Stick (5v5 flag football play)
Y runs a 5-yard stick and sits, turning slightly outside, while H runs to the flat on the same side and X clears deep. The one flat defender cannot cover both the stick and the flat, so the QB reads that defender and throws to the open receiver.
New to these terms? Twins · Flat · Flat defender · Underneath · Pass clock · No-run zone · Sideline · Go · full glossary
When to call Stick
Call it when the defense plays soft underneath or you need a quick, short throw well inside the 7-second clock. It is also a good call in a no-run zone when you need a safe completion.
Who gets the ball
- Watch the flat defender on the right side. If that defender chases H to the flat, throw to Y on the 5-yard stick (marker 1).
- If the flat defender sits on Y or drops under the stick, throw to H in the flat (marker 2) about 1 yard past the line.
- If both are covered, check C sitting over the middle at 5 to 6 yards (marker 3) before the rush arrives.
Coaching points
- Y runs hard to 5 yards, stops, and turns slightly toward the sideline with hands ready. Y does not drift after the stop.
- H gets width first and turns to look for the ball as soon as they reach the flat. Speed to the flat is what stretches the defender.
- X lines up wide near the sideline and sprints straight downfield at full speed to carry the deep defender away from the stick and flat.
- The QB decides with eyes on one defender, not on the receivers. Practice the read with a coach standing in as the flat defender.
- C snaps, releases straight up the middle, and settles at 5 to 6 yards facing the QB as the safety valve.
Common mistakes
- Y keeps running past 5 yards and drifts into the defender. Put a cone at 5 yards in practice and make Y stop on it.
- H runs the flat too deep and ends up near Y, so one defender covers both. Keep H at about 1 yard past the line and wide toward the sideline.
- The QB stares at Y and ignores the defender. Have the QB call out where the flat defender went before throwing in practice reps.
What to call next
When the flat defender and a second defender both sit on the stick and flat, call Smash to attack the deep corner, or have Y fake the stick and break up the field.
Drills that teach Stick
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.
- QB Rollout Throw Drill (8 min): The QB rolls out to the right along two cones and throws on the run to a receiver breaking toward the sideline.
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.