FLAG FOOTBALL  SKILL PROFICIENCY INDICATORS

PASSING:

• In gripping the ball. Place the thumb and index finger on the back part of the ball.
• Spread out the other finger across the laces of the football
• Place the non-throwing hand on the front inside part of the ball for stability
• Body stances should be with the foot of the non-throwing side forward.
• Start the throwing motion with the throwing arm and hand cocked back slightly behind the head.
• Begin the throw by moving the flexed elbow forward while focusing on the target.
• At the point of released snap the wrist downward giving the ball the required spin, to develop a spiral motion.

CATCHING:

• Form a triangle with the hands, spreading the fingers wide and pointing thumbs in toward the body for an “above the waist” catch. Keep the little fingers together for a “below the waist” catch.
• Create a target with your hands.
•  Stretch arms out to meet the ball but don't lock the elbows.
• As the ball comes, keep your eyes on the ball at all the way into your hands and as you bring it to your body.
• Catch the ball with both hands.
• As the ball meets the hands absorb the force of the throw by bringing the ball, hands, and arms into the body.
• Tuck the ball to one arm, using the hand to cover the forward tip of the ball.

PUNTING:

• Grip the ball with the laces up. Please one hand on the rear of the ball on the other hand on the front of the ball.
• Take a one-an-a-half step approach; short step with the kicking leg, a full step with the non-kicking then kick.
• Drop the ball onto the top of the kicking foot instep.
• Extend the kicking foot toes down as you kick the ball contacting center of the ball.
• Keep the hands out for balance after the kick and follow in the direction of the intended flight.
• Focus eyes on the ball during the kicking process.

PLACE KICKING:

• Slowly approach the ball from a distance greater than 5 yards.
• Plant the non-kicking foot about 1 foot behind and to the side of the ball.
• Flex the kicking leg at the knee and straighten as the foot contacts the ball.
• Extend the ankle at contact.
• Focus the eyes on the ball. Contact it just below the midline.
• Follow through in the direction of the intended flight.

CENTER SNAP (long)

• Wide base
• Bent at the waist
• Ball extended out in front with both hands
• Dominant hand grips the ball by placing the thumb and index finger on the back part of the ball.
• Spread out the other finger across the laces of the football
• Roll the dominant hand holding the ball under the ball
• Non-dominant hand is placed flat on top of the ball with fingers extended away.
• Motion is initiated with the flexion of the arms so that the ball is snapped between the legs’
• At the point of released snap the wrist downward giving the ball the required spin, to develop a spiral motion

PASS PATTERN

• Begin in a 2 point stance
• Initiate motion by driving or pushing off with the dominant foot
• Run with proper arm motion
• Run the pattern as fast as possible while maintaining enough control for change in direction.
• Make the cut sharp and precise

2 POINT STANCE

• Feet are shoulder width apart
• Feet are in a front back stagger position
• Legs are flexed
• Waist is slightly bent
• Arms hang in a relaxed manner
• Weight is slightly forward and on the balls of the feet

• SKILL PROFICIENCY RUBRIC   A = demonstrate proficiency in 6 of the 7 skills.   B = demonstrate proficiency in 5 of the 7 skills.   C = demonstrate proficiency in 3-4 of the 7 skills.   D = demonstrate proficiency in 1-2 of the 7 skills.   E = demonstrate proficiency in 0 of the 7 skills.