7 players on the LOS

[bisonlj]

Let me preface this by saying I was taught to count the backfield once I have a signal that we have 11 players. It's what I got used to and also makes the most sense to me.

First, you have the QB. Then it's just a quick count of guys in the backfield to make sure you don't have more than 3. I like this method because they are usually more in the open while it's hard for me to sometimes tell if I have 2 or 3 guys on my side of the line because a big tackle can hide a guard and sometimes you just see a mass of bodies at this point.

Besides, I can get to 4 faster than 7.

I'm sure it can be done by counting 7 on the line rather than 4 in the backfield but I'm used to what I've been taught. Every good official I've talked to at all levels says they count the backfield as well. From what I understand counting line (and signalling balance, unbalanced, etc.) are very old mechanics that some people haven't changed. Not sure if that's true but that's what I've been taught.