30-Minute K–2 Flag Football Practice Plan
A short first-practice rhythm for young flag football players who need to move, learn the flag rule, and finish wanting another turn.
Audience: K–2 volunteer flag football coaches with one or two helpers.
How to use it
A short first-practice rhythm for young flag football players who need to move, learn the flag rule, and finish wanting another turn.
- 0–5 min: Welcome players at a cone gate, name the stop signal, and play a follow-the-leader movement game.
- 5–12 min: Pair players for safe flag-pull practice: close the space, bend knees, reach to the hip, and stop after the pull.
- 12–22 min: Run three short stations: carrying through gates, passing to a partner, and finding open space.
- 22–28 min: Play 3v3 or 4v4 with one rule: spread out before the snap.
- 28–30 min: Gather the group, name one safe choice, and preview the next practice.
Setup notes
Place a clear boundary and a quiet waiting cone before players arrive. Keep balls and flags in separate bins so transitions stay fast.
Coach cues
- Use a visual stop signal as well as a voice.
- Praise spacing and safe hands before praising speed.
- Reset a crowded game by freezing players and pointing to two open lanes.
Equipment
- Flags for every player
- Youth footballs
- Cones
- First aid kit
Watch for
- Explaining the full game before players touch a ball
- Letting a flag-pull drill become a tackle
- Using a field that is too large for the group
Download and print
The approved file formats remain available from the resource page.