Double Pass (5v5 flag football play)
The QB throws backward to Z behind the line. Z catches, sets and looks for Y deep, then the other receiving options if that route stays covered. Confirm that your league permits the first backward pass before using this trick play.
New to these terms? Twins · Post · Pass clock · full glossary
When to call Double Pass
After the defense has seen a few quick throws to the right side and is jumping up fast to stop them. It works best on first down, when defenses are not expecting a deep shot.
Who gets the ball
- Q throws right away to Z, who has stepped back behind the QB. Make the first throw clearly backward so it does not use the one forward pass.
- Z catches it, sets both feet behind the line and throws deep to Y, who started slowly and then sprinted up the right side.
- If Y is covered, Z throws to X on the deep post, or to C sitting in the middle as the safe throw.
Coaching points
- Pick a Z who can really throw. Test every receiver in practice; the best arm on the team is sometimes not the QB.
- NFL FLAG rules allow unlimited backward passes behind the line, and after one, every defender may rush and the 7-second clock no longer applies (nflflag.com). Z has to throw quickly, so teach catch, set, throw.
- Q aims the first throw at Z's chest and a little behind. A throw that drifts forward counts as the one forward pass, and then Z is not allowed to throw again.
- Y's slow start is the trick. Y jogs two steps and watches Z like a spectator, then sprints.
- Check your league's rule on a dropped backward pass before you call it. NFL FLAG has no fumbles, so a drop ends the play.
Practice the first pass with a fixed backward target
Mark Q's release point and Z's receiving point. Position Z clearly behind that release point so a drift forward does not use up the offense's forward pass. Rehearse catch, set and throw with no defense before adding pressure. Confirm your league permits the first backward pass and how it treats a dropped ball; this play has more handling risk than a direct handoff.
Give the second passer a covered-target rep
Run the same look with a defender staying over Y. Z should recognize that the deep shot is unavailable and use the practiced short option instead. After a legal backward transfer, defenders may be able to rush immediately, so do not teach a long pause. Review the rushing rules before installing this in your own league.
Common mistakes
- Z catches the first pass standing on the line, or in front of it. Z steps back first, so the catch is clearly behind the QB.
- Z throws on the run and the deep ball floats. Stop, set both feet, then throw.
- Calling it too often. Once a game is plenty.
What to call next
If the defense stays deep and ignores the first throw, let Z tuck it and run up the right side behind Y. Next time, go back to Flood or Smash to that side.
Drills that teach Double Pass
Run these in the practice before you install it, so the kids already own the pieces.
- 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.
- 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.
- Over-the-Shoulder Catch Drill (8 min): Receivers track a reachable pass over the outside shoulder while keeping a clear downfield running lane.
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 Double Pass
Content updated