Updated October 30, 2026 · 9 min read
We earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
Short on time? Our picks
Best overall (10 players)SKLZ 10-Player Deluxe SetCheck price on Amazon →
Best for big groups14 or 28 player setteams, parties and PECheck price on Amazon →Flag football · 2026
The best flag football sets for kids and families
Flag football is the easiest way to play football without tackling: pull an opponent’s flag and the play is over. A good set gives every player a belt with flags, plus cones to mark the field, so you can start a game in the backyard, at a party or in PE class.
We compared the best-selling flag football sets on Amazon on belts, flags, cones, fit. Below is one clear set for each group size, plus how to set up a field and basic rules for kids.
Quick answer: the best flag football sets
- Best overall (10 players)SKLZ 10-Player Deluxe Set
- Best for big groups14 or 28 player set · teams, parties and PE
- Best adjustable beltsAdjustable flag belt set · one size fits all
- Best for families4-belt set · small backyard games
If you want one answer: buy the SKLZ 10-player flag football set. It includes 10 belts in two team colors with two flags each, 4 goal-line cones, a rules sheet and a bag. Add a junior football and you are ready to play.
Included in most flag football sets: belts, detachable flags, cones and a carry bag.
Not included: a football. Buy one in the right size from the best footballs for kids. Receiver gloves are optional, see football gloves for receivers.
Pick by group
SKLZ 10-player set
Up to 10 kids or adults. Two team colors, cones and rules in one bag.
14 or 28 player set
Big groups, leagues and schools. Enough belts and flags for full rosters.
4-belt set
Parents and kids in the yard. Four adjustable belts in bright colors for 2v2 games.
The best flag football sets, reviewed
SKLZ Flag Football 10-Player Deluxe Set
You need this if: you want a complete set for backyard games, parties or a small team.
- Belts10 (5 yellow, 5 blue)
- Flags2 per belt, hook-and-loop
- Includes4 cones, rules, bag
Why we recommend it: The belts close with a D-ring, the flags attach with hook-and-loop so they pull off cleanly, and two team colors make it easy to see who is who.
Keep in mind: Belts are one size. Very small kids may need to tighten them a lot. Add a football separately.
Flag Football Set, 14 or 28 Player
You need this if: you run a team, PE class or big party and need lots of belts.
- Players14 or 28
- IncludesBelts, flags, cones
Why we recommend it: It gives coaches and teachers enough belts and flags for full groups at a low cost per player.
Keep in mind: It has fewer reviews than the SKLZ set. Count your players before choosing the 14 or 28 version.
Adjustable Flag Football Belt Set
You need this if: players of mixed sizes, from kids to adults, will share the belts.
- FitOne size fits all, adjustable
- UseKids and adults
Why we recommend it: Adjustable belts work for little kids and adults in the same game, which is ideal for family reunions, church groups and camps.
Keep in mind: Check how many belts come in the pack on the listing before ordering.
Flag Football Belts, 4-Pack
You need this if: you want a small set for 2v2 games with your kids.
- Includes4 belts, 8 flags
- Belt lengthAbout 44.5 in, adjustable
- ColorsRed, yellow or blue
Why we recommend it: It is a simple, low-cost set for small games. The braided belts adjust for kids, teens and adults, and the bright colors are easy to see.
Keep in mind: Four belts only. For parties or teams, choose the SKLZ or the big set.
Flag football sets compared
| Set | Players | Cones |
|---|---|---|
| SKLZ Deluxe | 10 | Yes, 4 |
| 14 or 28 player | 14 or 28 | Yes |
| Adjustable belts | Check listing | Check listing |
| 4-belt set | 4 | No |
Prices change often.
How to set up a flag football field
- Pick a flat, open area of grass. A backyard works for small games.
- Mark the four corners and two goal lines with cones.
- For a backyard, about 20 by 40 yards is plenty. NFL FLAG youth fields are about 30 yards wide and 70 yards long, including two 10-yard end zones.
- Mark a midfield line with two extra cones if you have them.
- Split players into two teams and give each team one belt color.
▶ Flag Football 101: Learn How to Play Flag FootballUSA Football explains the basic rules and how a flag football game works. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
Basic flag football rules for kids
- No tackling or blocking: defenders pull the flag to stop the ball carrier.
- Flag pulled means down: the play ends where the flag was pulled.
- No flag guarding: ball carriers cannot swat away hands or cover their flags.
- Four downs: the offense has four tries to cross midfield, then four more to score.
- Everyone is eligible: in most youth leagues, any player can catch a pass.
- Rushers start back: the pass rusher usually lines up about 7 yards from the line of scrimmage.
Rules vary by league, so use the sheet in your set or your league’s rules for games.
How to choose a flag football set
Number of players
Count players, then add a couple of spare belts. 5v5 is the most common youth format.
Belt style
D-ring and buckle belts adjust to any waist. One-size belts are fine for teens and adults but can be loose on small kids.
Flag attachment
Hook-and-loop or pop-off flags pull away cleanly. Make sure flags hang at the hips, not in front.
