Free Block Zone Question
 

As a coach, I have always followed the "rule" that the FBZ extended from tackle to tackle. Is that what the rule actually says, or does it say that the FBZ extends 4 fds. either side of the ball? Got a bet with a co-coach about this and can't find it on-line anywhere. Thanks for any info...

The rule book states it in yards on either side of the ball. Generally, that would be tackle to tackle - but if could be different depending on the size of the splits. We had one team around here that used to use really wide splits and their tackles were barely in the zone. If I have time later at home, I'll post the exact rule - unless someone else has their book handy.

It's 4 yards to either side of the ball. It has nothing to do with tackles or ends. It's strictly a yardage issue. If any part of the player is within 4 yards of the ball, he's in the FBZ. So it poses no problem for a G, T, and TE to all be in the FBZ in a normal formation.

4-17-1
The free-blocking zone is a rectangular area extending laterally 4 yards either side of the spot of the snap and 3 yards behind each line of scrimmage. A player is in the free-blocking zone when any part of his body is in the zone at the snap.

Unless the lineman are in very tight splits (virtually shoulder to shoulder) the TE is not in the "box". In some cases with wide splits even the tackle may not be in the box.

So you're saying that with wide splits, the tackle will be four yards away from the ball? That's got to be a formation wide enough for half the defense to run through.

An offensive lineman in a three point stance is not going to occupy more than a yard in width. Even with a foot between linemen, there's no reason that part of the TE's body won't be in the FBZ. And if part of his body is in the FBZ, then he's in the FBZ.

Next year, I would suggest that during pregame, you put the ball on a yard line, and half the O line lineup facing the sideline. I've got $10 that says the TE will be in the FBZ in a "normal" formation. I say that because I've done it and know.

We had this debate and in "normal" splits the TE is starting within the FBZ. Wider splits he is not (we walked it off) The T is always in the FBZ unless they run some type of gadget play like the swinging gate. Yeah they could run splits so wide that he is not but I have never seen it nor I would expect not to since as started, it would leave holes so wide the entire defense could get tru. Note that this is with HS aged kids.

Remember, only "part" of the player has to be in the zone for him to be considered "in the zone". The TE normally will be, and unless the DE is outside the TE, he often will be as well.

Thanks everyone...we run a double-wing formation with 7 on the line and virtually no splits between them, so now I know that all 7 guys are within the FBZ (by rule). Thanks...

There's at least one team in this area that uses a spread formation. The splits between the offensive linemen is at least 2 yards, probably wider. You'd think that the defense could easily shoot the gap but it's very difficult to defend. They audible often and run a lot of motion and quick passes.

Working as the umpire it's impossible for me to see both tackles. I make sure to tell the wing officials to help out if they see someone move and don't assume that I'm going to catch it.

REPLY: What team is that Walt??

We have a team in southern New Jersey that does the same thing. Cumberland Regional H.S. Finally, this school hired a new coach. They were 0-8 this year (again). Spread formation, QB draw 2 yds, shotgun incomplete pass, QB draw 2 more yds...punt! The WHOLE game! OK....close.:confused:

Yuck...exactly the opposite of what we are trying to do. Play some smash-mouth football with lots of running plays and misdirection, chew up the clock, keep our D off the field, not let the other teams score so much! Most of our officials like doing our games because they get home earlier than normal!

And, they do this crap down 55-10. Last year late in the 3rd quarter they were down something like 45-3 and kicked a field goal. On the ensuing kickoff they tried an onsides kick! Happens all the time...same team.

Butler High School

REPLY: Yeah...we've had them before. Always been a big passing, run-n-shoot type team. The one thing we've called them on is when their linemen go from a two point stance and they're set way back behind the snapper's butt so they can more easily block the pass rush. One flag and that ends quckly enough.