Flag Football Positions Explained with Tips

Positions at a Glance

QB – Runs the offense. Throws, reads defense, controls tempo.
RB / Dump – Safe outlet for quick yards after catch.
Slot – Short routes, crossers, mismatch machine.
WR – Sideline & deep shots; stretches the field.
Center – Snaps, sneaks into space for quick hits.
Rush (R) – Pressures QB every play; sets defensive rhythm.
Corner – Covers outside receivers; protect the sideline.
Linebacker – Middle of the field; eyes on dump & slants.
Safety – Last line; stop deep balls and broken plays.
Utility – Flexible player who fills gaps anywhere.

Offensive Positions

Quarterback (QB)

Role: Leader of the offense. Calls the play, reads the defense, delivers the ball fast. Timing matters more than arm strength.

QB Tip

Use a three-point read: peek deep, scan middle, check dump. Don’t stare down one receiver or defenders will jump it.

Simple plan: “Look post → slant → dump.” Throw on your second step.

Running Back / “Dump” (RB)

Role: Safety valve for the QB. Catches short passes and turns upfield fast for easy yards.

RB Tip

Catch, turn upfield immediately, then cut once. One decisive move beats dancing sideways.

Slot Receiver (Slot)

Role: Lines up inside. Lives on slants, outs, and crosses. Best at finding open grass fast.

Slot Tip

Win with sharp cuts and timing. Break routes at the same depth every time so your QB throws on rhythm.

Wide Receiver (WR)

Role: Outside target. Stretches the field deep and keeps corners honest.

WR Tip

Sell every route. Even when you’re a decoy, full-speed stems create space for teammates.

Center (C)

Role: Snaps the ball clean, then leaks into the flat or hooks over the ball. Sneaky first-down machine.

Center Tip

Master a fast, consistent snap. Then immediately find open space—turn and show hands.

Defensive Positions

Rush (R)

Role: Primary QB pressure. Usually starts 7 yards off the line. Your job is to speed up the QB’s clock.

Rush Tip

Take a smart angle. Aim for the QB’s throwing shoulder and force them to their weak side.

Cornerback (CB)

Role: Covers outside receivers, protects the sideline, and jumps quick outs when safe.

Corner Tip

Eyes on QB, feel the WR. Use peripheral vision to break when the QB’s shoulder turns.

Linebacker (LB)

Role: Owns the middle. Takes away dumps, hooks, and crossers. Communicates shifts and motion calls.

Linebacker Tip

Keep a balanced stance. One step up for dump, or drop two steps for crosser—then drive.

Safety (S)

Role: Last line of defense. Protects deep routes, helps corners, cleans up broken plays.

Safety Tip

Deeper than the deepest. Don’t bite on double moves—make them throw underneath.

Utility / Hybrid

Role: The switchblade. Fills in at Rush, LB, or Slot based on matchups and game flow.

Utility Tip

Learn two playbooks—one offensive, one defensive. Versatility gets snaps when games get tight.

Simple Formation Basics

Trips Right: Three receivers right, center + RB inside. Great for quick outs and crossing routes.
Balanced: One WR each side, Slot + RB inside. Easy reads for new QBs.
Bunch: Three receivers tight. Forces defenders to communicate—run picks (legal rubs) and quick slants.

Communication Wins

Call “IN / OUT / DEEP” before the snap. Everyone should know who has short, who has outside, and who has deep help.

Quick Wins (Stuff You Can Do Today)

QB + Center: Practice 20 rapid snaps and 5-yard hooks. Zero drops.
WR/Slot: Run 10 perfect outs (same depth, same speed). Film one set.
Defense: Drill flag pulls for 3 minutes—short steps, hips square, grab the tip of the flag.

Quick FAQ

How many players per side?

Most leagues play 5v5 or 7v7. Check your league rules for exact positions and rush count.

Best cleats?

Lightweight, low-cut football or soccer cleats with good traction. Comfort > brand.

Do I need a mouthguard?

Highly recommended. Flag is safer than tackle, but collisions still happen.