Advanced Flag Course
Training Built for Coaching the Next Level of Flag Football
WHEN IT MATTERS
When the competition rises and margins get thinner, the game reaches a turning point when it comes down to preparation, adjustments, and execution.
The Advanced Flag Course is built for flag football coaches ready to gain the winning edge by delivering next-level X’s & O’s, key concepts, and game-ready insights.
Start your Advanced Flag Course today and get the training that meets the moment when it matters more—For You. For The Game.
Skills That Show Up
When practices speed up and the opponents get stronger, coaches have to balance advanced concepts with skill development, safer technique, and smart progression.
Whether you're stepping on the field for your first season or back on the sidelines again, the Advanced Flag Course helps elevate your team.
Gain skills that show up in practice, translate on game day, and keep you ready for whatever comes next.
Advanced Flag Course
$24.50
- Awareness to Action
- CrashCourse Concussion
- Immediate Health Risks and Injury Management
- Physical and Mental Health Performance and Preparation
- Awareness to Action
- In-depth Practice & Game Planning
- Digital Training Badge
- 48 Pre-Made Practice Plans
- Drills, Schedule & Practice Plans—250+ Drills
- Full Coach Planner App Access
- Game Type Playbooks—325+ Plays
- Player Progression Guide & Contact Manual
- FDM Age-Based Coaching Videos—16 Videos
🅘Our system will automatically determine your year based on prior training linked to your USA Football account and email. Using a different account will require starting at Year 1.
*Returning coaches are required to complete Abuse Prevention training every two years and pass reassessment quizzes each year.
Looking to join TEAM USA FOOTBALL®?
The TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID includes the Advanced Flag Course, Tiered Eligibility for coaching National Team Development Program qualifying events, Institute Eligibility, exclusive benefits, and more.
BE GAME-READY
TAKEOVER THE GAME
The Advanced Flag Course is designed for coaches of youth, middle, high school, and adult flag football teams who want more X's and O's.
Flag Football X's & O's
Learn 5v5 flag football plays, formations, and route concepts for spacing, timing, and attacking coverages in smaller spaces.
Schemes & Adjustments
Key concepts for offense and defense, including different coverages, packages, and critical down-and-distance situations.
Technique That Travels
Improve players' footwork, ball tracking, and flag pulling skills.
Planning & Scouting
Get tools and insights for planning practices and games, tips for scouting opponents, and preparing for tournaments.
Development & Safety
Support athlete growth and development with best practices in health, safety, and wellness.
The Advanced Flag Course is part of USA Football's commitment as the National Governing Body to grow the game and support coaches through education, training, resources, sport standards, and competitive opportunities.
USA Football is also the only organization to select, train, and lead TEAM USA FOOTBALL®, which consists of one family of teams representing the U.S. in elite national and international competitions.
Coaches interested in participating in the National Team Development Program must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID and complete all of the requirements to maintain eligibility.
*The TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID requires that you pass the Advanced Flag Course, complete SafeSport training, and take an NCSI Background Check before participating in a USA Football Event or National Team Development Program qualifying events.
KEY FINDINGS
The competitive level of flag football, as seen by coaches, league commissioners, and administrators*
say it's a good competitive sport for female athletes
say it's a good competitive sport for male athletes
say the sport can be played into adult life at a competitive level for both men and women
*Source: 2022 Tackle vs. Flag Perceptions Research Report conducted by Performance Research
What you need to know about USA Football's Advanced Flag Course.
The Advanced Flag Course is for new and experienced coaches working with competitive flag football programs and athletes, typically ages 12 and older. It supports youth, middle school, high school, and adult flag coaches who want to enhance their understanding of flag football strategies, player development, health, and safety as the level of competition increases. The Youth Coach Course is suitable for both new and experienced coaches, with a focus on the fundamentals of health and safety, and serves as an introduction or refresher to flag football.
For $24.50, the Advanced Flag Course provides training focused on coaching flag football at the next level of competition, including:
- Offensive and defensive schemes for 5-on-5 flag football
- Route combinations, coverage adjustments, and situational play calling
- Coaching techniques that translate from practice to game day
- Tools for scouting opponents, planning for practices and games, and preparing for tournaments
- Best practices for athlete development, health, safety, and progression
Coaches who complete the course also unlock access to digital resources that support coaching throughout the season.
Your year is automatically determined based on prior training linked to your USA Football account and email.
- Year 1 is for coaches who were not trained in 2025 and includes foundational training in 5-on-5 flag football, health & safety, abuse prevention, and core coaching principles.
- Year 2 is for coaches trained in 2025 and includes refresher content, enhanced practice and game planning, coaching identity, team culture, and development topics.
IMPORTANT: If you use a different USA Football account or email, you may be required to start at Year 1.
Completion time varies by coach. The course is online and self-paced, allowing you to progress at your own schedule and revisit concepts as needed. However, it typically takes a few hours to complete.
The Advanced Flag Course is a key component of USA Football's commitment to coach development. This initiative includes education, training, resources, sport standards, and competitive opportunities. It is the only advanced flag training course offered by the sport's official National Governing Body.
USA Football is also the only organization that selects, trains, and leads TEAM USA FOOTBALL®. The Advanced Flag Course is separate from other training requirements related to TEAM USA FOOTBALL® opportunities.
However, completing the Advanced Flag Course is required for coaches interested in pursuing opportunities with the National Team Development Program. Coaches must purchase a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID, which includes access to the Advanced Flag Course. The TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID requires that you pass the Advanced Flag Course, complete SafeSport training, and take an NCSI Background Check before participating in a USA Football Event or National Team Development Program Qualifying Events.
If you need assistance with your Advanced Flag Course, our team is here to help.