Yardage Flag Football Plays (6)
- Third Down Flag Football Plays (3)
- Red Zone Flag Football Plays (3)
- Plays against zone defense and plays against man-to-man
Put your situation calls on one card: print them as a wristband playbook.