Crossbuck (5v5 flag football play)
Two backs cross behind the quarterback. The QB fakes to the first back and hands to the second, who runs the opposite way. Young defenses chase the first body they see, so the real runner usually gets the edge.
When to call Crossbuck
Early in a game to find out which defenders chase the fake, and any time the defense is crashing hard toward the ball.
Who gets the ball
- R takes the handoff and bends to the left sideline.
- H carries out the fake hard and finishes in the right flat, ready for a pass on the play-action version.
- X runs straight downfield to pull a defender away from the run lane.
Coaching points
- The fake only works if H sells it: arms folded as if holding the ball, head down, running full speed.
- The QB should turn their back to the defense for the fake so nobody can see which back gets the ball.
- R waits one beat before crossing so the two backs do not collide behind the QB.
- Remind R about the no-run zones: inside 5 yards of midfield or the end zone this play must become a pass.
Common mistakes
- The backs start at the same time and run into each other. Stagger them by one step.
- The QB watches the runner after the handoff. Keep the QB faking to H to hold a defender.
What to call next
If the defense stops chasing the fake, run it once as a play-action pass to H in the flat.