Welcome to the Glazier Flag Football Coaching Certification, in partnership with NFL FLAG.
As a flag football coach, you play a vital role in shaping the future of this rapidly growing sport. Whether you're new to coaching flag football or a seasoned veteran, this certification is designed for you.
This Level 1 Certification will equip you with the knowledge, technique, and drills needed to run an elite program. Throughout these videos, you will be educated and evaluated on the following core modules.
*Please note that you should be familiar with your particular leagues rules and regulations as some content in this certification may not apply to all organizations.
Level 1 Instructors:
Matt Nighswonger is the Head Women’s Flag Football Coach at Shadow Ridge HS in Nevada. With a deep background in coaching both tackle and flag football, Coach Nighswonger has built a flag powerhouse at Shadow Ridge over the last 10+ years. He was also on the inaugural committee with NFHS to roll out the NFHS nationwide flag rule book and was awarded the Tom Flores coach of the year award handed out by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Amanda Ruller is the Head Women's Flag Football Coach and tackle assistant coach at Eastern University in Pennsylvania. She led Eastern flag football into its inaugural season in 2025 going an impressive 14-4 (35-8 the last two sessions), making an appearance in the Atlantic East championship game, and being awarded the 2025 Atlantic East coaching staff of the year. In addition to prior college coaching experience, Coach Ruller completed NFL Bill Walsh Fellowships with the Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals.
Lessons: 21
Captions: Yes
Instructor: Matt Nighswonger
Coach Nighswonger shares his effective coaching philosophy. He emphasizes authenticity, clear communication, and building messaging around impactful phrases. Nighswonger advocates for setting expectations over strict rules and highlights the importance of a coach's commitment exceeding their athletes'. His strategies include ending practices on a high note and fostering a positive team culture through events and celebrations.
17 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
This comprehensive video breaks down essential flag football terminology according to NFHS rules. It covers fundamental concepts like down and distance, scoring plays such as touchdowns and PATs, and special teams. Learn about the line of scrimmage, onside attempts, and offensive and defensive strategies. Understanding these terms is crucial for game strategy and enjoyment.
17 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
Coach Nighswonger emphasizes the paramount importance of athlete safety and risk management. He advocates for a balanced approach to training, prioritizing health over peak physical condition to prevent overtraining. Nighswonger highlights the value of mental practices like walkthroughs and film study, alongside strategic rest days, to ensure athletes remain healthy and injury-free throughout their season.
4 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
This video outlines a strategic six-week preseason intramural program for women's flag football, designed to optimize player development and participation. The program emphasizes speed and strength training, incorporating fundamental exercises and having athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds. Sessions focus on tactical team play, alternating between offense and defense, to prepare players effectively for upcoming tryouts.
5 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
Discover essential strategies for building a successful women's flag football coaching staff. Learn how to prioritize loyalty, reliability, and leverage the expertise of coaches from other sports and alumni.
6 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
This video explores effective strategies for developing leadership within a flag football program, focusing on both coaching staff and athletes. Coach Nighswonger highlights the importance of empowering assistant coaches by allowing diverse styles and learning from mistakes. He also outlines methods for fostering player leadership, including Captain's Councils and player-led initiatives, ultimately aiming to cultivate well-rounded individuals.
6 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
Coach Nighwonger outlines a strategic approach to building a robust flag football program. He emphasizes the importance of developing JV and freshman teams to foster long-term athlete growth and consistent messaging. Nighwonger advocates for carrying larger rosters and integrating lower-level players into playoff scenarios to enhance engagement and development.
7 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
Discover effective strategies for building a dominant flag football program. Coach Nighwonger outlines how to create a strong team brand through extensive promotion, community engagement, and player leadership. Learn to foster a positive team culture, involve school groups, and leverage community events for maximum impact and support.
7 minInstructor: Amanda Ruller
Master essential flag football agility with these dynamic drills. Learn "start-stop" techniques and the "W Cone Drill" to enhance speed cuts and directional changes. This video focuses on improving ground reaction force and quick transitions, "bulletproofing" athletes for peak performance on the field. Perfect for developing fundamental skills and explosive movements.
