Pulling a flag is different than tackling. Kids need to understand where the flag is, how to reach it, and how to pull with intent. This game makes it fun while building the skill.
Equipment needed: 4 flag belts, 10 cones (to mark a small rectangle).
Setup: Mark a 15-yard by 10-yard rectangle with cones. Divide kids into pairs. One wears a flag belt, one is the defender. Defenders start without flags.
How to run it:
- On “Go,” the runner takes off inside the rectangle. The defender has to tag the flag belt to pull the flag.
- Emphasize pulling with the whole hand, not just fingers. The flag needs to come off.
- Runner can juke and cut, but can’t leave the rectangle.
- Once the flag is pulled, they switch roles. Do 6 reps per pair.
- Add a second defender and a second runner (two runners, two defenders, same rectangle). Now defenders have to communicate and cover space.
What to look for:
Defenders should be tracking the runner’s hips, not staring at the feet. The flag is usually on the hip, so good defenders move to that side. Runners should be accelerating into open space, not just running away. If a runner is dancing in place, they’re playing tag, not flag football. If a defender is lunging late, they’re not tracking early enough.
Variation: Older 7-year-olds can use a live ball. The runner catches a short toss from a coach, then tries to break the plane of a line 5 yards away while the defender pulls the flag. This combines catching, flag-pulling, and field awareness.