Football rules exist to eliminate an unfair advantage by one team, as well as limit cheap-shot injuries to defenseless players. Getting a jump before the snap of the football results in a penalty. Blocking a player from behind or unloading on a receiver who is stretched out to make a catch results in a personal foul penalty. Back-to-back penalties can set the offense or defense back and affect a team’s momentum.
Definition
In football circles, back-to-back refers to one after the next, or in succession. Back-to-back penalties against an offense or defense can change the course of a game in some situations. An offense that is penalized on successive plays may be backed up out of scoring range. Back-to-back penalties called against a defense may set the offense up within range of a field goal or an easy touchdown.
Illegal Procedure
When a starting lineman is injured and replaced by a backup, the backup must adjust to the quarterback’s cadence as he calls signals at the line of scrimmage. As a result, over-anxious backups are known to move their feet before the snap of the football. The result is an illegal procedure penalty that sets the offense back 5 yards. It is not uncommon for a backup lineman to move prematurely on back-to-back plays when facing a strong defensive lineman.
Holding
Professional football commentators often comment on the side that referees could call holding on every play. The hand techniques used by offensive blockers are watched closely by the line judge and head referee to ensure blockers do not grab an oncoming defender. Field judges scrutinize activity between receivers and defensive backs to ensure neither player is holding. Grabbing the opposing player in either situation can result in a 10-yard holding penalty. Back-to-back holding penalties against a team results in a 20-yard advantage for the opposition.
Personal Fouls
Blocking in the back, slamming a player’s helmet and intentionally grabbing a player’s face mask are personal fouls that result in a 15-yard penalty. Rarely do personal fouls occur on back-to-back plays by one team, because the setback tends to make sheep out of wolves on the successive play. However, an overzealous player, out to recover the penalty yardage accessed against his team, is not uncommon. Experienced coaches understand the need to calm their players after major penalties. The last thing a football team needs are back-to-back penalties that begin with a 15-yard setback.
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