WR - false start vs. illegal motion vs. illegal shift

[Mike L]

Here's the way I see the diffs

False Start is simulating the start of the play. A back that suddenly lurches or stumbles forward has false started no matter how much he tries to make it look like he was just going in motion.

Illegal Shift is when more than one player moves/shifts at the same time and they don't all set before the snap. If one sets, and the other remains in motion, you still have an illegal shift.

Illegal Motion is when all have set and 1 player goes into motion but is in motion illegally. Typically this happens when the motion man is moving forward at the snap. This includes a back that starts into motion legally (ie not false starting) which can be done by moving forward first and the snap happens before he turns to move parallel or backward. If the motion man turns up early before the snap, he's false started.

As for your play, you have to make a decision if his action simulated the start or he was just starting into motion. I'd say if you have any doubt which one it is, go with false start and shut the mess down.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Mike L

Here's the way I see the diffs

False Start is simulating the start of the play. A back that suddenly lurches or stumbles forward has false started no matter how much he tries to make it look like he was just going in motion.

Illegal Shift is when more than one player moves/shifts at the same time and they don't all set before the snap. If one sets, and the other remains in motion, you still have an illegal shift.

Illegal Motion is when all have set and 1 player goes into motion but is in motion illegally. Typically this happens when the motion man is moving forward at the snap. This includes a back that starts into motion legally (ie not false starting) which can be done by moving forward first and the snap happens before he turns to move parallel or backward. If the motion man turns up early before the snap, he's false started.

As for your play, you have to make a decision if his action simulated the start or he was just starting into motion. I'd say if you have any doubt which one it is, go with false start and shut the mess down.

I completely agree. The only thing that might need to be added, if the defense moves at what might be an abrupt action, then consider this a false start on the offense if the movement could go either way.

Peace