Blocking

In American football, blocking is a legal move occurring when one player obstructs another player's path with his body. The purpose of blocking is to prevent defensive players tackling the ball carrier, or to protect the quarterback, in the pass, in the backfield hand-off to other backs, or when the quarterback attempts to run (rush) with the ball himself. Offensive linemen and fullbacks tend to do the most blocking, although wide receivers are often asked to help block on running plays and halfbacks may be asked to help block on passing plays. As a general rule blocking is a push; one is not allowed to grasp someone or do any sort of pulling otherwise a holding penalty would be forced. Blocking is also not permitted beyond five yards from the line of scrimmage until the quarterback has handed-off (given) the ball to the runner, or a receiver has touched the ball.

See also

• Glossary of American football
• Shepherding - a similar tactic in Australian rules football.

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