Went to a rules convention this weekend and one of the points of emphasis this year is to call a personal foul on crack blocks. I like seeing players put n motion and cracking a DE or LB'er to get the edge. Even more exciting is setting up the wall n punt returns and having that player peel back and lawimg the wood on the contain player. The new rule emphasizes the blocker has to lead with both hands first then he can add his shoulder. My question to you.. I understand the safety concerns of ear holing a player not involved in a play such as a interception return but to me taking away the crack block might be going to far. Also i worry about getting players wrist broke if you do try to crack and lead with your hands .

I've seen teams going to the "shield" method as opposed to using two hands or using a shoulder. It's basically "bumping" into the guy...

Edited July 25, 20179 yr by MentschTrachtGottLacht
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Here's another new rule that's concerning. If a receiver is catching a pass a defender can not hit the receiver or try to break up the pass unless he's going for the ball. Another words a receiver is defenseless until he makes the catch and has time to become a runner. Even if the receiver touches the ball you can't hit him until he has time to become a runner.

Went to a rules convention this weekend and one of the points of emphasis this year is to call a personal foul on crack blocks. I like seeing players put n motion and cracking a DE or LB'er to get the edge. Even more exciting is setting up the wall n punt returns and having that player peel back and lawimg the wood on the contain player. The new rule emphasizes the blocker has to lead with both hands first then he can add his shoulder. My question to you.. I understand the safety concerns of ear holing a player not involved in a play such as a interception return but to me taking away the crack block might be going to far. Also i worry about getting players wrist broke if you do try to crack and lead with your hands .

 

No issues with the rule. These are dangerous plays. I've never understood the mentality that's it's fun to blindside or to watch another player get blindsided. It requires no skill to decleat a guy who isn't looking.

Here's another new rule that's concerning. If a receiver is catching a pass a defender can not hit the receiver or try to break up the pass unless he's going for the ball. Another words a receiver is defenseless until he makes the catch and has time to become a runner. Even if the receiver touches the ball you can't hit him until he has time to become a runner.

 

simply not true

No issues with the rule. These are dangerous plays. I've never understood the mentality that's it's fun to blindside or to watch another player get blindsided. It requires no skill to decleat a guy who isn't looking.

 

Completely agree.

If the play is at point of attack I disagree with you. I think it's the defender responsibility to have his head on a swivel.

simply not true

 

New rule states the receiver has to have a chance to become a runner before hitting him.

But it may be a crucial block for the returner. Last year on a punt, a Boone player first blocked his guy within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage leaving him laying on the ground and then hustled all the way downfield to get a block on a defender who was about to make the tackle. He arrived at full speed just as the defender was about to make the tackle. The would-be tackler had no idea the block was coming and he remained on the ground after the play also. But the blocker provided an essential block for the returner and it wasn't a cheap shot. A hands first approach would not have got the job done.

 

BTW, both blocked players were able to walk off the field, thankfully.

 

I agree that safety is a concern on the "out-of-no-where" blocks but I'm not sure I like taking that play out of the game.

If the play is at point of attack I disagree with you. I think it's the defender responsibility to have his head on a swivel.

 

I coach football and I hear that term all the time. And yes, you need to be aware of your surroundings and what's going on around you. And you should be aware prior to the play if there is a player in position who could possibly crack you. But if you're focused on your keys then the ball, you simply cannot be looking around for somebody who may be blindsiding you. You can't be looking in every direction all at the same time. "Head on a swivel" was created to justify cheap shots, and place the blame on the defender for not seeing it, rather than forcing a blocker to deliver a safe blow. I don't care how cool it looks, or if football isn't tough enough without it, but the crackback, blindside block is a cheap shot, requiring zero skill or technique that can do serious damage. I don't teach it and never have. Using your hands or even screening with your body is just as effective, although not as "cool looking" for those who love the violence or seeing people get hurt.

 

These plays are dangerous, and often players are delivering these shots with the intent to hurt and delivered maliciously, rather than simply make the block. As a former defensive player, and a current coach, I'm glad to see an emphasis on getting rid of these blocks.

Here's another new rule that's concerning. If a receiver is catching a pass a defender can not hit the receiver or try to break up the pass unless he's going for the ball. Another words a receiver is defenseless until he makes the catch and has time to become a runner. Even if the receiver touches the ball you can't hit him until he has time to become a runner.

 

Where can this be seen?

Where can this be seen?

 

It can't it isn't a rule. They took out face guarding a receiver as DPI. Now it's all about contact to receiver before the ball had arrived.

Went to a rules convention this weekend and one of the points of emphasis this year is to call a personal foul on crack blocks. I like seeing players put n motion and cracking a DE or LB'er to get the edge. Even more exciting is setting up the wall n punt returns and having that player peel back and lawimg the wood on the contain player. The new rule emphasizes the blocker has to lead with both hands first then he can add his shoulder. My question to you.. I understand the safety concerns of ear holing a player not involved in a play such as a interception return but to me taking away the crack block might be going to far. Also i worry about getting players wrist broke if you do try to crack and lead with your hands .

 

A hand or wrist injury will result at some point with this point of emphasis. You can also bet that a holding call will be made with this in many instances. Extending your arms/ hands on the open field is what will be seen in a flash by the official.

 

Do not want to see any player suffer a concussion but a legal block made below the shoulders and above the waist on the front half of the defender should not be a penalty regardless of the physical nature. A shot at or above the shoulders is a penalty and should be flagged accordingly.

https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/football-rules-changes-2017/

 

a defender can attempt to break up a pass with their hands etc, but they cannot hit the receiver with shoulder or otherwise to knock the ball loose until the receiver has a chance to become a runner.

 

A related change is that "face guarding" is not illegal

It can't it isn't a rule. They took out face guarding a receiver as DPI. Now it's all about contact to receiver before the ball had arrived.

 

Yep. Here's a link to the rule changes for 2017

 

https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/football-rules-changes-2017/