Football is a sport that requires a combination of strength, speed, agility, technique, and strategy. One aspect of this game that has become increasingly scrutinized in recent years is player safety.
With the increased awareness of the dangers of concussions and other injuries, there has been a focus on reducing the number of high-risk hits during games. One type of hit that has come under scrutiny is the crackback block.
What is a Crackback Block in Football? A crackback block is an offensive player’s blindside block that hits a defender who is not facing them.
This block is usually executed when the ball carrier is running in open field, and an oncoming defender is pursuing them from the side or behind. A wide receiver or tight end, who is lined up on the opposite side of the field, will run back towards the middle of the field and block the oncoming defender.
The block is usually done at full speed, causing a collision that is often unplanned. The difference between a crackback block and a traditional block is that a traditional block is executed by a lineman or running back, and the defender being blocked is usually aware of their presence.
The defender might be pursuing the ball carrier, or trying to break through the offensive line to get to the quarterback. In either case, the defender has some awareness of the lineman or running back who is blocking them.
Execution and Possibility
Crackback blocks can be devastating hits, especially if the defender is caught off guard. The oncoming defender is often unable to brace themselves for the impact, making the hit more dangerous.
Wide receivers and tight ends who execute these blocks are usually athletic and fast, which means that the collision is often done at high speed. This can increase the likelihood of injury for both the offensive and defensive players involved.
Scenarios and Examples
A common scenario where a crackback block is used is on a run play. The quarterback hands the ball off to the running back, who starts to run towards the sideline.
Meanwhile, a wide receiver or tight end who is lined up on the opposite side of the field runs back towards the middle of the field to block an outside linebacker or other oncoming defender. The outside linebacker is often expecting the blocker to engage with them face-to-face, so a crackback block can take them by surprise.
Another scenario where a crackback block might be used is on a punt return. A return man catches the ball and starts to run upfield, with other players blocking for them.
The return man might run towards one sideline, with blockers moving in that direction. Meanwhile, a wide receiver or tight end runs back towards the middle of the field to block any oncoming defenders.
Are Crackback Blocks Illegal in Football? Player safety is a top priority in football.
To that end, there are a number of banned techniques, including crackback blocks. Here are the different rules that govern this type of block in the different levels of football:
NFL Rulebook
The NFL rulebook prohibits peel back blocks (which includes crackback blocks) that involve contact below the waist. This rule is in place to protect players from serious leg injuries.
In addition, any player who initiates contact on the opposite side of the field from the original play is prevented from making contact with an opponent on the side of the play.
Youth Football Rule
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has a rule that prohibits blindside blocks. A blindside block is a block that a player initiates against an opponent who is not expecting the contact.
This rule is designed to protect players from blows to the head or neck, which can cause serious injuries.
College Football Rule
The targeting rule in college football is designed to prevent players from making dangerous hits to opponents. This rule prohibits players from targeting an opponent with the crown of their helmet, or any hit that is intended to injure the opposition.
This rule also applies to crackback blocks that are deemed dangerous.
NFL Crackback Block Rule
The NFL allows crackback blocks as long as they are executed within the tackle box and made with the shoulders, not the waist. A crackback block is legal if the blocker is in motion, and the block occurs before the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage.
Illegal Blocks in Football
Apart from crackback blocks, there are several other illegal blocks in football. These include block in the back, clipping, chop block, holding, hands to the facemask, and personal fouls.
In conclusion, football is a sport that requires proper execution, technique, strategy, and safety. Understanding what a crackback block is, the difference between a crackback block and traditional block, scenarios where it might be used, and the different rules governing its legality is crucial.
It helps to prevent dangerous hits that can lead to injuries, and helps to maintain the integrity and fairness of the game. Football is a sport that revolves around physical contact, making it a high-risk environment for players.
The risk of injury is multiplied when players participate in illegal moves such as “blocks in the back.” The block in the back is a prohibited move that occurs when a player strikes a member of the opposing team on their back. Understanding why this block is illegal is crucial for ensuring the safety of players.
