Flag FootballFundamentals

Flag Pull Technique Drill

For flag football players, a clean flag pull is the equivalent of a tackle — this drill teaches the correct angle and hand technique instead of a wild grab.

Age RangeAges 6+
Duration8 minutes
Group SizePairs
SportFootball

Equipment Needed

  • Flag belts
  • Cones

Get belts built for this drill

A set of flag football belts with quick-release flags makes pull technique reps realistic and keeps games moving.

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Setup

  • Partners face each other; one wears a flag belt and jogs a short lane, the other pulls.
  • Keep the jog at an easy, predictable pace to start.
Flag Pull Technique DrillCflag beltDangle inEyes on the hips, not the flag; break down before the pull

Instructions

  1. The ball carrier jogs forward at an easy pace along the lane.
  2. The defender approaches at an angle, breaking down into a balanced position just before the pull.
  3. Reach with one hand for the flag while keeping the eyes on the hip, not the flag itself.
  4. Pull cleanly and hold the flag up to signal the play is over.
Coaching Points
  • Eyes on the hips, not the flag — hips don't fake the same way flags can be shielded.
  • Break down under control a step before the pull rather than lunging from too far away.
  • A slightly bent-knee, balanced position gives a much better chance at a clean pull than sprinting straight in.
  • This technique matters just as much as tackling technique in the tackle version of the sport — give it real practice time.

Variation

Add gentle change-of-direction from the ball carrier once the basic angle is solid, or turn it into a small-group tag game for extra repetitions.