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. The fake is intended to draw defenders away from the real runner.
New to these terms? Crossbuck · Split backs · Handoff · Draw · Sideline · Flat · Play-action · Go · full glossary
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.
- Where your league uses no-run zones, do not call this run from a prohibited ball spot. Younger divisions may differ; use a practiced passing call when a pass is required.
Give each back a different job and a separate path
Walk H through the fake first, then walk R through the real exchange. Have the quarterback point to the actual runner before every practice rep. The most useful early checkpoint is a secure handoff with both backs moving the correct direction. Add speed gradually; two backs reaching the quarterback together usually means the timing needs another walk-through.
Choose the run by the ball spot and your league rules
Check whether running is allowed from the current spot before putting Crossbuck on the call sheet. Younger divisions may use different no-run-zone rules. Where a pass is required, call a practiced pass rather than improvising a new version during the game. Pair the run with Curl-Flat so players already know a clear passing alternative.
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.
Drills that teach Crossbuck
Run these in the practice before you install it, so the kids already own the pieces.
- Handoff Exchange Drill (8 min): The QB turns and places the ball into the runner's pocket, and the runner squeezes it through a cone gate.
- Cone Weave and Juke Drill (8 min): The ball carrier weaves through a row of cones, then has to beat a live defender with one sharp juke before reaching a scoring gate.
- Center-QB Snap Drill (7 min): Pairs practice the snap, then the center runs a short route and catches a pass.
Practice gear: league-compatible Flag belts and the league's specified youth size football. Optional wristband cards help players find a numbered call. These are Amazon search links; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Plays that pair with Crossbuck
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