Settle the argument

Can you tip the ball to a teammate in flag football?

Q: Can you tip the ball to a teammate in flag football?

Yes. On a forward pass, any player can bat it. Any player in bounds can bat a forward pass in any direction, including tipping it to a teammate, who can then catch it. The one exception is a backward pass: the passing team can’t bat a backward pass forward. Rule: IFAF R 7-2-5-c. Not a foul on a forward pass. Batting a backward pass forward: 5 yards from the spot, plus loss of down (signal S19).

Yes. On a forward pass, any player can bat it.

Any player in bounds can bat a forward pass in any direction, including tipping it to a teammate, who can then catch it.

The one exception is a backward pass: the passing team can’t bat a backward pass forward.

The rule

IFAF Flag Football Rules 2023, R 7-2-5-c

The call

Not a foul on a forward pass. Batting a backward pass forward: 5 yards from the spot, plus loss of down (signal S19).

Referee signal S19: False start, illegal procedure — **S19** False start, illegal procedureRoll the forearms in front of the chest.

Other rulebooks

NFL FLAG and local leagues can differ. Check the rulebook your league plays.

Watch this play in the free flag football rules quiz.

X taps the pass forward to Z, who catches it in the end zone. Legal: touchdown.

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Can you tip the ball to a teammate in flag football?

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