Why Are Blocks in the Back Illegal? Blocks in the back are illegal for a number of reasons.
First, they fall under the category of blindside blocks. These blocks are made when a player strikes another player when they are not looking, which can cause serious injury.
The element of surprise and lack of anticipation are what makes blindside blocks so dangerous. Another reason why blocks in the back are illegal is that they often result in clipping.
Clipping is a term used when a player strikes an opponent who is running parallel or away from the play from behind, often at or below the waist. Any contact associated with clipping is a 10-yard penalty.
Clipping can lead to serious leg injuries like sprains and tears, resulting in potential seasons’ ending injuries.
Relevance to Blindside Blocks
Blindside blocks are considered illegal because they often result in forcible contact and can cause injuries to both players. When a player strikes another player from the side or behind, the impact is often much stronger, with more force than if both players were to collide head-to-head.
As such, when a block in the back occurs, the risk of injury to the player being blocked is often higher and can lead to concussion, spinal cord injuries, and even death. Understanding the rules governing the block in the back is crucial because the application of these rules can be challenging.
Referees face decisions on whether to call penalties or not, which can be a difficult task. However, by following the proper rules around blocks in the back, it can be easier to identify illegitimate moves, make the correct calls, and help ensure that players are kept safe.
Safety Concerns
Player safety should always be the top priority in sports, especially in a physically demanding contact sport like football. Blocks in the back increase the risk of injury, making them illegal.
It is essential to empower players to protect themselves and use only legal moves when playing. Players need to be knowledgeable about the rules and understand the importance of acting with sportsmanship when participating.
Alternatives to Crackback Blocks
While a crackback block is a unique technique, it is not the only move that can be deployed to block defenders. Many moves are both more legal and safer.
One move is called the “hook block,” which is used to block defenders coming from the outside. This block involves the offensive player grabbing the opposing player at the shoulder pad and guiding them to the ground.
Another block is called the “reach block,” which is used when an offensive player lines up across a defender and is responsible for blocking them to the inside. This block involves the offensive player reaching out to get their hands on the defender, then pushing them to the side.
Other alternatives to crackback blocks rely on teamwork. For example, the offensive line to execute a double-team block to take down defenders.
The offensive player can use these blocks as some plays also provide more flexibility to adjust based on the opposing team’s moves. In conclusion, blocks in the back may have once been considered legal moves, but with increased awareness of player safety, rule changes have been instilled to keep players safe.
It is important for players to understand why these blocks are illegal and what alternatives are available. Laws are in place because of the dangers associated with illegal moves like this.
As such, understanding the rules and following best practices can help protect players and ensure a fair game. In conclusion, blocks in the back are illegal in football because they are blindside blocks that can result in forcible contact and serious injuries.
Clipping is another concern associated with blocks in the back that can cause leg injuries, which is why officials enforce strict rules to keep players safe. It is essential to understand these rules and follow safer alternatives to block defenders for the ball carrier.
Understanding the importance of player safety is a significant takeaway as football remains a contact sport that requires everyone’s efforts to avoid injuries.
FAQs:
1) Why are blindside blocks so dangerous?
Blindside blocks are dangerous because the element of surprise and lack of anticipation can lead to more forceful and aggressive collisions. 2) What is clipping, and how is it connected to blocks in the back?
Clipping is a term used to describe a block in which a player strikes an opponent who is running parallel or away from the play from behind, often at or below the waist. Blocks in the back can often lead to clipping, which is why officials are strict when enforcing the rules around these moves.
3) What are some safer alternatives to crackback blocks? Some safer alternatives to crackback blocks include hook blocks, reach blocks, double-team blocks, and teamwork tactics.
4) Why should player safety be a top priority in football? Player safety should be a top priority in football because it is a contact sport where injuries can occur.
Risky and illegal moves increase the risk of injury, which can impact a player’s future games and his life outside of sports.