Man in Motion on the Line

[Ed Hickland]

Originally posted by BktBallRef
I believe you rule interpretation to be correct. He must either be in motion 5 yards behind the LOS or reset as a back.

In lower level games, I usually inform the coach of the rule and they do, at least, make the player go in motion behind the linemen. I think this is one of those often ignored rules and honestly, don't see the need for it.

There was an excellent reason for the rule. Previous to last year's rule change a player could enter the free blocking zone with momentum and block below the waist.

Having that player go back 5 yards placed him outside the FBZ; therefore, he was unable to legally block below the waist.