Sweep Right (5v5 flag football play)
The QB hands to a back running wide to the right sideline. The two receivers on the right run their defenders deep and to the middle to open the edge. Speed to the outside beats young defenses that pinch in.
New to these terms? Sweep · Slot receiver · Handoff · Sideline · Post · Go · Cornerback · Drag · full glossary
When to call Sweep Right
When you have a fast runner and the defense lines up tight to the middle.
Who gets the ball
- H takes the handoff moving right and gets to the sideline before turning up.
- Y runs a post to pull the inside defender toward the middle.
- Z runs deep to take the cornerback away from the sideline.
Coaching points
- H should take the handoff already moving at full speed.
- C runs a shallow drag to the left so the middle defender has to choose between the drag and chasing the sweep.
- Turn upfield only once past the last defender; running wide too long just loses yards.
Teach the handoff and turn upfield as separate landmarks
Start with Q and H moving slowly. After the exchange, H follows a wide landmark and turns toward a second cone upfield. Add the receivers after the runner can control the ball while changing direction. Their routes can draw coverage away, but they must keep clear of defenders rather than blocking the outside lane.
Stop running sideways when the edge is defended
Watch the widest defender in practice. If that player keeps outside leverage, H may need to take a smaller available gain instead of racing farther toward the sideline. A Reverse is useful only when defenders leave the other side; it is not an automatic answer to every stopped sweep. Teach both calls with the same secure handoff habits.
Common mistakes
- H turns up too early into the defense.
- After the handoff, carry out routes without blocking. Under NFL FLAG rules, teammates close to H must stop when H crosses the line; do not run beside H as moving protection. Check your league.
What to call next
Reverse attacks the other way from a different receiver alignment. Rehearse that formation and both exchanges; do not use these Sweep starting spots.
Drills that teach Sweep Right
Run these in the practice before you install it, so the kids already own the pieces.
- Cone Weave and Juke Drill (8 min): The ball carrier weaves through a row of cones, then has to beat a live defender with one sharp juke before reaching a scoring gate.
- Handoff Exchange Drill (8 min): The QB turns and places the ball into the runner's pocket, and the runner squeezes it through a cone gate.
- 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 Sweep Right
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