Post Wheel (7v7 flag football play)
The outside receiver runs a post toward the middle while the slot runs toward the flat and turns up the sideline on a wheel. The quarterback reads the wheel, post and short center outlet without forcing the deep throw.
New to these terms? Post · Wheel · Doubles · Shotgun · Wide receiver · Slot receiver · Flat · Sideline · full glossary
When to call Post Wheel
Against man-to-man coverage, and near the end zone when the defense plays tight underneath.
Who gets the ball
- H on the wheel up the right sideline when H's defender trails.
- Z on the post if the deep safety widens to help on the wheel.
- C sitting at 5 yards over the ball, the safe throw under pressure.
Coaching points
- H must sell the flat for two steps before turning up. That is what makes the defender stop.
- Z releases first and H goes underneath Z on the way to the sideline. Settle this in practice so they never collide.
- Throw the wheel over H's outside shoulder, toward the sideline, where only H can catch it.
- On the left side, X clears deep and Y runs a short out so the left-side defenders cannot help.
Make the wheel's turn visible in practice
Mark H's short flat and the point where H turns upfield. Run Z's post at the same time, first without a defender. The routes should create two threats without the receivers colliding or screening anyone. Have the quarterback throw the wheel at a reachable distance before adding the safety read.
Give the quarterback a deep defender who stays wide
The wheel is unavailable when the defender remains over it. Show that picture in practice so the quarterback looks inside to the post or short to C. A second deep defender may also protect the post, so the outlet must remain usable. Over-the-Shoulder Catch prepares the receiver for the wheel's moving catch.
Common mistakes
- H turns upfield too soon, and the route becomes an easy-to-cover go route.
- The QB throws the wheel late and it drifts out of bounds. Let it go as H turns up the sideline.
- Z drifts toward the sideline instead of the middle and brings a second defender to the wheel.
What to call next
Once defenders start jumping the flat, run Dagger from the same Doubles look to attack the middle.
Defenses Post Wheel beats
- Cover 2 Zone: H's wheel goes up the right sideline past the flat defender, while Z's post pulls the right safety toward the middle. That leaves the sideline open behind the flat.
- Man-to-Man (Cover 0): H's wheel develops up the right sideline and RN must carry it without a safety in the drawn version. If H gains separation, Q checks the throw's lane and range; one trailing step does not guarantee a completion.
Drills that teach Post Wheel
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.
- 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 Post Wheel
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