Holding (American football)From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In gridiron football, holding is the illegal restraining of another player who is not in possession of the ball. Holding is banned in most football leagues because it does not allow fair play of the game and increases the risk for injury.

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Posted by Bellabama

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Member since Nov 2009

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Posted on 12/14/12 at 3:11 pm to TigerJeff

quote:
Holding is easily the most controversial call in football. Fans see holding on every play, then wonder why the referees don't call it. If you take into account the point of attack, and the concepts of advantages and disadvantages, it's easier to understand.

One other important item on holding. Officials realize that offensive linemen hold defenders, but it's the defenders responsibility to show the hold. In other words, it's not enough for the defender to stand there being held. The defender must make an attempt to move away from his blocker, to go after the ball, fight off the block, and demonstrate that the offensive player is getting an advantage. There are six different types of offensive holding.

Tackling a player - self-explanatory.

Takedown - the best example is an offensive lineman who has a defensive lineman at the shoulders, then does a body twist to take the defender to the ground or throw him off balance.

Pullover - The best example is that of a defensive bull rush which knocks the offensive player down and the offensive lineman pulls defensive down on top of him.

Hook and Restrict - the offensive player gets beat to the outside and sticks his arm out or uses an arm bar to restrict a defensive player.

Grab and Restrict - self-explanatory

Jerk and Restrict - instead of moving feet, pulling the defender around with the hands.

Another key to remember - holding is usually not called on double teams. The exception is when a defender beats a double team and gets held. Usually these are hook and restrict or grab and restrict holds.