In football, penalties can dramatically affect the outcome of a game, especially when it comes to defensive fouls like defensive holding and pass interference. While both infractions involve illegal actions by a defender, they are distinct in their definitions, penalties, and when they occur during a play. Understanding the key differences between defensive holding and pass interference can help fans, players, and coaches alike better navigate the complexities of the game. This article explains the differences between these two penalties, outlining when each is called, the rules governing them, and the impact they have on the game.
Defensive holding occurs when a defensive player illegally grabs or restricts an offensive player who is not in possession of the ball. This infraction typically happens before the quarterback has thrown the ball or before the offensive player is in a position to catch it. Defensive holding is often called when a defender impedes the movement of a receiver, preventing them from getting open or running their route.
Defensive holding can occur at any point before the ball is thrown, as long as the offensive player is not attempting to make a catch. It usually happens within the first five yards of the line of scrimmage, but it can be called beyond that if a defender grabs or holds a receiver, limiting their ability to run freely.
In the NFL, defensive holding results in a five-yard penalty and an automatic first down for the offense. Even if the play was incomplete, the offense benefits from the penalty by gaining five yards and continuing their drive with a fresh set of downs. In college football, the penalty is similar—a 10-yard penalty but without an automatic first down unless the hold happens against an eligible receiver.
Pass interference occurs when a defender makes contact with an eligible receiver after the ball has been thrown, restricting their ability to catch the pass. Unlike defensive holding, pass interference specifically involves actions that occur after the ball is in the air and is directed toward the receiver. Pass interference can be called on either the offense or defense, but it’s more commonly associated with defensive infractions.
Pass interference is called once the ball is in the air and the receiver is attempting to catch it. The defender cannot initiate contact in a way that prevents the receiver from catching the ball, such as pushing, grabbing, or impeding the receiver’s ability to reach the ball. This penalty can occur anywhere on the field, including in the end zone, and is one of the more impactful fouls in football due to the yardage it can result in.
In the NFL, defensive pass interference is a spot foul, meaning the offense is awarded the ball at the spot where the interference occurred. If the interference happens in the end zone, the ball is placed at the one-yard line. This can result in a significant gain for the offense, especially on deep throws. In college football, the penalty for defensive pass interference is 15 yards from the previous line of scrimmage, regardless of where the interference occurred on the field.
One of the most critical differences between defensive holding and pass interference is the timing of when the penalty occurs. Defensive holding happens before the quarterback throws the ball. The defender is penalized for restricting the receiver’s movement, even though the ball has not been thrown toward the receiver yet.
In contrast, pass interference occurs after the ball has been thrown. The foul is called when the defender makes illegal contact with the receiver, preventing them from catching the pass.
The type of contact also sets these two penalties apart. Defensive holding usually involves grabbing or holding onto the jersey or body of the offensive player to impede their movement. It does not require the ball to be in the air and is often less severe than pass interference in terms of the action involved.
Pass interference, on the other hand, involves more significant contact, such as pushing, pulling, or physically obstructing the receiver as they try to make the catch. Since this contact occurs when the ball is already in play, it’s considered a more serious infraction.
The yardage assessed for these two penalties is also different. Defensive holding results in a five-yard penalty (NFL) and an automatic first down. The impact is generally less significant, especially on deep throws, since the penalty is limited to five yards regardless of where the infraction occurred.
Pass interference, especially in the NFL, can be a game-changing penalty. Since it’s a spot foul, the offense is awarded the ball at the spot of the interference, which could mean a gain of 40 or 50 yards on deep throws. In college football, the penalty is less severe, as it’s limited to a 15-yard gain, no matter where the interference occurred.
Both penalties result in an automatic first down for the offense, but this is where the NFL and college football differ. In the NFL, both defensive holding and pass interference lead to an automatic first down. In college, defensive holding does not result in an automatic first down unless it happens against an eligible receiver, but pass interference always does.
Understanding the key differences between defensive holding and pass interference is essential for anyone involved in the game—whether you’re a player, coach, or fan. Defensive holding happens before the ball is thrown and involves a defender illegally restricting an offensive player’s movement. Pass interference occurs after the ball is in the air and involves illegal contact that prevents a receiver from making a catch.
Both penalties can have significant impacts on the game, but pass interference is generally seen as the more severe of the two, especially in the NFL, where it can result in massive gains for the offense. By knowing the rules and the implications of each penalty, teams can better strategize, and fans can better appreciate the nuances of the game.
