Defensive Basics

• Blocking: A defensive player may block any receiver only one time within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. The blocker is only allowed to contact the portion of the opponent's body between the waist and shoulders and the blocker's hands or forearms must be in front or to the side of the player being blocked.
• Rushing: A rusher must start beyond the neutral zone; 5 yards off the line of scrimmage. The player may begin to rush as soon as the ball is snapped. There is no limit to the number of people who can rush from 5 yards. A rusher must avoid charging into any offensive player specifically blockers by a) making a stop prior to contact or b) clearly changing direction in an effort to avoid contact. Once the main rusher(s) has crossed the line of scrimmage, any player may cross the line of scrimmage to rush.
• The play is over if the ball carrier's flags are removed.

Common Defensive Fouls:

• A defensive player may not cross the line of scrimmage before their rusher.
• A defensive player may only block any given receiver once within 5 yards and may not block past 5 yards.
• A blockers arms must be bent with the elbows close to the torso. Full extension is not allowed.