Advancing Strength and Conditioning Practices for Collegiate Female Flag Football: A Narrative Review and Practical Framework

ABSTRACT

Flag football, a noncontact adaptation of American football, is rapidly gaining international traction and has recently been selected for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Despite this momentum, research-based guidelines addressing the unique physiological requirements, training methods, and academic considerations for collegiate female flag football athletes remain sparse. This narrative review examines current knowledge on female-specific strength and conditioning practices by (a) highlighting key differences between female flag football and male American football, (b) underscoring the importance of tailored periodization models, and (c) exploring injury prevention strategies. Core themes include optimizing body composition, enhancing speed and agility, refining energy systems training, and adapting schedules to academic demands. The article concludes by identifying research gaps and proposing a forward-thinking agenda that leverages data-driven approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and athlete-centered practices. These steps can foster the health, performance, and long-term development of female collegiate flag football athletes as they prepare for the sport's Olympic debut.