Jet Sweep (5v5 flag football play)
Z starts wide on the right and runs across the formation just behind the line before the snap. The ball is snapped as Z reaches the QB, the QB hands it off, and Z is already at full speed toward the left sideline while two receivers clear the edge.
New to these terms? Sweep · Twins · Sideline · No-run zone · Handoff · Go · Cornerback · Slant · full glossary
When to call Jet Sweep
When the defense crowds the middle, especially right after a pass play. Never inside a no-run zone: under NFL FLAG style rules, those plays must end in a pass.
Who gets the ball
- Z goes in motion toward the QB before the snap, running sideways behind the line.
- Q calls for the snap when Z is one step away and hands off without slowing Z down.
- Z stays behind the line until outside of Y, then turns up the left sideline.
- X runs deep to take the cornerback away, and Y slants inside to pull the middle defender.
Coaching points
- Timing is the whole play. Practice motion and snap together until Z reaches the QB on the same count every time, then vary the count.
- NFL FLAG style rules allow one player in motion before the snap, moving sideways or backward, never toward the line. Check your league.
- Q holds the ball out early, like a mailbox, and Z takes it on the run. Z should not slow down to look for the ball.
- After the handoff, Q keeps looking downfield like a pass is coming. A defender who watches the QB is one who is not chasing Z.
- C runs to the right on purpose. The middle defender often follows C for a step, and that step is the edge.
Common mistakes
- The snap comes too early and Z has to wait for the ball. Then the play is just a slow sweep. Snap when Z is one step away, not before.
- Z runs the motion too flat and bumps the center or the QB. Keep Z a step or two behind the line and in front of the QB.
- Z turns upfield too soon, straight into the defenders. Get outside of Y first.
What to call next
When defenders start sprinting with the motion, keep the same look and call Fake Reverse, or run Mesh while the defense is watching Z.