With only five sets of eyeballs looking at 22 players on the field, we can’t give the same attention to every matchup. That’s why looking at the flow of colors helps us anticipate where problems may occur and guide our eyes to the right spot at the right time.
On free kicks, punts, or interception returns, watch for colors going against the flow of the return. The chasing players are prime candidates for blindside blocks and late hits.
Watch for colors that are going faster than everyone else. When a big pile slowly surges forward or if players have stopped or slowed near a downed runner, be alert for a lone color going faster than everyone else, immediately look at that player. He may decide to hit a defenseless player.
When a runner breaks free and is racing toward the goal line, we should have only one set of eyeballs on that runner. Everyone else should be looking behind the runner. Look for colors that suddenly veer to the side to hit an opponent trailing the play.
When offensive linemen are engaged, you’ll usually see a solid wall of the same color. If that wall is uniform and moving together, there’s rarely a foul. If you notice a different color breaking into the wall, that’s where a holding foul is most likely. Somebody got beat, and that player may hold to keep the defender away from the ballcarrier.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
4/3 from the B-38. A12 is hit and fumbles at the B-37. The ball rolls forward and out of bounds at the B-34.
- 1/10 for Team B at the B-38
- 1/10 for Team B at the B-37
- 1/10 for Team B at the B-34
- 1/10 for Team A at the B-34
Review Rules 4-3-1 EXCEPTION, 5-1-3c, Football Fundamentals I. Possession 3