Mastering the Running Game: Key Insights for Officials in Football
This comprehensive guide provides essential insights for officials overseeing the running game in football. Learn about critical aspects such as pre-snap positioning, key observations at the snap, and necessary adjustments during the run. Explore the intricacies of formations, substitutions, and enforcement of rules like false starts and illegal blocks. With expert advice on red zone management and maintaining focus on the play, this resource equips officials with the knowledge to enhance their game-day performance and ensure fair play.
Mastering the Running Game: Key Insights for Officials in Football
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Presentation Transcript
The Running game WNE/WAIFO Dr. Tom Mawhinney
The Running Game • Pre-snap • At the Snap • During the Run • Red zone/Goal Line • Blocking Philosophy
Pre-snap • All officials – back up into your position • Head Linesman • Always give down to box man • Short/long five • H/L • Motion – your side of ball • Legal formation • Set for one sec – FS • Substitutions – iron cross • Know your key
Pre-snap • Referee • FS – backs • Count in huddle • Throwing side of QB • Wide and deep • Opposite tackle • Umpire • Count offense • Know 5 ineligibles • False starts • Know field position • Adjust to linebacker
Pre-snap • BJ • Play clock-under 20 sec • Read key- switch to zone - POA • 25 yds deep/strong side • Count defense • Think crackback • FJ/SJ • Count defense • Read key • Watch Subs • Game clock (SJ) • 20 yds from LOS
At the Snap/During Run • Umpire • Focus on POA • Chop Blocks • Play outside – observe on back side • Don’t ball watch • Referee • QB/Runner to NZ • Shovel pass • Stay w/QB • Holding POA • Follow play into SZ
At the Snap/During Run • F/S/BJ • Read key • Crackback- blocks by your key • Back pedal • Goal line • Clean up OB • H/L • Tackle/crack back • Lead blockers/ball only after it gets to you • Run away – clean up • See ball – then whistle • Forward progress/next down
Red Zone/Goal Line • F/S/BJ • Inside 25 – goal line • Never be between 5 and goal line • Inside 5 – end line • BJ – inside 20 – end line • H/L • Goal line if snapped inside 5 • Must be on goal line when ball crosses • Inside A’s 3 – reverse mechanics • Inside A’s 5 – L to goal
Blocking Philosophy • Takedowns – call them • No effect on play • Chase mode - all action must be on the side • BIB simultaneous w/tackle – no call unless a PF • Sack – holding can be called – offset • Double team – no hold • WIQ – illegal block occurs in field of play rather than the end zone.
Observations • R - Getting the teams/captains • R- microphone - coin toss • Microphone mechanics • Sideline warnings • End of 1st/3rd quarters • B – alignment on key • Dead-ball action vs getting a ball