What it is

A flea flicker begins as a running play: the quarterback hands off to a back, who runs forward a few steps, then tosses the ball back to the quarterback, who throws a deep pass.

In a game

The defense sees a run and moves toward the line, including the safeties. Then the quarterback throws over their heads to a receiver who has run deep.

More detail

The play works best when the defense has been stopping the run and the safeties are aggressive. It is one of the oldest trick plays, and it is still used for a big gain or a touchdown.

Animated diagram

1. The quarterback hands the ball to the running back, and the defense sees a run.
2. The back takes a few steps, then flips the ball back to the quarterback.
3. The safeties have come forward, so the quarterback throws deep to a receiver behind them.