In football, the offensive line plays a crucial role in protecting the quarterback and creating lanes for running backs, but with this responsibility comes the risk of penalties, especially offensive holding. Offensive holding is one of the most common infractions in the game, and while it may seem like a routine part of football, its impact on a team’s momentum and strategy can be significant. In this article, we’ll break down what offensive holding is, how it impacts the game, and the common mistakes players make that lead to this costly penalty.
Offensive holding occurs when an offensive player, usually a lineman, illegally grabs, pulls, or holds a defender to prevent them from reaching the ball carrier or quarterback. According to the rules, offensive players are allowed to block defenders by using their hands or bodies, but they cannot grasp a defender’s jersey, arms, or body in a way that restricts their movement.
This penalty is most often called when an offensive lineman is protecting the quarterback in pass protection or attempting to clear space during a running play. However, any offensive player, including tight ends, wide receivers, or even running backs, can be called for holding.
The penalty for offensive holding is one of the harsher infractions in terms of yardage. In the NFL, a holding call results in a 10-yard penalty from the spot of the foul. This can severely set back the offense, especially if the holding occurred behind the line of scrimmage, which can turn manageable down-and-distance situations into long yardage scenarios like 1st-and-20 or 2nd-and-18.
In college football, the penalty is similar, with a 10-yard loss, and it can be a drive-killer if not managed carefully.
One of the biggest impacts of offensive holding is its ability to kill drives. A 10-yard penalty can turn a promising offensive series into a tough uphill battle. For example, a successful 1st-and-10 play can quickly become a 1st-and-20 or even worse if the holding occurred in the backfield. This forces teams into more predictable passing situations, making it harder to convert first downs.
Offensive holding often negates big plays as well. Imagine a running back breaking off a 20-yard gain or a wide receiver catching a deep pass, only for the entire play to be called back due to a holding penalty. This not only costs yardage but can also crush the momentum of the offense.
After an offensive holding penalty, the offense often finds itself in difficult situations like 1st-and-20 or 2nd-and-18. These long-yardage situations limit the offensive playbook, as teams are more likely to call passing plays to gain the necessary yardage. This makes the offense more predictable and gives the defense an advantage, knowing that the chances of a run play are slim.
Holding calls can be especially damaging to the running game. When offensive linemen are flagged for holding, it usually means they’ve failed to cleanly block a defender, potentially disrupting the offensive line’s rhythm. As a result, running backs may find fewer clean running lanes, and coaches may hesitate to call running plays if they believe the linemen are struggling to avoid holding penalties.
One of the most common reasons offensive linemen are called for holding is poor hand placement. Linemen are allowed to engage defenders with their hands as long as they keep their hands within the defender's frame, often referred to as the “strike zone.” However, if the lineman’s hands slip outside the shoulders or around the back of the defender, it’s more likely to be seen as holding. Defenders will often use swim moves or spin moves to force offensive linemen into bad positions, leading to holding calls.
Another major cause of holding penalties is when an offensive player grabs the defender’s jersey to keep them from getting past. Even a slight tug on the jersey can be enough for officials to throw a flag, especially if it noticeably alters the defender’s movement. This often happens when offensive linemen are out of position and use their hands as a last resort to prevent a sack or stop a defender from breaking into the backfield.
When offensive linemen overextend or lose balance, they are more likely to grab and hold onto defenders to avoid being beaten. Defenders who use speed and quickness to get around linemen can force them into overreaching, which increases the chance of committing holding penalties. Keeping proper footwork and balance is crucial for linemen to avoid these situations.
Holding is more likely to be called when offensive players are blocking in open space, such as during screen passes or running plays to the outside. In these situations, the action is more visible to referees, and defenders are often in motion, making it easier to detect holding. Offensive players, particularly wide receivers or pulling linemen, need to be especially careful when blocking in space to avoid being flagged.
One of the best ways for offensive players to avoid holding penalties is to focus on maintaining proper footwork and balance. By staying in front of defenders and using correct technique, linemen are less likely to rely on holding to stop defenders from reaching the quarterback or ball carrier. Training to maintain leverage and keeping a strong base is critical.
Offensive linemen are taught to keep their hands inside the defender’s chest, within the legal blocking area. By focusing on proper hand placement, players can avoid grabbing or wrapping their arms around defenders, reducing the likelihood of being penalized for holding. Coaches emphasize drills that help players develop this technique.
When an offensive player is beaten by a defender, they may instinctively try to hold to prevent the defender from making a big play. However, it’s often better to let the defender go than to commit a holding penalty that results in a 10-yard loss. Sometimes, the best approach is to give up a minimal loss rather than risk a more damaging penalty.
Offensive holding is one of the most common and impactful penalties in football. A 10-yard penalty can derail a drive, stifle momentum, and put the offense in difficult down-and-distance situations. For offensive linemen and other players, avoiding holding penalties requires discipline, proper technique, and an understanding of the rules.
By focusing on balance, hand placement, and footwork, offensive players can reduce the likelihood of being flagged for holding, keeping their team’s offense on track. For fans, understanding how and why holding is called can offer deeper insights into the challenges offensive linemen face and how the game is played in the trenches.
