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Training Built for Coaching the Next Level of Flag Football
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.
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.
✓ Digital Training Badge—Record of Completion
✓ 48 Pre-Made Practice Plans
✓ Full Coach Planner App Access
✓ Drills, Schedules & Practice Plans—250+ Drills
✓ Player Progression Guide & Contact Manual
✓ Game Type Playbooks—325+ Plays
✓ 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. 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.
The TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID, which includes the Advanced Flag Course and Tiered Eligibility to coach National Team Development Program Qualifying Events, plus Institute Eligibility, Exclusive Benefits, Discounts on other courses, and more.
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 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:
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.
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.