Blocking Below the Waist - Shot Gun
Posted: 10/14/2014
Q: Since linemen can block below the waist with initial contact while the ball is in the free blocking zone, is it legal for the center to block below the waist on a cutoff for the pulling guard if the QB has his heels on the 3 yard mark and hands off in front to the back following a trap block? I say yes. If the QB is at 4 yards, it would be questionable. Your thoughts?
A: As long as it is immediate and at the snap it is legal within NFHS rules. If the quarterback was within three yards, blocking below the waist could occur. If the quarterback took a step back and then the block occurred, we would have a penalty.
