More Games. More Participation

Flex Football™ is a 9v9 game format inspired by the NFL’s philosophy of high-tempo, low-impact practice. Flex introduces players to the fundamentals of hands-only blocking in a non-tackle environment. The combination of field layout and game style provide a look and feel more closely aligned with "real" football. Flex provides progression, skill-development, energy and excitement that brings new participants to the game and keeps them coming back for more.

How will Flex Football provide a “player progression” through the sport? Flag players are lacking the fundamental skills needed to safely and comfortably transition to tackle football and tackle players are unnecessarily exposed to dangerous situations by starting tackle at an early age. Flex Football adds to the overall experience of the youth athlete by offering another fun way to be introduced to the sport or to continue developing skills year-round.

Won’t kids want to tackle since they have pads? Our rules and your coaches will not allow that to happen. Furthermore, introducing soft-shell shoulder pads and soft-shell helmets at a young age helps establish and promote that padding, whether hard-shell of soft-shell is not made to be used as a “weapon”. Having athletes reenforce the fundamental breaking down and pulling a flag or two hand touch with gear on, Flex Football will be instilling a natural path to proper tackling technique when the athlete returns to tackle football or is ready to start tackle football for the 1st time.

How will this compete with our organization’s existing programs? Flex Football is designed to complement your existing programs – flag, tackle, 9v9 or any form of football. If your organization is primarily flag football, Flex Football will be the next step to work toward. Flex Football will retain and grow your registration numbers in age groups your league may or may not already be offering. If your organization is primarily tackle football, Flex Football will attract more first-time participants, allowing both the parent and participant to choose the appropriate platform for their skill level. Flex Football will also provide the year-round platform for your current players to get better at their craft.

How was the rule book designed? Our Flex Football rule book was designed by former NFL players, specifically with our youth’s development in mind. We incorporated rules that promote the development of crucial skills. For example, we allow, but limit, the amount of blitzing, so that multiple positions can develop skills needed in all forms of football. Blockers need to block and a young developing QB needs to feel a safe amount of pressure to step up and make a throw successfully. Various point of emphasis were incorporated into our rule book to help the young athlete build a football foundation.

What football foundation does Flex build? The value lies in the development of advanced football skills, while keeping the head out of the game. It develops skills like run and pass blocking, pass rush, defeating blocks, bump and run / press coverage, wide receiver releases, QB passing mechanics with gear on, running and catching with gear on, breaking down while approaching the ball carrier.