Defensive Holding

Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from September 7, 2009 (Edited and amplified for clarity)

It is not only the offense that uses their hands illegally. There are four major types of defensive holding.  Let’s discuss each of them.

PULL AND SHOOT

This is when a defending lineman grabs an offensive lineman and pulls him to the side while a linebacker “shoots” the gap that was created. This play usually happens on kick plays, especially field goals and trys, but can also be seen on punt plays. Often it is the offensive guard that is “pulled,” leaving a gap between the snapper who has his head down and where the guard should have been, while a linebacker shoots.

TACKLING A PULLING LINEMAN

Usually done to offensive guards pulling on trap plays or often on the tackle on a “double thud.”  The defenders dive out and try to trip up the pulling offensive lineman by grabbing his ankle. This is a very difficult foul for officials to see.  Typically, we will be informed by the offensive line about this foul.

TACKLING PITCHMEN BEFORE THEY CATCH THE BALL

There are two tried and true ways to defend the option: Go right to the QB and force him to pitch on every option so you know you are playing against a sweep. The second is to knock down the pitchman on every play, so you know you are playing against a QB keeper. Defenders may use their hands legally on a pitchman as he is a potential blocker, but they may not grab, restrict, or tackle him. We have even seen the pitchman blocked below the waist before he got the ball.

HOLDING AN ELIGIBLE RECEIVER TO KEEP HIM FROM GETTING INTO HIS ROUTE ON TIME

This is the holding foul we will see most often on the defense. When the receiver comes off the line, he may be “jammed” if he is a potential blocker and the defenders do not know that a pass is coming.  However, the receiver may not be restricted by tackling, hooking, or grabbing as he comes off the line. Once the receiver cuts off his route and goes away from the defender or gets parallel with the defender on the same yard line, the defender may no longer “chuck” or use his hands on the receiver.  Contact by the defender while the ball is in the air may be ruled pass interference.


Quiz

Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.

3/11 from the A-29. B17 restricts A88 at the line of scrimmage and prevents him from running downfield. B33 sacks quarterback A12 at the A-23.

  1. No foul as the restriction was at the line of scrimmage
  2. Defensive pass interference
  3. Enforce B17’s foul from the A-23 (end of the run)
  4. Enforce B17’s foul from the A-29 (previous spot)
  5. Automatic first down

Review Rules 9-2-3c and 9-2-3d  5

Click below to reveal the Quiz answer and accompanying explanations.