Top Plays for 7U Flag Football: Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun.

When you’re coaching 7U flag football, the goal isn’t to install a 50-page playbook—it’s about teaching kids confidence, teamwork, and just enough structure to execute. At this age, less is more. A few simple, repeatable plays give young athletes the chance to focus on running routes, pulling flags, and most importantly, having fun.

Here are some of the top plays you can use with your 7U team:

1. Slant-Flat

This is a perfect “intro to spacing” play. One receiver runs a quick slant inside while the other runs a short out to the flat. The defense is forced to decide, and your quarterback has a simple read—hit the slant if the flat is covered, or dump it off to the flat if it’s open.

2. Slant-Out

Another easy route combo that teaches timing. One receiver slants in, the other breaks outside. This play gives your QB two different levels to throw at while teaching receivers how to create natural separation.

3. Mesh Concept

Want to create confusion? Have two receivers cross in the middle of the field. At this age, defenders often run into each other, leaving someone wide open. This is a fun way to introduce kids to route concepts without overcomplicating things.

Read More: Route Combinations

4. Slant-Arrow

Think of this as a cousin of the slant-flat. One receiver slants inside, while the other runs an “arrow”—a quick out angled toward the sideline. It gives a high-low option for the QB and puts stress on the defender covering the outside.

5. Flood Concept

For teaching field layering, the flood is gold. Have three players run different depth routes all toward the same sideline: a short out, a medium-depth out, and a deeper corner. It helps kids learn spacing and gives your QB a “ladder” of options to climb.

6. Shotgun Pitch / Sweep

Sometimes, it’s best to keep it on the ground. Line up in shotgun, snap it back, and pitch to your speediest athlete. At this age, getting the ball to the edge often means a big gain—and it’s easy for everyone to execute.

Keep the Playbook Tight

Instead of trying to memorize 15–20 plays, focus on mastering 5–6. Repetition builds confidence, and confidence builds better athletes. Once the basics are down, you can start mixing in motion, reverses, or even trick plays.

At the end of the day, flag football at the 7U level is about growth: teaching kids to listen, run routes, make plays, and celebrate together. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and watch your Little Legends shine.

New to coaching football? Don’t make these mistakes: