WHAT IS FLEX FOOTBALL?
Flex Football™ is a 9v9 game format created by the former pros at National Flex Football™ and inspired by the NFL's philosophy of high-tempo, low-impact practices. Flex Football™ provides skill development, player progression, energy and excitement that keep current players and parents in football all year-round, while also bringing new participants and growth to the game we all love.
BASICS OF THE FLEX GAME
● 9V9
● Includes linemen
● Limited Contact (2-hand touch)
● No contact to the head
● Full blocking
BENEFITS OF OFFSEASON FLEX FOOTBALL
● 300-500 live, full speed, real football reps
● Best form of off-season fundamental development
● Develops the other fundamental skill sets vs. Fall focus of tackling
● Funnel flag/non-tackle players to your Fall league
● Install plays during Spring so players hit the ground running in Fall
● Option to use as a fundraising program for Fall
● Keeps players participating within your organization all year long
● Opportunity to coach/vet future Fall coaches
● Provides off-season conditioning
● Schedule allows kids to play current Spring sport along with Flex
● Inclusion of NFL style soft-shell gear keeps kids acclimated to gear all year long
FLEX VS FLAG/7V7/TACKLE
● Includes all positions
● Allows blocking
● Allows blitzing
● Includes pass rush/press coverage/run game
● 9v9 scheme allows coaches to run Fall offense/defense
● Low impact, two-hand touch format
● No off-season contact to the head
● No 4 second play clock so players play to the whistle
Why are former NFL Players promoting Flex Football?
Flex Football, powered by Gridiron, is authentic to football. Gridiron’s team is made of up ex-NFL athletes and those who want to see the sport thrive at a time when the future of football seems uncertain. Our nationwide growth and expansion in the flag and tackle markets soon made it apparent that there was a void between the two that needed to be addressed on multiple fronts. Flex bridges the gap between flag and tackle for the first time there is a development path from flag to tackle. Flex is inspired by the NFL’s approach to practice, where for years, pro teams have utilized our soft-shell pads – allowing for high-tempo, low-impact, assignment and scheme focused practices. Based on these principles, Flex is the ideal experience to develop true football fundamentals. The value likes in the development of advanced football skills while keeping the head out of the game.
How will Flex Football provide a “player progression” through the sport?
Flag players are lacking the fundamental skills needed to transition safely and comfortably to tackle football. Flex adds to the overall experience of the youth athlete by offering another fun way to be introduced to the sport or to continue developing skills year-round.
Why is there padding involved if there is no tackling?
NFL teams regularly wear our soft-shell protection system year-round to eliminate repetitive sub-concussive blows, while continuing to get better at their craft. Using that concept, we are creating an opportunity for young athletes to work on the fundamental football skills, including blocking at the line of scrimmage, down field blocking and even bump and run coverage on the outside.
Won’t kids want to tackle since they have pads?
Our rules and your coaches will not allow that to happen. Furthermore, introducing soft-shell shoulder pads and soft-shell helmets at a young age helps establish and promote that padding, whether hard-shell of soft-shell is not made to be used as a “weapon”. Having athletes reinforce the fundamental breaking down and pulling a flag or two hand touch with gear on, Flex will be instilling a natural path to proper tackling technique when the athlete returns to tackle football or is ready to start tackle football for the 1st time.
How was the rule book designed?
The rule book was designed by former NFL players, specifically with our youth’s development in mind. We incorporated rules that promote the development of crucial skills. For example, we allow, but limit, the amount of blitzing, so that multiple positions can develop skills needed in all forms of football. Blockers need to block and a young developing QB needs to feel a safe amount of pressure to step up and make a throw successfully. Various point-of-emphases were incorporated into our rule book to help the young athlete build a football foundation.
What football foundation does Flex build?
The value lies in the development of advanced football skills, while keeping the head out of the game. It develops skills like run and pass blocking, pass rush, defeating blocks, bump and run / press coverage, wide receiver releases, QB passing mechanics with gear on, running and catching with gear on, breaking down while approaching the ball carrier.