5 man mechanics

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by parepat

I think I disagree with most of the posts here. Assuming both are the official and a player can run a 6 second forty they can cover 10 yards in a second and a half. Thus, if an official is 20 yards ahead of a play and needs to come back the play. He can get within 10 yards of the runner within 3/4ths of a second. However, once a player is beyond you, you will never get closer to the play. One a 50 yard play it is unlikely that you will be able to see a close out of bounds play. THus, I believe that by moving down field, the official has a better opportunity to be in good position for more plays. Therefore, I would have my wings head down 15 yards if not threatened and work back to the ball.

Two things for you - 1) if you disagree with MOST of the people here on a mechanic, there's probably a reason, and if I were in your shoes I'd wonder why I was doing it wrong. 2) what you suggest is a fantastic way to get caught up in the middle of a sweep, screen, or rollout, and have NO view of the play. A mechanic created so that you have a better view on a 50-yard play at the expense of a worse view on most shorter plays is going to hinder you more often than it helps. The wing does not ever want to be AHEAD of the action (at least not with 5 or greater man mechanics)