The box in football is an area of the field defined by the offensive linemen after they line up for a play. An offense has two tackle positions that bookend the offensive line. The middle area of the field, from the outside shoulder of one offensive tackle to the outside shoulder of the other tackle, is referred to as the box. Rules that apply to the box are intended to limit injuries and prevent an unfair advantage by either team.
Offside
One of the penalties that can be called prior to the snap of the football is offside. The area between the offensive and defensive lines at the line of scrimmage is referred to as the neutral zone, which is monitored by a linesman on the officiating crew. His position at the side of the field affords a clear view of the neutral zone and the football. Offside applies to defensive linemen who enter the neutral zone before the ball is snapped to begin a play. The penalty assessed against the defense for offside is five yards.
Illegal Procedure
Illegal procedure applies to offensive players prior to the snap of the ball. After an offensive lineman is in the set position at the line of scrimmage, he cannot move until the ball is snapped. An offensive lineman assigned to block for pass protection may try to get a split-second advantage against a rushing defensive lineman by anticipating the snap of the ball. The slightest flinch by an offensive lineman prior to the snap constitutes illegal procedure. The penalty is five yards without loss of a down. For example, if illegal procedure is called on second down, the ball is moved back five yards and it remains second down.
Holding
The head umpire and the field judge monitor activity within the box area. Offensive linemen are permitted to extend their arms when blocking a defensive player, but can be penalized for holding if they grab a defender in order to gain an advantage. The penalty for offensive holding is 10 yards with no loss of a down. Defensive players are permitted to grab an offensive lineman and attempt to knock him off balance in order to create a clear path to the offensive backfield. However, they cannot manipulate an offensive lineman by grabbing the facemask or pulling that player to the ground. The penalty for defensive holding is five yards and an automatic first down for the offense.
Tripping
The tripping rule prohibits offensive linemen from extending a foot and tripping a charging defender. This applies whether an offensive lineman is upright or on the ground. The penalty is enforced as a personal foul that carries a 15-yard penalty.
Intentional Grounding
Intentional grounding is called when a quarterback attempts to avoid being tackled for a loss by throwing the football to an area of the field not occupied by a teammate. The rule is clear that, so long as the quarterback is within the box from tackle to tackle, he cannot intentionally ground the ball. If the quarterback runs outside of the box, he can throw the ball away to avoid a loss. Intentional grounding results in a 10-yard penalty and loss of that down.
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