Flag Football guide
The Flag Football guide is your ultimate resource for all things Flag Football. Whether you're a seasoned fan looking for in-depth analysis or a newcomer looking to learn the basics of the game, you've come to the right place.
Flag Football
The aim of the game is to get the ball into the opponent's end zone. This end zone is called the: Endzone. This is the task of the team's offensive team. The offensive team is called the Offense.
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On the other side of the ball is the defensive team of the opposing team. The defending team is called the: Defence. Their goal is to make sure the opponent's Offense does not score.
First down
Each team has 4 attempts to get the ball past midfield. Once the midfield is passed and a first down awarded, the team gets another 4 attempts to get the ball into the endzone. Failure to gain a first down or score results in a turnover and the opponent gets the ball.
Scoring
To score, the ball must get into the Endzone. This can be done in 2 ways.
The playmaker. The Quarterback shortened to QB, can throw the ball to a Reciever. This is called a Pass. Or he can give the ball to a Runningback. This is called a Run.
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If the ball enters the Endzone the team gets 6 points, this is called a Touchdown. After a Touchdown, the offence may go for 1 or 2 bonus points, a P.A.T (Point After Touchdown). When choosing 1 point, the offence must get the ball into the enzone from the 5yard line. From the 5yard line is also called No Run Zone. This means that the ball may not be surrendered but must be thrown.
The field
To handle a smaller team, a flag football field is shorter than a normal football field it is namely 30 yards wide and 70 yards long, with two 10-yard end zones and a centre line.
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On both sides you also have a No Run Zone of 5 yards.
Field terms
Boundary lines: The outer lines around the pitch, including the side lines and the back of the end zones.
Offense: The team that has possession of the ball and tries to punch through to the opponent's end zone for a touchdown.
Defence: The team that does not have possession of the ball and tries to prevent the other team from scoring by pulling down the ball carrier's flags.
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Endzone: The two end zones, located on either side of the field, are the scoring areas. The goal line, which a player must cross to score a touchdown, is the beginning of the end zone.
No Run Zone: Flag football rules include no run zones located five yards in front of each endzone line and midfield. If the ball is played in a no run zone, the offensive team must play a pass to earn a first down or touchdown. The goal is to prevent and limit contact in tight spaces.
Line-to-gain: The line the offense must pass to get a first down or score.
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Line of scrimmage: This is an imaginary line that spans the width of the field and runs through the tip of the football. It indicates where teams cannot cross before the game has started.
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Backfield: The part of the field immediately behind the line of scrimmage.
Playtime
Depending on the league you play in, match time is determined. In AFBN competition, a match lasts a total of 45 minutes, divided into two 20-minute halves with a 5-minute break. However, this does not apply to all matches. In Flag Football, tournaments can be played, where a match lasts about 29 minutes, with two 12-minute halves and a 5-minute break.
