By Diana Flores
Flag Football.
Easy.
The game is on—are you ready? We've got you covered!
Flag football is one of the world's fastest growing sports with more than 20 million players in more than 100 countries. Flag Football For Dummies author and world champion quarterback Diana Flores shares tips and advice on playing the game, getting involved in a leagure, inspiring young fans, and fueling your interest in flag football.
Flag Football For Dummies
Looking for a safe, fun, and exciting new sport to sink your teeth into? Grab a copy of Flag Football For Dummies and discover how to play one of America's fastest growing new games!
Set to become an official Olympic sport in 2028, flag football is an amazing game for both kids and adults. Diana Flores, star quarterback of Mexico's gold medal-winning Women's Flag Football National Team, walks you through the rules, player positions, and strategies that form the basics of the game. You'll learn how to score points, run plays, and even set up a properly designed flag football field. You'll also discover how to navigate the wider world of flag football, find and join a league near you and gather the equipment you need to play safely.
Q&A with Author Diana Flores
What do you love most about playing flag football? What I love most is the freedom and creativity the game gives me. Flag football is a game of strategy—fast—and full of expression. You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and work together as a team.
What are some misconceptions about flag football that you’d like to address? People often think flag football is a casual or “less serious” version of tackle football, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s incredibly competitive, athletic, and tactical. It demands precision, speed, and teamwork at the highest level.
What tips can you offer people who want to start playing flag football and who aren’t sure where to begin? Just start! Find a local league or community team, grab a flag belt, and jump in. You don’t need to have a background in football—flag welcomes everyone. Focus on learning the basics: throwing, catching, and understanding routes. Pick up a copy of Flag Football For Dummies to continue learning and most importantly, have fun, and let yourself fall in love with the game.
Flag football is growing in popularity – how do you see the future of the sport? The future is so bright. Flag football is a global sport. It’s accessible and built for all ages and genders. With its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, we’re on the edge of a revolution for women in football and for the sport itself. I see it becoming one of the most exciting, unifying sports in the world.
What advice would you share with young flag football players who want to improve their skills? Be patient with your growth. Focus on your fundamentals, like footwork, agility, and reading offenses and defenses. Just as important is your mindset: confidence, discipline, and teamwork will take you further than any single skill. Watch film, learn from others, and never stop being curious.
What role do you think athletes can play in inspiring the next generation? Athletes have the power to show what’s possible. We can use our platforms to empower others, especially young girls, to dream without limits. Representation matters. When they see someone like them succeeding, they start to believe they can, too. That’s the most meaningful win of all.
On Handling Pressure before the big game
For me, it's about preparation and perspective. I remind myself that I've worked for this moment, and I think back to Billie Jean King's immortal words: "Pressure is a privilege."
Before every game, I take a quiet moment to breathe, center myself, and remember why I play—for the love of the game and the people it inspires.
