Scissors (7v7 flag football play)
The two receivers on the left side cross: the outside receiver runs a post toward the middle and the slot runs a corner toward the sideline. One deep defender cannot cover both, and against man-to-man the crossing routes make defenders lose their receiver in the switch.
When to call Scissors
Against a single deep safety or man-to-man, when the defense is crowding the short routes.
Who gets the ball
- Y on the corner toward the left sideline, if the deep defender follows X.
- X on the post into the middle, if the deep defender stays wide with Y.
- C on the 4-yard hook over the ball when the rush comes fast.
Coaching points
- X breaks first at about 8 yards and Y breaks at about 10. The later break keeps them apart.
- At the crossing point, Y passes behind X. Settle this in practice so they never collide.
- On the right, H runs a hitch and Z runs an out. Those are the quick answers if the rush comes early.
- R releases to the right flat as one more short outlet.
Common mistakes
- The two receivers break at the same depth and run into each other.
- The QB throws the corner too far inside. Aim it toward the sideline so the defender cannot reach it.
What to call next
When the deep safety starts sitting on the crossing point, call Four Verticals and throw the seam.