QB Throwback: a 5v5 flag football play
The QB hands off to the running back sweeping right, then wheels out to the left. Defenders chase the sweep and forget the QB, who is now an eligible receiver. The running back pulls up behind the line and throws back across the field.
Opens the free play maker with QB Throwback added, ready to edit and print on a wristband card.
How QB Throwback works
- QB hands off to RB, then wheels up the left side.
- RB takes the hand-off sweeping right and pulls up to throw while still behind the line.
- X and Z run go routes to clear the deep defenders.
- C snaps and sits 4 yards off the line.
The quarterback's read
- RB: sell the sweep for 3 or 4 steps.
- If the QB is open behind the defense, throw it.
- If not, keep running the sweep or throw to a go route.
Coaching points
- The running back must throw from behind the line. Stop before crossing it.
- Only one forward pass per play: this is it.
- Practice with whichever back can actually throw on the run.
When to call it
After a few sweeps, and against a defense that sends everyone at the ball carrier.
For youth teams
10 and up. It needs a running back who can throw.
Rules check
IFAF (5v5, 7v7 and beach)
Legal. After a hand-off behind the line (R 7-1-5-a), the QB is an eligible receiver, and because the ball was possessed by another player and returned, the 'QB can't run' rule no longer applies (R 7-1-3-e). The pass must be thrown from behind the line (R 7-3-2). The hand-off releases defenders inside 7 yards to rush (R 7-1-4-f). Not legal inside a no-run zone if the back runs instead of throwing.
NFL FLAG and other rulebooks
Legal in NFL FLAG as a pass from behind the line. Remember NFL FLAG's second no-run zone before midfield, where the back can't keep it and run.
Rule numbers refer to the IFAF International Flag Football Rules 2023, the current edition. See the trick plays guide for the six rules that decide most plays.
Put QB Throwback on a wristband
Add it to your playbook in the free play maker, change the routes to fit your team, and print numbered wristband cards and a coach's call sheet on regular paper.