Football Library · Plays
Flea Flicker· 11v11 Tackle
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.
Coaching breakdown
Flea Flicker Right: @QB hands to just behind the LOS; runs hard at the line to sell the run, then pitches the ball BACK to @QB still behind the LOS. @QB then throws deep — on the Post at 18yd is the primary target after the safeties bite on the fake. Best AFTER you've established the run game — the defense has to believe the handoff.
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.