Flag Football Backyard Game

Flags — bandanas, cloth strips, or actual flag football belts (2 per player)

A youth-sized football

Cones for field boundaries and end zones

Set up a field about 30 yards long and 15 yards wide with end zones at each end. Mark everything with cones.

Each player tucks a flag (bandana or cloth strip) into each side of their waistband. The flags must hang visibly and be pullable.

Divide into two equal teams. Flip a coin to determine who starts on offense.

The offensive team gets 4 attempts (downs) to score a touchdown. They start at one end of the field.

Each play: the quarterback takes the snap (or picks up the ball), drops back, and throws a pass to a teammate running a route. Running plays are allowed too — the QB hands off to a runner.

The defense tries to pull the flag from the ball carrier's waistband. When a flag is pulled, the play stops at that spot.

If the offense scores a touchdown (catches the ball in the end zone or runs it there), they get 6 points.

After 4 downs or a score, teams switch. Play to a set number of points or a time limit.

No tackling, no blocking, no contact. Flag football is about speed, route running, and throwing accuracy. The flag pull replaces the tackle.

Teach basic routes: the out (run 5 steps and cut to the sideline), the slant (run 3 steps and cut diagonally), and the go (run straight deep). Three routes are enough for a great game.

A spiral throw is nice but not necessary. At this age, just getting the ball to the receiver matters. Accuracy before form.

Flag position matters. Flags should hang from the waist, not be shoved deep into a pocket. If flags are hard to pull, the game stalls.

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing youth sports because it offers the strategy and excitement of football with dramatically lower injury risk.