Flag football plays – strategies for a winning team

What does it take to win at flag football? A physically talented team? An organized team? A lucky team?

Here are Dr. G’s top 10 keys to winning in flag football.

1. Flag football playbook - an architect would never attempt to build a house without a blue print or "plans". Just the same, a team should never show up to a game without good plays or a game plan. Make sure you have a reliable flag football plays and your teammates have access to it.

2. Wrist bands – having your flag football playbook "portable" is also important. Determine what your top plays are and transfer them to your wristband. Not only will this help the hurry up offense, but it also reduces time in the huddle. Also, there is nothing like trying to verbally communicate while panting from the last play. Your plays should be numbered so you can refer to them quickly without confusion. If you have 8 plays, you really have 16, because you can "flip", where everyone one runs the same route, but to the opposite side of the field.

3. Pressure on the opposing QB– Even the best QBs play poorly when they get too much pressure. Get in there and get in there fast! Most interceptions are created by excessive defensive pressure. So often, the worst players are used to rush the QB. Send your best, most athletic players after that QB! Speed and agility are needed to really shake up that QB. Keeping "fresh legs" for rushers is also important, so plan on rotating rushers every few plays.

4. Pitch the ball! – In most flag football leagues, a fumble is a dead ball. Because of this, pitching the ball is a MUST. The risk-reward continuum is outstanding (in your favor) and your team should take full advantage of this. Flipping the ball is a team concept and everyone should be thinking "flip". Put it this way… the chance of you turning a short yardage play into a touch down far outweighs the possibility of a turn over.

5. Reliable teammates – First of all, make sure your teammates are committed to playing every week. If they plan to miss, they should let you know in advance. Make sure your phone and email list is up to date and make sure your team is deep enough to cover your back on light attendance weeks.

6. Cool headed teammates – Everyone has that loose cannon on their team. Decide first if they are worth keeping and if so make sure you know how to manage them. It never fails that the loose cannon comes unglued at the most in-opportune time.

7. Turnovers – Avoiding turnovers seems like a common sense tip, but it’s perhaps the most critical component of the game. When the game begins, you can assume that your team will get 6 drives (possessions) and your opponent will get 6 drives. If you throw 2 intercepts, now they get 8 drives and you get 4. All things held equal, this is a tremendous obstacle to over come. Since almost all turnovers are passes, just play smart. On those low percentage or broken pass plays, don’t force that throw, but throw it away!

8. Time of possession – Is time of possession really that important in flag football? Well, it depends! If you are the underdog, then you want to reduce the total number of drives per team. If this is the case, burn that clock where you can.

9. Defensive audibles – Based on what the opposing offense comes to the line with, you need to be able to change your defensive plays on the fly. Take the time to create defensive plays and audibles just like you do your offensive plays and audibles.

10. Pulling flags- Every missed flag means 7 more yards for the other team. Make sure you practice grabbing flags. This is often overlooked, but very important in stopping your opponent’s offense.