Colors
Two clearly different colors make it easy to tell the teams apart.
Flag football set for adults
Adults can use the same sets. Choose adjustable belts that fit larger waists, like the adjustable belt set or the 4-belt set, and an official-size football. For adult leagues, check whether the league provides its own belts.
Simple flag football plays for kids
- The fly: a receiver runs straight down the field as fast as possible. Great for fast kids.
- The slant: the receiver takes three steps forward, then cuts at an angle across the middle.
- The hitch: run five steps, stop and turn back to the quarterback for a quick, easy catch.
- The handoff: the quarterback hands the ball to a runner who sprints to the outside.
- The flood: all receivers run to one side, so at least one is open.
Draw plays in the dirt or on a whiteboard before each down. Kids love calling their own plays.
Flag football vs tackle football for kids
Flag football teaches the same skills, passing, catching, running routes and pulling flags instead of tackling, without the hits. Many coaches recommend flag football for kids under about 12, and it is now played in schools and leagues across the US. Kids who later move to tackle football already know routes, positions and teamwork.
Tips for running a flag football game
- Keep teams small, 4 to 6 players each, so everyone touches the ball.
- Rotate quarterback so every child gets a turn throwing.
- Use a soft junior football for kids under 10.
- Have a parent or older child referee and count the rusher’s distance.
- Play short games with water breaks in hot weather.
How to store flag football belts
Reattach all flags after the game so none go missing, roll the belts and keep them in the bag. Wash dirty belts and flags by hand in cool water and let them air-dry, since hook-and-loop wears out faster in a dryer.
Fun flag football games for parties and PE
- Flag tag: everyone wears a belt. Pull flags to collect them, and the last player with a flag wins.
- Sharks and minnows: runners cross the field while defenders try to pull flags.
- 3v3 short field: small teams on a short field keep everyone involved.
Related guide: Build speed and cuts with the best agility ladders and cones.
Related guide: Quarterbacks can practice alone with one of the best football throwing nets.
What does my child need for flag football?
Flag football is one of the cheapest sports to start. Most leagues give out jerseys, and some give belts. Here is a simple checklist for parents:
- Flag belt and flags. A youth flag football set gives you belts for practice at home. Our top pick is the SKLZ 10-player flag football set.
- A youth-size football. A smaller ball is easier for small hands to throw and catch (see the size table below).
- Cleats. Molded rubber cleats are fine. Most youth leagues do not allow metal spikes.
- A mouthguard. Many youth flag leagues require one.
- Shorts or pants with no pockets. Pockets can catch fingers when players pull flags, so many leagues ban them.
- A water bottle. Games are short but fast.
Youth flag football ball size
| Size | Usual age |
|---|---|
| Pee wee | about 6 to 9 |
| Junior | about 9 to 12 |
| Youth | about 12 to 14 |
| Official (size 9) | 14 and up, adults |
League rules vary, so check yours. Our ball size by age tool covers football too.
Flag football set for toddlers and young kids
For kids aged 3 to 5, skip competitive rules. Use a set with soft, easy-to-pull flags, play tag games where kids chase and pull flags, and use a small soft foam football. Short games of 10 minutes keep it fun. As kids turn 5 or 6, most local NFL Flag and rec leagues start with simple 5-on-5 games.
Flag football set for a youth team or PE class
For a team or class, count players first. A 10-player set covers two teams of five. For bigger groups, a 14 or 28 player set is cheaper per belt. Pick two colors so teams are easy to tell apart, and buy a few spare flags because they get lost.
More football gear: best football throwing nets and best football kicking tees.
Size guide: For every ball size, see our football size by age chart.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best flag football set?
For most groups, the SKLZ 10-player deluxe set. It includes 10 belts, 20 flags, 4 cones, rules and a bag.
What do you need for flag football?
Belts with flags for every player, cones to mark the field and a football in the right size.
How do you set up flag football?
Mark the corners and goal lines with cones on flat grass. About 20 by 40 yards works for a backyard game.
Is there a flag football set for adults?
Yes. Choose adjustable belts that fit larger waists and an official-size football.
How many players are on a flag football team?
Most youth leagues play 5 on 5. Backyard games can use any number.
Do flag football sets come with a football?
Most do not. Buy a junior or youth ball separately.
What age is flag football for?
Kids can start from about 4 or 5, and adults play in leagues too.
Is flag football safe for kids?
It is much safer than tackle football because there is no tackling or blocking, but players should still play on soft grass and follow the rules.
What is the best flag football set for kids?
The SKLZ 10-player flag football set. It has adjustable belts, bright flags and cones, and fits most kids.
What does my kid need for flag football?
A flag belt, a youth-size football, rubber cleats, a mouthguard and shorts with no pockets. Most leagues provide jerseys.
What size football for youth flag football?
Usually pee wee for ages 6 to 9, junior for 9 to 12 and youth for 12 to 14. Check your league’s rules.
How we chose
We picked one set for each group size. We have not tested these sets in person, no brand paid for placement, and prices change often. Read our full method.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
