5 Great Flag Football Drills for Kids

One of the best things about youth flag football is that kids can learn the game in a fun, non-contact environment while developing athletic skills that translate to many sports. Whether your child is brand new to flag football or ready to take the next step, the right drills can help them build confidence, improve fundamentals, and have more fun on the field.

Here are some of the best flag football drills for kids that help young athletes learn the basics and progress throughout the season.

1. Cone Weave Running Drill

Place cones in a straight line and have players weave through them while carrying a football.

Skills developed:

  • Ball security
  • Agility
  • Change of direction
  • Body control

As players improve, challenge them to increase their speed while keeping two hands on the ball through the cones.

2. Passing Accuracy Challenge

Quarterbacks and receivers can work together using targets or cones. Players throw short passes and gradually increase distance as accuracy improves.

Skills developed:

  • Throwing mechanics
  • Catching fundamentals
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Communication

Keep the focus on proper technique rather than throwing the ball as far as possible.

3. Flag Pulling Fundamentals

Before players can stop an offense, they need to learn how to pull a flag properly. Set up partners and have one player jog past while the other practices tracking their hips and pulling a flag.

Skills developed:

  • Defensive positioning
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Agility
  • Confidence in game situations

Encourage players to stay low, keep their eyes on the runner’s waist, and avoid reaching from too far away.

4. Route Running Basics

Introduce simple routes such as slants, outs, and go routes. Use cones to mark each route and let players practice at a comfortable pace before adding defenders.

Skills developed:

  • Football IQ
  • Footwork
  • Timing
  • Teamwork

Learning basic routes helps players understand spacing and offensive strategy as they gain experience.

5. Catch-and-Run Relay

Players line up and take turns catching a short pass before sprinting to a designated cone and back.

Skills developed:

  • Receiving skills
  • Speed
  • Quick transitions
  • Game awareness

This drill combines multiple flag football fundamentals while keeping kids active and engaged.

Bonus Game to Practice Skills: Shark and Minnows

This classic youth sports game works perfectly for flag football. One or two “sharks” try to pull flags while the “minnows” run across the field.

Skills developed:

  • Evasion skills
  • Agility
  • Defensive flag pulling
  • Fun competition

Kids love this drill because it feels more like a game than practice.

Helping Kids Progress in Flag Football

The key to youth flag football development is focusing on age-appropriate fundamentals while keeping practices fun. Younger players benefit from simple drills that emphasize movement, catching, and flag pulling. As players gain confidence, coaches can introduce more advanced concepts such as route combinations, defensive coverage, and offensive strategy.

Most importantly, remember that improvement happens over time. Every catch, completed pass, and successful flag pull helps build confidence and a love for the game.

At i9 Sports®, our goal is to help kids learn the fundamentals of flag football while developing teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence. With the right drills and a positive environment, every child can experience success and have fun along the way.

Find a kids flag football program near you today. 

About the Author

Kathryn Martin Headshot

KATHRYN MARTIN
DIRECTOR of brand marketing, communications & Enablement, i9 Sports®

Kathryn Martin serves as the Director of Brand Marketing, Communications and Enablement at i9 Sports®, where she leads initiatives that strengthen the brand, support franchisees, and connect families to youth sports.

She oversees marketing strategy, communications, and enablement programs that help ensure every community has access to high-quality, life-changing sports experiences for kids. Kathryn grew up in Lancaster, South Carolina, where she developed a lifelong passion for working with people and supporting youth in her community.

Her commitment to helping children succeed continues to guide her work at i9 Sports®.

She earned a degree in Mass Communications from Winthrop University and completed an international internship in Dublin, Ireland, with the country’s leading multicultural newspaper, where she interviewed and wrote stories highlighting diverse individuals and communities.

Kathryn has spent several years working in marketing within the franchising industry, where she developed expertise in brand development, marketing strategy, and franchise support. She is passionate about building meaningful brands, strengthening connections with communities, and helping organizations grow through thoughtful storytelling and strategic marketing.

Outside of work, Kathryn served as a marketing board member for the Women’s Industry Network (WIN), a board member of Charlotte’s Cystic Fibrosis organization, where she was named the 2022 STANDOUT recipient, and a board member of Charlotte’s Associates Board of Ambassadors (ABOA) for the American Cancer Society.

Kathryn and her husband, a football coach, share a passion for youth development and the role sports can play in building character, confidence, and leadership in young athletes.

Publications
Kathryn’s writing was published in Metro Éireann, formerly Ireland’s leading multicultural newspaper. During her internship in Dublin, she interviewed and wrote stories highlighting diverse voices and cultural perspectives. Some of her published work includes:
- “Globetrotting Glaswegian Pauline McKerrall Doesn’t Put Boundaries on Herself”
- “Ireland Gives a Sense of Home Across the Miles”
- “Tara Flynn’s One-Woman Show Shines Light on Life’s Darkest Situations”