Curl-Flat (5v5 flag football play)
The outside receiver runs 7 yards, then turns back to a 6-yard curl while the inside receiver reaches the flat underneath. The quarterback reads the short defender, then checks the center if both routes are covered.
New to these terms? Curl · Flat · Twins · Wide receiver · Underneath · Flat defender · Sideline · full glossary
When to call Curl-Flat
Use it to teach a short curl-flat read against a defender covering the outside. Rehearse both throws before adding the play to your game-day calls.
Who gets the ball
- Watch the flat defender. If they jump Y's flat, inspect X's curl (marker 1) and throw only when its lane is available.
- If that defender drops toward X, inspect Y in the flat (marker 2). The movement guides the decision; another defender may still cover the target.
- C at 5 yards over the middle (marker 3) is the fallback when both outside lanes are protected; check C's lane before throwing.
Coaching points
- X turns back toward the QB, not toward the sideline, and comes back a step toward the ball.
- Y should get to the flat fast and turn around looking for the ball.
- Z runs the same curl on the other side, so the play works in both directions.
Show the quarterback the decision with a coach as the defender
Stand between the curl and flat landmarks. On one rep, move toward Y in the flat; on the next, drop toward X's curl. Ask the quarterback to name the open route before throwing. This teaches a decision instead of a memorized receiver. Once the read is clear, let the defender choose after the snap and add the center's outlet.
Fix spacing before changing the play
If one defender can reach both short receivers, stop the rep and compare their positions with the diagram. The curl needs depth and the flat needs width. A late throw also gives the defender time to recover. Use Route Tree on Cones to restore the landmarks, then run the read again at game speed.
Common mistakes
- X drifts deeper instead of stopping. The curl works because it stops.
- Y runs too deep. The flat is 1 to 2 yards past the line.
What to call next
When the defense sits on the curl, call Stack Go-Out or have X fake the curl and go deep.
Defenses Curl-Flat beats
- 1-3-1 Zone: The curl stops at about 6 yards and the flat runs underneath it, both on one side. The short defender on that side can only guard one of them.
- Cover 3 Zone (No Rush): The curl and the flat go to the same side, both short. One short defender has to choose, and the deep third defender is too far back to help.
Drills that teach Curl-Flat
Run these in the practice before you install it, so the kids already own the pieces.
- Route Tree on Cones (9 min): Three lines of receivers run three basic routes off cones: a slant, an out and a curl.
- Diamond Hands Partner Catch (7 min): Partners face each other and play catch while practicing the two hand shapes every receiver needs: a diamond for balls at the chest and above, pinkies together for balls below the belly.
- QB Rollout Throw Drill (8 min): The QB rolls out to the right along two cones and throws on the run to a receiver breaking toward the sideline.
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 Curl-Flat
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