Play Details
- Format
- 5v5 Flag Football
- Play Type
- offense
- Formation
- Custom
- Collection
- 5v5 - Starter Plays
Play tags
Starter play notes
How to coach High Low Pass
A simple high-low concept that makes one zone defender choose between a short route and a deeper route behind it.
Call High Low Pass when the defense is sitting in zone and your quarterback needs a defined read instead of a full-field progression.
In 5v5, this is one of the cleanest ways to teach a young QB how to read a defender instead of guessing.
Coaching Notes
High Low Pass is a good early-season call because it gives the quarterback a real read without asking them to scan the whole field. The play attacks one side of the defense at two depths: one receiver settles short, another pushes behind that defender, and the outlet keeps the play on schedule.
Route depth is the difference between a clean read and a muddy one. If the short and deep routes end up in the same window, the defender can cover both. Coach the short route to stay short and the deeper route to hold its landmark.
When To Call It
- Against zone coverage when one underneath defender is responsible for too much space.
- On second or third down when a controlled completion keeps the drive alive.
- After quick runs or short throws have pulled defenders toward the line.
- When your quarterback needs one clear read to settle into the game.
Quarterback Read
Pick the high-low side before the snap. After the snap, read the underneath defender. If that defender drops or widens, throw the short route. If they sit on the short route, throw the deeper window on time.
Common Coaching Mistake
The common mistake is telling the quarterback to find whoever is open. Keep it to one defender, one decision, and a fast throw.
Coaching Adjustments
- 1If the short route is open but not gaining yards, move it a step wider so the catch has room to turn upfield.
- 2If the deeper route is late, shorten the break point instead of asking the quarterback to hold the ball longer.
- 3If the defense jumps the short throw, call the same look and make the deeper route the first read.
Pair This With Related Starter Plays
High Low Pass
A free 5v5 offensive play template from the 5v5 - Starter Plays collection.
Starter Notes
A simple high-low concept that makes one zone defender choose between a short route and a deeper route behind it.
Opens in the FlagSketch Editor
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