Offensive Positions
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 offensive positions using terminology from the US National Team who will represent the US in 5v5 non-contact flag football at the 2028 Olympics.
Center (C)
starts each play with the ball on the line of scrimmage
snaps the ball to the quarterback
runs routes to catch passes as an eligible receiver
Quarterback (QB)
directs the offense
receives the snap from the center
throws or hands off the ball to a teammate
(might be allowed to run past the line of scrimmage with the ball depending on league and ruleset)
Wide Receiver (WR)
runs routes to catch passes as an eligible receiver
(might be allowed to receive a handoff and run past the line of scrimmage with the ball depending on league and ruleset)
As we specify receiver location, increase the number of players from 5v5 to 8v8, or add contact to the mix, you might encounter additional offensive positions.
Slot Receiver (SLOT)
starts each play in the “slot” position between the center (or offensive line) and the widest receiver on their side of the field
runs routes to catch passes as an eligible receiver
(might be allowed to receive a handoff and run past the line of scrimmage with the ball depending on league and ruleset)
Running Back (RB)
starts each play in the backfield either next to or behind the quarterback
(might be allowed to receive a handoff and run past the line of scrimmage with the ball depending on league and ruleset)
runs routes out of the backfield to catch passes as an eligible receiver
Offensive Line (OL) - CONTACT (OR SCREEN) FORMATS ONLY
starts each play next to the center
blocks (or screens) defensive players to protect the quarterback
runs routes to catch passes as an eligible receiver