Blocking Below the Waist

Tony Dutton

• • • • •

Block Below the Waist Defined (2-3-2)

Initial contact below the waist (

except against the runner

). When in question, contact is below the waist.

Opponent has

one or both feet on the ground.

Not

block below the waist if: Contact above the waist and slide below.

First contacts opponent’s

hands at or above the waist.

Not a block Below the Waist if opponent has both feet off the ground .

Not a Block below the Waist if initial contact with hands is above the waist .

Illegal Block below the Waist. Initial contact with hands below the waist .

Rule Governing Block Below the Waist (9-1-2-e)

• Basically a

legal

block.

• Blocking below the waist is

permitted with six exceptions (when it is an illegal block).

Exceptions 1 & 2 “Crackback”

• • • Block below the waist is

illegal

if: Toward the original position of the ball; In, behind, or within 10 yards beyond the neutral zone,

and

: 1. By

offensive linemen than seven yards

at the snap

more

from middle lineman

or

; 2. By

backs

positioned at the snap

outside the normal tackle position or in motion

.

OK 10 YDS OK FOUL OK FOUL FOUL FOUL FOUL OK OK Blocking Below the Waist

Exception 3

• Block below the waist is

illegal

: • By defensive players

against an eligible Team A receiver beyond the neutral zone.

• A receiver remains eligible until a legal forward pass is no longer possible by rule.

Exception 4

• • Block below the waist is

illegal

when: • There is a

free kick

or; • There is a

scrimmage kick from a scrimmage kick formation

.

All players prohibited

below the waist.

from blocking

Free Kick. All players prohibited from Blocking below the waist.

Scrimmage Kick. All players prohibited from Blocking below the waist

Scrimmage Kick. All players prohibited From blocking below the waist.

Exception 5

• • Block below the waist is

illegal

: • After

any change of team possession .

All players are prohibited

below the waist.

from blocking

Exception 6

• • Block below the waist is

illegal

: Against a Team A player:

1. Behind the neutral zone

and;

2. In position to receive a backward pass .

Pop Quiz (from Miller)

• Coach explains the formation this way: • Split end with slot back and back outside the end.

• All located within 6 yards of center (middle lineman).

• OK for all to block below the waist toward the center. Right?

?

E T G

C ?

G T

E SB B

6 yds

OK

E T G

C Foul

G T

E Foul SB B

6 yds