Flag Football Positions Explained: Offense and Defense

Flag football removes tackling: defenders pull a flag from the ball carrier's belt instead. Teams are smaller, commonly 5-on-5 (the format used by many youth leagues and chosen for the 2028 Olympic Games) or 7-on-7, and in most leagues every offensive player is an eligible receiver.

Offensive positions

Position	Job
Quarterback (QB)	Receives the snap, reads the defense, throws or hands off; in many leagues cannot run past the line unless the ball is handed off
Center (C)	Snaps the ball, then runs a route and becomes a receiver
Wide receivers (WR)	Line up wide, run routes, catch passes
Running back (RB)	Takes handoffs and pitches, catches short passes
Slot receiver	Lines up between the center and a wide receiver in 7v7

Defensive positions

Position	Job
Rusher	Starts a set distance back (often 7 yards) and rushes the quarterback after the snap
Linebackers	Cover short passes and stop runs in the middle
Cornerbacks	Cover wide receivers
Safety	Deep coverage; the last line of defense

5v5 vs 7v7

• 5v5: QB, center and three receivers or backs; defense with one rusher and four defenders. Fast, lots of touches for everyone.
• 7v7: more receivers and defenders, closer to the full-contact game's passing structure.
• Rules on rushing, running zones and field size vary by league; check your league's rulebook.

Tips for youth coaches

• Rotate players through positions so everyone learns to throw, catch and pull flags.
• Put good communicators at quarterback and safety.
• Teach flag pulling as technique: hips first, eyes on the belt.

For tackle football roles, see football positions; for the basics, how football works.