Mechanics with 10 players

[RoyGardner]

In terms of counting the offense we (U & R) only extend an arm w/closed fist (a "punch") when A has 11 players. If A has any number less than 11 then we use open right hand folded across chest (open hand on shirt pocket).

[Texas Aggie]

I like Jason's idea about an open hand instead of a fist on the arm extended. I had a play last year where we missed a tackle that wasn't out there. I was HL, we had a hurry up offense and it was lower level, so we were getting everyone lined up. I missed the fact that there wasn't a tackle, counted 4 in the backfield, and we played on. I had two wide-outs on my side and couldn't fully see how many were in the "pit." The coach, 5 yards back, had a perfect view and saw it. So we (meaning I) just missed it.

I've had a question about this all offseason. With everything else the wings have to do, we can't always confirm 11 or on the field or see that 7 are on the line. If anyone has some suggestions here that would help, I'd love to hear them.

[JasonTX]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

I like Jason's idea about an open hand instead of a fist on the arm extended. I had a play last year where we missed a tackle that wasn't out there. I was HL, we had a hurry up offense and it was lower level, so we were getting everyone lined up. I missed the fact that there wasn't a tackle, counted 4 in the backfield, and we played on. I had two wide-outs on my side and couldn't fully see how many were in the "pit." The coach, 5 yards back, had a perfect view and saw it. So we (meaning I) just missed it.

I've had a question about this all offseason. With everything else the wings have to do, we can't always confirm 11 or on the field or see that 7 are on the line. If anyone has some suggestions here that would help, I'd love to hear them.

See my suggestion about counting just the linemen on your side of snapper.

[MJT]

My U and I will confirm 1 down with a thumb down across our chest. Our wings will see this also and we all will be counting backfield players to see if we have an IF. If for some reason my wings miss it, I'll have a flag down. All I need to see is my wings punching on or off to know if we are ok or not. The most important thing is SOMEONE has to have a flag on the ground.

[RoyGardner]

"The most important thing is SOMEONE has to have a flag on the ground."

I'd agree that as always the most important thing is that we get it right. As U if I've only got 10, and I'm looking across the line at a "full house" backfield then I've got a flag on the ground. This is especially important during a hurry-up since there is not a lot of time to get all of the counting mechanics done.

We can always fine tune the signals and mechanics but 1st priority is to get it right. It's a lot easier to pick up a flag then to explain why there was no flag on a illegal formation play that ended in a big gain or TD.