Crack Back Blocks

[High Plains Drifter]

Thus far that is how it is been explained. Seems to be that if a player can see the below waist coming, then it is going to be legal. At least is how I think we are going to call it.

 

[TheRef59]

To His team. Yes. Because in that situation he would be going toward the RB who he is trying to tackle.

 

[Hondo]

To help clarify this topic regarding defensive players
Assuming there is no change of possession or there is not a kick

1. Defensive players can block below the waist against any team A player until the ball goes more than 5 yards beyond the neutral zone (this is what allows DE or LB to cut the leadblocker down)

2. They can not block below the waist against a team A player in position to receive a backward pass

3. They may not block below the waist against an eligible Team A receiver beyond the neutral zone unless attempting to get to the ball or ball carrier

 

[Blue Bird]

Because every player on the field is an eligible receiver, does this mean that the only time the defense can block below the waist is at the neutral zone and in the offensive backfield?

 

[Hondo]

Blue Bird wrote:
> Because every player on the field is an eligible receiver, does this mean
> that the only time the defense can block below the waist is at the neutral
> zone and in the offensive backfield?


If within 5 yards of the neutral zone, the defense could block below the waist (even against an eligible team A receiver - which is everyone in sixman) if trying to get to a loose ball or ball carrier. Who is just cutting the lead blocker and who going through the lead blocker is a judgement call.

After 5 yards beyond the NZ - the defense can no longer block low - period.

Remember this has nothing to do with tackling the ball carrier, just action against the other 5 guys who don't possess the ball at that moment.

This rule will be Very, Very interesting to watch with the impact it will have on the offense and defense. Even if the crews (younger- usually) understand the rule completely, keeping track of where each player was at the snap will be a challenge.

 

[Tex90]

HPD- i get you on the defensive blocks. We used to do that combo of LB takes out QB leading on sweep leaving CB 1 on 1 with RB

 

[ZeroRisk]

It's important to note that this rule change was designed at the NCAA level for crew of seven officials with a field judge and line judge who are able to help make a call that will be extremely difficult for a 5 -- and especially 4 -- man crew on a Friday night, especially with the unpredictability of any given play in six-man football.

We're just a few steps from joining the Federation in outlawing blocking below the waist entirely.