What is a chop block in football?
A Chop Block is a block by the offense in which one offensive player (designated as A1 for purposes of this rule) blocks a defensive player in the area of the thigh or lower while another offensive player (A2) engages that same defensive player above the waist.
When did chop blocks become illegal?
1980
In the NCAA, chop blocks are penalized by a 15-yard loss. Chop blocks were first banned in the NCAA in 1980.
Can a lineman cut block?
It is common for players, specifically offensive lineman, to block below the waist as the play starts. When offensive lineman do this, it is called a cut block. A cut block is not illegal unless executed outside of the confines of the rule book.
Where are cut blocks legal?
Linemen with initial position completely inside the tackle box may legally block below the waist inside the tackle box until the ball leaves the tackle box. All other Team A players are allowed to block below the waist only if the force of the initial contact is directed from the front.
Is chop block the same as clipping?
Also in the same vein as clipping is a chop block. A chop block is an attempt by an offensive player to block at the lower leg level a defensive player who is already being blocked above the waist by another offensive player. Like clipping, a chop block results in a 15-yard penalty. What Is an Offensive Lineman?
What makes a cut block illegal?
Two parts of the cut-block rule are new for 2018: If an offensive player blocks someone below the waist more than five yards beyond the line of scrimmage, it’s illegal. Only interior linemen can block below the waist from the side. Everyone else’s blocks below the waist must come from the front.
What blocks are illegal in the NFL?
In gridiron football, blocking below the waist is an illegal block, from any direction, below the waist by any defensive player or by an offensive player under certain situations, by any player after change of possession, with certain exceptions. It is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a “chop block”.
Can you still cut block in the NFL?
These “chop blocks” will now only be permitted on plays from scrimmage. An infraction involving an illegal block below the waist will now result in a 15-yard penalty. The approved change arrives as the league continues its focus on player safety in an attempt to eliminate severe lower body injuries.