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Flag50 Coaches · Defense

Flag football defense: 5v5, 6v6 and high school 7v7

Each format has rules that change how you play defense. In 5v5 (NFL FLAG) the rusher starts 7 yards back and the quarterback cannot run; in 6v6 (FNL) the quarterback cannot run from the snap but can hand off or pitch. Under the NFHS 7v7 baseline the quarterback can run, so check your state's adopted rulebook.

5v5 (NFL FLAG rules)

Zone

Man

Pressure

6v6 (FNL rules)

Zone

Man

Pressure

7v7 High School (NFHS rules)

Zone

Man

Pressure

Sources

  • NFL FLAG rules, nflflag.com: the 7-yard rush line and the quarterback who cannot run in 5v5.
  • FNL Official Rules (2026.07.02), sections 12.1.1 and 12.1.2: no quarterback run from the snap; handoffs, laterals and pitches are legal in 6v6.
  • NFHS Flag Football Rules Book, nfhs.org: the 7v7 baseline. State associations may modify it.
  • How each rulebook changes your coaching: flag football rules by format.

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