Fake Reverse (5v5 flag football play)
Q hands to H moving right while Z approaches behind for a reverse look. H keeps the ball and continues right as Z fakes left. The backfield resembles Reverse, but this diagram sends C left instead of Reverse's right release. A defender staying right can still stop the keeper.
New to these terms? Reverse · Spread · Handoff · Sideline · Go · Drag · No-run zone · full glossary
When to call Fake Reverse
Only after you have run the real Reverse and the defense has seen it. Call it when defenders start turning and running the other way as soon as Z comes back.
Who gets the ball
- Q hands to H running right, the same way as on the Reverse.
- Z comes back behind the play and reaches for the ball. H shows it to Z, then pulls it back and keeps it.
- H keeps running right to the sideline Z just left, and turns up the field.
- Z keeps running left after the fake, as if carrying the ball. X runs deep and C drags left to pull defenders the same way.
Coaching points
- The fake has to look like the real exchange. H holds the ball out with the hand farther from the defense, then tucks it at the last moment.
- Z sells it by running full speed to the left after the fake, hands in front like the ball is there. Tell Z that a great fake counts as much as a catch.
- Rehearse Q, H and Z's familiar backfield opening and count. Teach the separate C assignment too: C releases left here and right in the published Reverse diagram. If you want one identical play family, first record and rehearse a common version rather than changing a route during the game.
- H must not slow down for the fake. The meeting with Z happens while H is still running right.
- Keep it out of the no-run zones. Under NFL FLAG style rules, a play snapped inside 5 yards of midfield or the goal line must end in a pass, and this one is a run.
Rehearse the fake without risking the ball
Walk H and Z through their meeting point with H keeping a secure grip. Add the reach and withdrawal only after both runners know their paths. H should not stop to perform the fake, and Z should continue left without entering a defender's path. A convincing fake comes from timing and body movement rather than an exposed ball held out for too long.
Call it after the defense has reacted to Reverse
Watch the backside defenders on the real Reverse. If they remain on the right with H, Fake Reverse may not change the matchup. If they begin leaving to follow Z, the keeper has a reason to work. Keep both calls in the same small play family so the players learn one shared opening rather than two unrelated plays.
Common mistakes
- Calling it before the defense has ever seen the Reverse. Nobody chases a fake they have not been fooled by.
- H stops to make the fake and the right side defender catches up. Keep the feet moving.
- Z runs into H at the exchange. Z aims to pass 1 yard behind H, not at H.
What to call next
If the defense stays home on the right side, go back to the real Reverse. If they start dropping deep, run Sweep Right.
Drills that teach Fake Reverse
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.
- 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.
- 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 Fake Reverse
Content updated