Defensive Positions

Defense
Written By Hillary

The flag football community has yet to adopt a universal naming system for positions–names can vary based on your coach or captain. With that in mind, let’s begin our exploration of defensive positions using terminology from the US National Team who will represent the US in 5v5 non-contact flag football at the 2028 Olympics.

Defensive Back (DB)

  • covers receivers to prevent pass completion

  • pursues the ball carrier to pull flags


Rusher (RSH)

  • starts each play a specified distance (commonly 7 yards) from the line of scrimmage based on league and ruleset

  • crosses the line of scrimmage

  • pursues the quarterback to pull flags and disrupt the pass/force a throw

  • pursues the ball carrier to pull flags


As we specify defensive back location, increase the number of players from 5v5 to 8v8, or add contact to the mix, you might encounter additional defensive positions.

Safety (S)

  • a defensive back

  • plays furthest from the line of scrimmage as the last line of defense


Linebacker (LB)

  • a defensive back

  • plays between the safety and the line of scrimmage


Cornerback (CB)

  • a defensive back

  • plays between the safety and the line of scrimmage

  • plays outside of the linebackers


Defensive Line (DL) - CONTACT FORMATS ONLY

  • starts each play near the line of scrimmage

  • beats blocks to cross the line of scrimmage

  • pursues the quarterback to pull flags and disrupt the pass/force a throw

  • pursues the ball carrier to pull flags

Hillary
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