doubleG

We are fairly balanced---probably pass 45% of the plays. You noted you have a 5-yard rush. Does this mean that all players can rush immediately from five yards out on all plays? Or is it after a certain number of seconds? If the latter, I think you'll see that if you start hitting passes underneath it will deter the rush. If the former, I would suggest putting your fastest player at QB (assuming he can throw).

Last season I believe our blitzing rules were anyone could rush after 7 seconds. Most teams would send one player, and anyone that sent more would typically get burned. This is because the offense either had a smart QB who could quickly find the open receiver when they blitzed, or they had a very fast QB would easily get around the rushers and be off for a long gain.

Regarding blocking (and the size of players), I would not recommend putting too much emphasis on the size of your blockers (and everyone who does not have the ball should block, IMO). Instead, my advice is to work more on teaching the kids to get into position to block. In fact, I've learned that the faster/smaller players make the best blockers. This is because what you'll really want is for the player to simply target a defender, get to him, and then "be in the way" for a second or two. Blocking in flag football (at least on my team) is more about finesse as opposed with strength.

Thanks

John, Our rush is immediately and usually 4-5 players rush at once so things happen quickly. Qb has less than 3 sec to throw the ball on the spead formation not sure if that formation will work for us. it does tend to get physical up front.  We have our biggest and faster player at QB and he has a good arm. we havnt scrimmaged yet so I havnt got a real feeling of what will work best yet , or if shot gun may work best.  we will find out more this week.  I feel the need to put our kids in certain positions so they learn what is expected of them but, I'm not sure who should go where except or QB.  Thats one of the hardest things to do at this point and our first game is in one week..  John I appreciate you taking the time helping me out. gary

John any advice?  Im getting frustrated..  It seem that any play that take time to develop doesnt work. pass plays dont have time to develop and we have been intercepted 50% of the time.  I'm trying shot gun tonight Ill let you know how it works.

We are fairly balanced---probably pass 45% of the plays. You noted you have a 5-yard rush. Does this mean that all players can rush immediately from five yards out on all plays? Or is it after a certain number of seconds? If the latter, I think you'll see that if you start hitting passes underneath it will deter the rush. If the former, I would suggest putting your fastest player at QB (assuming he can throw).

Last season I believe our blitzing rules were anyone could rush after 7 seconds. Most teams would send one player, and anyone that sent more would typically get burned. This is because the offense either had a smart QB who could quickly find the open receiver when they blitzed, or they had a very fast QB would easily get around the rushers and be off for a long gain.

Regarding blocking (and the size of players), I would not recommend putting too much emphasis on the size of your blockers (and everyone who does not have the ball should block, IMO). Instead, my advice is to work more on teaching the kids to get into position to block. In fact, I've learned that the faster/smaller players make the best blockers. This is because what you'll really want is for the player to simply target a defender, get to him, and then "be in the way" for a second or two. Blocking in flag football (at least on my team) is more about finesse as opposed with strength.

Thanks

John, Our rush is immediately and usually 4-5 players rush at once so things happen quickly. Qb has less than 3 sec to throw the ball on the spead formation not sure if that formation will work for us. it does tend to get physical up front.  We have our biggest and faster player at QB and he has a good arm. we havnt scrimmaged yet so I havnt got a real feeling of what will work best yet , or if shot gun may work best.  we will find out more this week.  I feel the need to put our kids in certain positions so they learn what is expected of them but, I'm not sure who should go where except or QB.  Thats one of the hardest things to do at this point and our first game is in one week..  John I appreciate you taking the time helping me out. gary

Do you mostly go out side swep or off tackel?

It's about equal. We have some outside runs and some inside runs. What I've learned (and this is probably more true with 8-on-8) is that when kids this age run to the outside, they have a tendancy to use the sideline as a crutch. I had to really inspire them to "turn upfield" if there was a hole when they were running east/west.

Do you mostly run from the shot gun or under center?

Everything from under center. I have not found the need for running the shotgun. If there was an immediate pass rush on every down, I could see that---but it can cause a lot of problems trying to run the shotgun at this age, in my opinion.

and passing do you roll out ?

Absolutely. Some of our most effective passing plays calls for the QB to roll out. An simple example is a fake end-around then have your QB roll-out. If your QB is right-handed, he will probably be more comfortable rolling out to his right.

First practice this am.  Three big guy that can run two of them can pass and the rest are very small kids. two  of the smaller kids can catch and have some speed.  Since I dont have much of a line(realy small kids) I was thinking of useing the spread formation more.  does that work on a quick rush?  Do you mostly pass?

Regarding # 3, I still don't know my right vs. left. ;-) In that example, the players are blocking left, not right. You get the idea. Thanks

thanks that was helpfull.  To answer your question yes one coach out on the field and our kids can block with there hands out.  Do you mostly go out side swep or off tackel?  Do you mostly run from the shot gun or under center? and passing do you roll out ?  Our 1st practce is tommorow and I would like to draw up some plays so I have alot of questions.  Thanks for responding.

I have been reading this link for a few weeks now and deceided to join up it is very informative.  We play 8 on 8,  five yard rush, kids can block rules.  The kids are 7-9 yrs old.  This is my first time heading up the offense and you all have alot of knowledge and good ideas. I was hopeing if any you coaches out there have any plays or ideas on how to set up our backfield and some plays?   I  look foward to reading some of your ideas.  thanks Gary

JohnP is your man, I think that is very similar to his league.  I'm sure he'll offer some good advice when he has a chance.

thanks for the heads up!  I was starting to wonder if our league was the only one with these rules.