The deep ball is the highest-value play in flag football. The receiver runs a straight line and the ball comes down 25 yards downfield. Catching while running and looking back is the hardest receiver skill at this age.
What you need: A football, cones marking 25 yards, a thrower with a strong arm.
Setup: Receiver at the line. Goal post or cone 25 yards downfield. Thrower 5 yards behind the line.
How to run it:
- Cue: See, Reach, Squeeze, Tuck.
- Receiver sprints toward the cone at full speed.
- At 15 yards, receiver looks back over the inside shoulder.
- Thrower releases the ball when the receiver hits 10 yards. Ball arrives at 22-25 yards.
- Receiver catches over the shoulder, tucks, finishes by sprinting through the goal line.
What to watch: Do they slow down to track the ball? Most kids slow down. Stay full speed and let the ball come down to the spot.
If they’re struggling: Shorter route (15 yards). Or have the thrower lob a softer pass.
If they’ve got it: Add a defender. The receiver has to fight through coverage and still catch.