Can a receiver on the line go in motion?

Asked by: Toby Yundt  |  Last update: February 8, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (29 votes)

In all forms of football, only players in the backfield and not on the line of scrimmage may be in motion at the time of the snap. Prior to starting the motion, all players on the offensive side must be in a set formation for a minimum of one second.

Can a WR on the line go in motion?

The portion of the NFL rulebook under scrutiny reads as such: “If an eligible receiver who is on the line of scrimmage moves backward or changes his stance (two point to three point or conversely) and does not come to a complete stop before the snap, it is a false start.

Which receiver goes in motion?

A Z receiver is off the line of scrimmage and is typically the 'move' receiver, the flanker who is often in motion and can also be utilized out of the slot. The Z receiver is typically on the opposite side of the X, and on the same side as the Y (tight end), but not always, of course.

What are the rules for motion in football?

Rule Summary View Official Rule

When the ball is snapped, one player who is lined up in the backfield may be in motion, provided that he is moving parallel to or away from the line of scrimmage. No player is permitted to be moving toward the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.

What are illegal formations in football?

What is an illegal formation? An illegal formation is called when the offense does not have enough players on the line of scrimmage or those players on the line are not in the correct spots. Teams must have seven or more players on the line of scrimmage and eligible receivers must be on both ends of the line.

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37 related questions found

What makes a receiver ineligible?

A player who cannot legally catch a forward pass. This includes offensive players who do not line up for a play on either end of the offensive line or at least one yard behind it when the ball is snapped. Offensive players wearing numbers 50–79, are ineligible unless they report as eligible to the referee.

Why is the flying wedge illegal in football?

Deland and first introduced by Harvard in a collegiate game against Yale in 1892. Teammates would lock themselves together with the ball carrier using their hands and arms and rush forward. But despite its practicality, it was outlawed two seasons later in 1894 because of its contribution to serious injury.

What is the new motion rule in football?

The rule for players in motion was adjusted in the most recent rulebook to read, in part: "Any eligible backfield player who changes his stance does not have to come to a complete stop prior to the snap, as long as his actions are not abrupt (false start) or forward (illegal motion)."

Can you go in motion in front of the ball?

Additionally, the NFL (professional), NCAA (college), and NFHSAA (high school) require that they be moving laterally or backwards; they are not allowed to be moving towards the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped.

What are the rules for making a motion?

Motion: To introduce a new piece of business or propose a decision or action, a motion must be made by a group member ("I move that......") A second motion must then also be made (raise your hand and say, "I second it.") After limited discussion the group then votes on the motion.

What is a receiver motion?

In California, a receiver is appointed by the court when one party in a lawsuit files a motion seeking the appointment of a receiver. Receivers are appointed pursuant to court order. Different courts and different judges have different rules and procedures related to the appointment of a receiver.

When can the offensive line move?

In pass plays offensive lineman need to remain at or behind the line of scrimmage until the football is thrown. Once the football has been released by the passer the offensive lineman can run anywhere he wants just like a running play.

Can I put a WR in Flex?

The flex position in fantasy football is a starting roster spot that allows you to use more than one type of position player, typically a RB, WR or TE. The flex allows you to get an additional potential point scorer into your lineup.

Does the outside receiver have to be on the line?

OFFENSIVE TEAM

Eligible receivers must be on both ends of the line, and all of the players on the line between them must be ineligible receivers.

Can a WR push a DB off the line?

Receivers can get holding calls, and PI calls, but not illegal contact. But even if an offensive player could do that, illegal contact can't be called while at or near the line of scrimmage. You get a cushion in which contact is fine.

Can a receiver on the line of scrimmage go in motion?

Important note: At the snap, you must have at least 7 players on the line of scrimmage. If the receiver going in motion starts on the line, he must either reset on the line once he has motioned or another receiver must move up to the line of scrimmage and be set before the snap.

What is the dolphins cheat motion?

Made popular by the Miami Dolphins, cheat motion is essentially when a player goes in motion and just before the snap, he angles toward the line of scrimmage to almost get a running start. It was used often with Tyreek Hill and became a huge advantage for the Dolphins because of his speed against a stationary defender.

What is rule 17 in the NFL?

Under Rule 17 of the NFL rulebook, the commissioner also has the authority to overturn a game result (that is, order a forfeit loss to the offending team and a walkover win for the wronged team), order the game to be fully replayed, or to discard the results of the game from the unfair act onward and resume play from ...

What are the new NFL rule changes for 2024?

2024 Rule Changes

12-2-18 | Prohibits the “hip-drop” tackling technique. 14-5-2 | Allows for an enforcement of a major foul by the offense prior to a change of possession in a situation where there are fouls by both teams. 15-1-1 | Provides a team with a third challenge if successful on at least one of its challenges.

Is flopping illegal in the NFL?

NFL players can be penalized for the big umbrella “unsportsmanlike conduct” infraction, but there isn't an official rule against flopping, and Aikman urged the league to address that during one of his several conversations with Joe Buck over the officiating in the Chiefs' 23-14 victory.

Is it illegal to spike the ball in football?

A spike can only be legally performed when the passer is under center, performs the spike immediately after the snap in a single continuous movement, and when the game clock is running.

When did the NFL get rid of the wedge?

In 2009, the rules were modified to prevent three or more defensive players from forming a wedge to block for the return man on kickoff returns. This change, aimed at reducing injuries, came about only after the Competition Committee members had meticulously examined hours of film of kickoffs.