Sweep Drill (Defense)

Description

Stopping the sweep is the toughest assignment for a defender in flag football. This drill builds the pursuit angle and edge discipline needed to cut off the ball carrier before they get into open space.

Instructions

1. Set up a sweep play: center, QB, RB.
2. RB receives the handoff and sweeps wide.
3. One or two defenders pursue from inside.
4. Defenders must cut off the ball carrier at or before the cone gate.
5. Defender pulls the flag before the RB turns upfield.

Points to Stress

• Pursue from inside-out — don't overrun toward the sideline.
• Control your feet near the edge — don't lunge.
• Force them to the boundary, then pull the flag.
• Don't try to tackle — go for the flag.