Jun 14 • Football Xs and Os
🏈 Football 101: Technical Rules (Part 2A)
Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about some of the rules that confuse new fans the most.
These are the rules that often have everyone yelling at the TV. 😂
🚩 Holding
Holding occurs when a player illegally grabs or restricts an opponent instead of blocking them properly.
Think of it this way:
✅ Pushing is usually legal.
❌ Grabbing and preventing someone from moving is not.
This is one of the most common penalties in football.
Penalty: Typically 10 yards.
🚩 False Start
This penalty is on the offense.
Before the ball is snapped, offensive players must remain set.
If an offensive player moves too early and causes the defense to react:
🚩 False Start
Penalty: 5 yards.
The play immediately stops.
🚩 Offside
This one is on the defense.
Before the ball is snapped, defensive players must stay on their side of the line of scrimmage.
If they cross early:
🚩 Offside
Penalty: 5 yards.
Unlike a false start, the play often continues.
🚩 Encroachment
Similar to offside, but the defender actually enters the neutral zone and makes contact or causes an offensive player to react.
Penalty: 5 yards.
🚩 Delay of Game
The offense has a limited amount of time to snap the ball before each play.
When the play clock hits zero:
🚩 Delay of Game
Penalty: 5 yards.
This often happens when teams are disorganized or trying to change plays at the last second.
💡 Quick Tip for New Fans:
When you see a 5-yard penalty before the play even starts, it's usually one of these:
• False Start
• Offside
• Encroachment
• Delay of Game
They're some of the easiest penalties to recognize once you know what to look for.
In Part 2B, we'll tackle the REALLY controversial stuff:
Pass Interference
Roughing the Passer
What is a Catch?
Fumbles vs. Incomplete Passes
Challenge Flags and Reviews
What's the penalty that still confuses you the most?
DBR
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🏈 Football 101: Technical Rules (Part 2A)
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