Snag (5v5 flag football play)
Three receivers to the same side run three levels: a corner route breaking deep, a snag route that stops at 5 yards and turns toward the QB, and a short check-down underneath. The three routes form a triangle against two defenders, so the QB reads the extra defender and throws to whichever level they leave open.
When to call Snag
Second and third down when you need 5 to 8 yards, especially against man or a two-deep zone on that side.
Who gets the ball
- Watch the defender over Y. If they stay flat or shallow, throw the corner to X.
- If that defender chases X over the top, throw the snag to Y, who sits at 5 yards facing the QB.
- If a defender sinks under Y, throw the short check-down to Z.
Coaching points
- Y is the heart of the play: run 5 yards, stop, turn and face the QB with hands ready. Do not drift.
- X angles upfield and toward the right sideline, then at 6 yards breaks hard toward the corner pylon. Sell the upfield path so the defender opens their hips.
- Z is the safety valve: drift 2 yards upfield, stop, and turn back toward the QB ready for a quick catch.
- The throw to Y should be at the chest as soon as they stop. It is a timing throw.
Common mistakes
- Y keeps moving and never sits. The play only works because Y stops and creates a window.
- Z runs too deep instead of staying shallow at 2 yards. Z is a check-down, not a deep threat; keep it short and quick.
- X rounds the corner break. A hard cut at 6 yards toward the pylon is what separates X from the defender.
What to call next
If a defender drops right into the Y window, call Smash or send Y up the seam off the fake sit.