Levels (5v5 flag football play)
Z runs an 8-yard in and Y runs a 3-yard in underneath it, both breaking toward the middle from the right side. The two routes stack one above the other, so the middle defender has to choose a level. The QB reads that defender and throws to the route they leave.
New to these terms? Twins · Underneath · Stack · Linebacker · Middle of the field · Curl · Pass clock · Flat · full glossary
When to call Levels
Call it against a defense with one defender sitting in the middle of the field. It also works on any down where you need 3 to 8 yards.
Who gets the ball
- Watch the middle defender. If they step up toward Y's 3-yard in, look to Z's 8-yard in behind them (marker 1) and throw only if the lane is open.
- If the middle defender drops back toward Z, look to Y underneath (marker 2). Another defender may still be close, so check the lane before throwing.
- If both in routes are covered, turn to X's 6-yard curl on the left side (marker 3) before the 7-second clock runs out.
Coaching points
- Z pushes hard to 8 yards so the defender believes it is a deep route, then cuts flat across the field. Do not drift upfield after the cut.
- Y cuts at 3 yards and stays flat. Y should keep the hands up and eyes on the QB right after the cut.
- The two in routes should be about 5 yards apart in depth. If they get closer, one defender can cover both.
- C releases up the left seam to pull a defender out of the middle. Running full speed matters even though C is not a read.
- The QB decides by watching the middle defender, not the receivers. Practice this with a coach standing in the middle and stepping up or back.
Common mistakes
- Y drifts deeper to 5 or 6 yards and ends up next to Z. Fix it with a cone at 3 yards and have Y cut at the cone.
- Z rounds the cut and slows down. Fix it by having Z plant the outside foot and sprint across.
- The QB stares at Z and the middle defender reads it. Fix it by keeping the eyes on the defender until the decision is made.
What to call next
When the middle defender starts sitting between the two levels, call Y-Cross to go deeper behind them, or Stick to work the short area to the outside.
Defenses Levels beats
- 1-3-1 Zone: Z's 8-yard in and Y's 3-yard in both break into the short middle, one above the other. M is the only short defender there and has to pick a level, so Q throws to the one M leaves.
Drills that teach Levels
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.
- Over-the-Shoulder Catch Drill (8 min): Receivers track a reachable pass over the outside shoulder while keeping a clear downfield running lane.
- 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.