5v5 flag football plays you can make your own

How to read a five-player diagram

The offense moves toward the top of the picture. The dashed line is the schematic starting line; the background stripes do not measure yards. A colored shape marks a starting position, and its line and arrow show that player's movement path. No passing order, defenders or ball-flight paths are drawn.

QB identifies the quarterback behind C, the center. X, Z and H identify three receiver positions in these drawings. Their names and positions can be changed in the editor. A label does not certify that a player is eligible or correctly aligned under your rules.

Read one path at a time. In this example, X and Z go upfield before turning sideways toward the outer edges. C has a shorter sideways finish in the left half, while H continues straight. QB has no movement path. This describes the picture; it does not tell the quarterback which player to target.

Choose by the change you want to make

If you are learning the drawing controls, start with Straight route example. Each path has one end point, so it is easy to see what happens when you move a player or shorten a route. To edit a sideways break, choose Out route example. To edit an inward angle, choose Slant route example.

The later examples give you return segments, longer diagonal breaks and asymmetric starting shapes to work with. They are different drawing exercises, rather than a ranking of plays or recommendations against a particular defense. A route name describes a path; it does not guarantee a receiver will be open.

Straight

Continue upfield without a drawn break. Also called a fly route.

Out

Go upfield, then turn sideways toward a sideline.

Slant

Take a short stem, then angle upfield toward the middle.

Hitch

Go upfield, then turn back toward the quarterback.

Post

Take an upfield stem, then angle toward the middle.

Corner

Take an upfield stem, then angle toward a sideline.

Terminology reference: NFL FLAG route guide. Our coordinates, combinations and explanations are original. There is no affiliation or endorsement.

12 original passing examples

Compare the diagrams before adding anything to your own book. Each editing link opens the original example for review; adding a copy is a separate action in the tool.

Turn one example into your own play

1. Open the original diagram. Review all five player paths and the practice check. Nothing is added just by reading the example.
2. Select Add to playbook & edit. The editor creates an independent copy in your current playbook. Choose a name you will recognize on the call sheet.
3. Make one change. Move a starting position, adjust a break or shorten an end point. Check the whole drawing after each change so the notes still describe the routes.
4. Write your own coach notes. Specify the real distances and timing you intend to use. If you mirror the play, check any left/right wording and update the notes.
5. Organize and print. Give the play a group, choose its position in your book, then generate a matching print pack.

Your saved version can be edited again; it does not change the original library drawing. For the controls and a worked edit, follow the play designer guide. When you are ready to carry the drawing to the sideline, follow the wristband sizing and printing guide.