xogridmaker
Sign in

Football Library · Plays

Flea Flicker· 11v11 Tackle

advancedaka Flickeraka Halfback Flicker
All plays

Trick play that sells run, then attacks deep. QB hands to a back / WR going forward to the LOS; that player runs hard as if rushing, then PITCHES the ball BACK to the QB still behind the LOS. The defense has already triggered on the run fake; deep receivers clear out and find the void behind the now-collapsing safeties. Two backwards passes / handoffs, one deep throw. Best after the run game has been established — the defense has to believe the fake.

4545505045454040LTLGCRGRTQBXHZS

Coaching breakdown

Notes for Flea Flicker (Z) Right

What it is: A trick play — @QB hands off to to pull the defense short and attack the run. then tosses the ball back to @QB, who catches it in the backfield and throws deep.

When to call it: 4th-and-long or 2-minute drill (end-of-game, big-yards situation). Pre-snap disguise as inside run action — the defense keys the handoff and vacates coverage downfield.

@QB's reads (in order):

  1. Primary: deep on the post — if the defense bit on the run and left him single, this is free yards. Throw it immediately on the back shoulder for a jump ball.
  2. Secondary: on the post — if the deep safety rotated to , sits in the vacated window at 11 yards.
  3. Outlet if nothing breaks: or on the crossers if the QB has to escape pressure on the second pitch-back.

The mesh points:

  • @QB hands to on the inside-zone mesh at the LOS (~QB reads the read-key for the run).
  • sells the run laterally 2–3 yards downfield, then pitches the ball BACK to @QB in the backfield (~-3 yds, where the QB is retreating to throw). Keep this tight and crisp — sloppy handoffs kill the play.

: Base block on the center — fire-block your man to sell the run.

When to call it

Trick play — best after establishing the run game so safeties are biting on run-action. Usually 1st-and-10 or 2nd-and-short, ideally between the 30s. One-time call: defenses adjust the second time they see it.

Common mistakes

  • QB shows the pass too early; safeties don't bite and the deep routes get smothered.
  • Back doesn't sell the run hard enough; should be at full speed before the pitch back.
  • Deep receiver releases vertically too quickly; should release lazily then accelerate to sell the run-block.
  • Pitch back to QB is sloppy; should be a clean underhand pitch, not a forward toss.