Stack Go-Out (5v5 flag football play)
Two receivers line up one behind the other. The front receiver runs deep, and the back receiver breaks to the sideline at 4 yards underneath. Defenders playing the stack cannot tell who goes where until the ball is almost out.
New to these terms? Stack · Out · Go · Sideline · Underneath · Man-to-man · Strong side and weak side · Slant · full glossary
When to call Stack Go-Out
Against man-to-man, and when you need a sure 4 yards near the sideline.
Who gets the ball
- Y on the out route at 4 yards. This is the throw most of the time.
- Z deep if the defender sits on the out.
- X on the backside slant.
Coaching points
- Y starts about 2 yards behind Z and 1 yard inside, matching this offset stack diagram. Rehearse separate releases without using Z to screen a defender.
- Z's first three steps look like every other route. Don't give the go away early.
- Y should plant under control, break flat toward the sideline and turn to find the QB.
Walk the two releases from the stack
Start the front and back receivers in their diagrammed positions. Let Z release vertically while Y works to the out-route break. Freeze at the break to check that Y has room to turn and Z has not blocked a pursuing defender. Stacking changes the starting picture; it does not permit an intentional pick or screen.
Throw the out before the receiver runs out of room
Mark a catch area inside the sideline and judge the rep by whether the ball reaches Y there. A late, floating pass can be intercepted or carry the receiver out of bounds. If the short defender jumps Y, rehearse the deep option rather than throwing through that defender. Route Tree on Cones helps restore the break point.
Common mistakes
- The QB throws the out late and it floats to the sideline. It has to leave the hand as Y breaks.
- Y rounds off the break. A rounded out is easy to intercept.
What to call next
Run Stack Go-Out, then next series have Y fake the out and turn upfield (out-and-up).
Defenses Stack Go-Out beats
- Man-to-Man with One Rusher: Z releases vertically while Y, starting behind and slightly inside, breaks to the sideline. The defenders retain their assignments and need separate pursuit paths. Q checks Y's actual separation before throwing the out.
- Two-Rusher Zone: The back receiver breaks to the sideline at 4 yards. It is a one-step throw, and one short defender has to cover the whole side against two receivers.
Drills that teach Stack Go-Out
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 Stack Go-Out
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