Leverage penalty in football

What is the leverage penalty in football?

The term "leverage penalty" in football, while not an official designation by governing bodies like the NFL or NCAA, is often used by coaches, analysts, and fans to describe situations where a team gains an unfair advantage due to specific positioning or leverage that circumvents or exploits existing rules. It's more of a conceptual understanding of strategic positioning that can lead to infractions rather than a standalone penalty called "leverage." This concept typically arises in the trenches, particularly involving offensive and defensive linemen, where gaining and maintaining proper leverage is paramount to success.

Essentially, a "leverage penalty" in this context occurs when a player's body position or the way they engage an opponent creates a situation that, if not carefully managed, can result in an illegal action. This could be an offensive lineman using an illegal chop block or a defensive player using their leverage to drive a blocker too low, leading to an unnecessary roughness call. The intent isn't always malicious, but the outcome can be a penalty that significantly impacts the game.

Offensive line leverage and potential penalties

On the offensive side of the ball, maintaining proper leverage is crucial for protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes. Offensive linemen strive to get their pads low and drive their feet through their opponent, using their base and body weight to control the defensive player. However, this pursuit of leverage can sometimes lead to penalties:

• Holding: While not directly a "leverage penalty," a lineman who loses their leverage and is being driven back might resort to grabbing the defender's jersey or arm to maintain their position. This is a clear holding penalty. For example, in a crucial third-down situation, if an offensive tackle is beaten inside by a pass rusher, he might instinctively hook the rusher's arm to prevent a sack, resulting in a 10-yard penalty and a first down for the opponent.
• Chop Blocks: These are often where the concept of "leverage penalty" is most frequently discussed. A chop block occurs when one offensive player blocks a defender at the knee or below while another offensive player is engaged with the same defender at the waist or above. This can be extremely dangerous, as the defender's legs are vulnerable. While legal in some limited scenarios (e.g., against a defensive lineman who is already engaged with another offensive lineman at the waist or above), it's often penalized as illegal blocking. A well-executed but illegal chop block can create a huge lane for a running back, making the temptation to execute one high.
• False Start/Delay of Game: While not directly related to physical leverage during a play, a lineman's eagerness to gain an advantageous starting position or their anticipation of the snap can lead to these pre-snap penalties.

Understanding the nuances of legal blocking schemes and the referees' interpretations is key for offensive lines to avoid these infractions. The objective is to use leverage effectively without crossing the line into illegal tactics.

Defensive line leverage and strategic infractions

Defensive linemen also rely heavily on leverage, aiming to get under the pads of their offensive line counterparts to drive them backward or to shed blocks effectively. Poor leverage for a defender can lead to being easily moved, but the strategic use of leverage can sometimes flirt with penalty territory:

• Roughing the Passer: Defenders who are pursuing the quarterback and are unable to stop their momentum due to their engagement with an offensive lineman might be flagged for roughing the passer. This often happens when a defender has leveraged himself to get past a blocker and then, unable to change direction quickly, tackles the quarterback unnecessarily. The principle is that the defender has gained leverage to make a play on the ball or the passer, but their execution leads to an illegal hit. For instance, a defensive end might get around the tackle, but due to the tackle's leverage to recover, the defender continues through and hits the quarterback low or late.
• Unnecessary Roughness: Similar to roughing the passer, this can occur when a defender uses their leverage to drive an opponent into the ground unnecessarily after the play is over or in a way that is deemed excessive. A classic example might be a defensive lineman driving an offensive lineman to the ground with excessive force long after the whistle has blown or the ball is dead.
• Facemask: While not strictly a leverage penalty, a defender trying to disengage from a block by using their leverage might inadvertently grab the facemask of the offensive lineman. This is a common penalty that stems from the struggle for position and leverage.

Defensive players must balance aggressive pursuit with controlled aggression to avoid giving up costly penalties that extend drives or give the offense automatic first downs.

The strategic importance of understanding leverage

Coaches spend countless hours drilling proper technique to maximize leverage while minimizing the risk of penalties. It's a delicate balance. A team that consistently commits "leverage penalties" is often seen as undisciplined and lacking in fundamental technique. Conversely, teams that master leverage can dictate the line of scrimmage, control the tempo of the game, and create turnovers.

Consider the concept of "swim moves" or "rip moves" used by defensive linemen. These techniques are designed to use leverage and momentum to shed blocks. A poorly executed swim move, however, can lead to an offensive lineman getting leverage and holding the defender. The success of these moves often hinges on the defender's ability to create an angle and use the offensive lineman's own leverage against them.

In college football, where players may be less experienced, the application and understanding of leverage can vary significantly. This often leads to more frequent penalties related to blocking schemes and positional play. Professional leagues, with their highly skilled athletes and sophisticated coaching, see fewer blatant violations, but the strategic use of leverage to draw penalties (or avoid them) is a constant cat-and-mouse game.

Impact of leverage penalties on game flow

The impact of penalties stemming from leverage can be profound. A holding penalty on the offensive line can kill a promising drive and force a team to punt from deep in their own territory. A chop block can negate a huge gain for a running back and result in a loss of down and significant yardage. On defense, roughing the passer or unnecessary roughness can give the opposing team free yards and even automatic first downs, completely changing field position and momentum.

In a close game, especially in the NFL where games are often decided by a field goal, these "leverage penalties" can be the deciding factor. For instance, if a team is driving for a go-ahead score in the final minutes and commits an offensive holding penalty that pushes them back, it significantly reduces their chances of scoring. Conversely, a defensive penalty that gives the offense a first down when they were facing third and long can extend a drive and lead to a game-winning touchdown.

The referees are trained to interpret leverage and blocking schemes, but the dynamic nature of football means that interpretations can sometimes be subjective. This is why coaches emphasize not just execution but also discipline and adherence to the rules, even when the temptation to gain an advantage through superior leverage is strong.