3 minInstructor: Amanda Ruller
Master essential flag football quarterback skills with this comprehensive guide. Learn fundamental throwing mechanics, including proper body rotation and footwork, through effective drills like 'Down the Line' and 'Down the Line (Sideways)'. This video emphasizes accuracy and power, preparing quarterbacks to perform under pressure and make smart decisions on the field.
3 minInstructor: Amanda Ruller
This video breaks down crucial receiver skills including explosive footwork, maximizing your catch radius, and finishing strong after the catch. Learn drills designed to enhance agility, improve ball-tracking, and develop the ability to make decisive moves to evade defenders.
2 minInstructor: Amanda Ruller
This professional tutorial showcases essential flag football running back techniques, emphasizing precise handoffs and quarterback coordination. It details the 'mesh' drill and the mechanics of a jet sweep, highlighting proper ball security and offensive strategies. The video also covers RPOs and advanced drills like jump cuts and reading defenses, offering valuable insights for aspiring flag football players.
5 minInstructor: Amanda Ruller
Master the fundamentals of flag football center play with this expert demonstration. Learn the essential "even stance snap" and "staggered stance snap" techniques for a fluid, powerful motion. This professional guide also covers crucial elements like maintaining a balanced stance, and scanning the defense.
5 minInstructor: Amanda Ruller
Master flag football evasion with these essential drills. Learn to "flip your hips" and utilize agility to outmaneuver defenders. This video showcases techniques like the "jump cut" and emphasizes using your body's natural movement to avoid flag pulls. Incorporate these 5-10 minute drills into your practice to significantly enhance your team's evasive skills and develop more dynamic players.
1 minInstructor: Amanda Ruller
Enhance your team’s skills with these essential rusher fundamentals and drills. This video showcases techniques for improving agility, change of direction, and pursuit of the quarterback. Learn drills like the 'S' drill and the 'Rusher Breakdown / 2-Way Go' to refine your footwork and anticipation, crucial for effective flag pulling.
2 minInstructor: Amanda Ruller
Master essential flag football techniques with this comprehensive guide. Learn advanced secondary and flag-pulling drills designed to enhance backpedaling, directional changes, and defensive positioning. Focus on maintaining a powerful stance and executing quick reactions to outmaneuver opponents and secure the flag.
2 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
This video outlines a structured approach to organizing successful flag football practices. Coach Nighswonger details the importance of a season-long practice outline, a comprehensive drill menu, and film-based adjustments. The session covers efficient drill execution, conditioning integration, and a sample practice plan, emphasizing key elements like warm-ups, offensive and defensive drills, and special teams.
10 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
Coach Nighswonger emphasizes the importance of practicing to your team's offensive identity. He details how to effectively plan offensive practices, focusing on core plays, route combinations, and quarterback reads. The video highlights the necessity of simulating game situations, practicing play-calling, and creating stressful scenarios to build instinctive player reactions and refine execution.
7 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
Coach Nighswonger shares essential offensive game planning strategies. Learn how to analyze opponents, develop contingency plans, and optimize halftime routines. This video emphasizes proactive adjustments and clear communication for success on the field. Discover key tactics for effective offensive execution and strategic decision-making.
5 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
This video outlines a comprehensive defensive practice plan for flag football, focusing on team identity and strategic blitzing. Coach Nighswonger emphasizes daily blitz practice for comfort, integrating backups, and utilizing scout team cards. Drills are introduced early, with a focus on game simulation, including various offensive formations and stressful scenarios to ensure critical defensive stops.
5 minInstructor: Matt Nighswonger
Explore effective defensive game planning strategies for flag football with Coach Nighswonger. Learn how to identify key opponents, limit their strengths, and make strategic player adjustments. This professional clinic emphasizes proactive planning, sideline communication, and leveraging assistant coaches for optimal defensive execution. Discover how to keep offenses uncomfortable and maintain a winning edge.
5 min