Each player puts on a flag belt.

The object of the game is for each player to keep their own flags while pulling as many others as they can.

When they pull a flag, they hold on to it until the end of the round.

When their flag is pulled, they continue to play until their second flag is pulled, and then they are ‘out’ until the next round.

The winner is the player who collects the most
flags by the end. (Note: even a player who’s ‘out’ could still win.)

TEACHING POINTS

Flag pulling:

• eyes on hips

• stay low, stay square (breakdown position)

• reach for flags with two hands

• move your feet quickly, ‘chop’ to help you gain balance as you slow down.

Modifications

Make playing area bigger or smaller,

Special Needs Modifications

Have set taggers

Divide players into groups of 5.

Place 4 cones in a zigzag with sufficient space for players to move freely.

Four players stand one at each cone. The fifth player attempts to run through the series of cones demonstrating the correct way to carry a football. The other players try to pull the flag from the carriers as they pass by. Runners continue even if their flags are pulled.

Set up two sets of this drill to reduce the amount of waiting around.

TEACHING POINTS

Securing the football:
Remember the 5 points of contact:

1. lower bicep  2. forearm 3. palm 4. fingers 5. chest

Making the ball touch all these points of contact on the arm will secure the ball at both ends and allow a smooth, safe running style.

Modifications

DIFFERENTIATION Increase the number of players in the team and number of cones. Let two players run one after the other in quick succession to increase the challenge for those at the cones. Reduce the distance between cones so that players have to swerve in and out. Set up smaller games with fewer players to keep more of them active and involved.

Special Needs Modifications

Move without the ball, turning it into just a tag game.

Divide players into 2 teams and place them on opposite sides of the playing area. Mark out endzones and lay out 5 footballs in each. Players are not allowed into their own endzones. Players run into the other team’s territory to get to that team’s endzone and steal one of their footballs. They try to run with the football back to their end, but the defending team can pull their flag any time while they’re in their territory. If a player’s flag is pulled they give the ball to the opposing team and return to their own half of the playing area.

The object is for one team to get all of the footballs into their endzone. At the end of the given time, whichever team has collected the most, wins.

TEACHING POINTS

Allow only one attempt to pull the flag as players pass. Instruct players to hold the ball in their outside hand away from the defender.
Remind players of the teaching points for ball-carrying and flag pulling.

Modifications

Set up smaller games with fewer players to keep more of them active and involved.