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Flag Pulling•beginner•15 min

1v1 Flag Pulling Angles

Offense runs straight ahead at full speed while a defender cuts across on an angle to get in front of the ball carrier and pull their flag — high-rep, fast-paced.

1v1 Flag Pulling Angles

Drill
Take The Angle
C

Description

Flag pulling is the most fundamental defensive skill in the game — and the hardest to master. This high-rep drill builds the angle-taking instincts and explosive pursuit that defenders need to make plays in real games.

How to run it

  1. 1

    Set up two lines: one offense, one defense, 10-15 yards apart.

  2. 2

    Offensive player runs straight ahead at full speed.

  3. 3

    Defensive player cuts from the side, taking an angle to get in front of the ball carrier.

  4. 4

    Defender gets their hips in front, then goes for the flag.

  5. 5

    Rotate through all players quickly — keep the pace high.

Points to stress

  • Run to where they'll BE — not where they are.
  • Get your HIPS in front first, then reach for the flag.
  • Two hands ready near the flags — don't swipe with one.
  • Pursuit angle is everything — a wrong angle and they run away.