A flea flicker is a trick play in American football designed to confuse the defense. It typically involves a handoff to a running back, who then laterals the ball back to the quarterback. The quarterback then looks to pass the ball downfield, often catching the defense off guard. This play is effective because it creates misdirection and can exploit defensive players who are not expecting a pass. The flea flicker relies on precise timing and execution, making it a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can lead to big gains if executed correctly.