Flag football is similar to touch football because they both represent a non-physical approach to the game of football. Instead of tackling opponents, take a flag that is attached to the other player's belt. The rules of flag football can be lengthy if you play in a competitive league, but even if you're just playing with a group of friends, learning how to play by the right rules can result in hours of fun and practice.
Steps
Step 1. Form a team
Get several players together for a match if you are not already part of a flag football team. Divide the group into 2 teams, each of which should have the same number of players.
Step 2. Mark the goal lines in the playing field, at opposite ends of the field
Players should know what the sidelines are. The recommended court size is 27x64 meters, with an area at the end of the court covering 9 meters more. However, you can decide to play in a smaller area, such as a five-a-side football pitch.
Step 3. Give all players a flag football belt
There should be a flag on each side of the hips. Most players wear non-metal studded shoes, but you can use other sports shoes.
Step 4. Flip a coin to decide which team has the ball
Each team should have a captain, and a team captain must choose whether he wants heads or tails. The team that wins the coin toss has the ball while the team that loses starts defending.
Step 5. Place the ball on the opposing team's 5-yard line to start play
It's not like contact football, where the game starts with kick-off. If there are no lines to mark the playing field, place the ball in front of the goal line a few steps away.
Each team has 3 actions to overcome the half court. If the team succeeds, they have 3 more attempts to try for a touchdown. If the team fails to cross the middle of the pitch, the opposing team comes into possession of the ball at their 5-yard line. All changes of possession, except for interceptions, begin at the team's 5-yard line
Step 6. Start the timer
Most games last 40 minutes, with the clock only stopping for timeouts. Teams are allowed 1 timeout lasting 1 minute for each half time. Each team has 30 seconds to "snap" the ball, otherwise a penalty will be awarded from the 5-yard line.
Step 7. The points in the game of flag football
Scoring in flag football is similar to regular football. Touchdowns are worth 6 points, points scored after the touchdown (additional transformations) are worth 1 point if the ball is placed at the 5-yard line or 2 if it is placed at the 12-yard line. Safety is also worth 2 points. Matches can end in a draw.
Step 8. Try to tear off the other team's flag when you are playing defense
As a rule, receivers are not allowed to jump or dive to avoid having their flag snatched. The game is called dead when the flag is snatched from a player holding the ball.
Advice
- It is legal to tear the flag only when the opponent is in possession of the ball. It is forbidden to tackle the players, and it is forbidden to try to remove or snatch the ball from the possession of the holder. Also, attacking players can never cover or hide the flags.
- Keep in mind that the rules for flag football are usually the same, but some rules in particular may vary. Before you start playing you should make sure everyone plays by the same rules.
- The teams change sides after the first half. The team that lost on the coin toss receives possession of the ball.
