In football, the job of the offense is to find ways to create mismatches. This is done primarily by moving players all over the field. Line of scrimmage officials must be aware of these movements and be able to officiate them accordingly. A wing official’s main priority while judging the legality of formations is overseeing all motions and shifts prior to the snap. This article will describe motion and shift as well as how to recognize when it is legal or illegal.
MOTION
Motion is the term used to describe the movement of an offensive player from one spot on the field to another. Primarily associated with eligible receivers, motion is used by teams to identify defensive coverages or get an advantage by having a particular player on the move at the snap. Motions are relevant to officials because individual keys may be switched depending on where a player is at the snap.
WHAT IS LEGAL MOTION?
As per most traditional rulebooks, only one player may be in motion at the snap. The player must first be in a position “off” the line of scrimmage or clearly in the offensive backfield. This motion may be lateral or toward their own endzone (backward) but not towards their opponent’s endzone (moving forward). A player “on” the line of scrimmage may go in motion without restriction provided that they legally shift into a position “off” the line of scrimmage (or into the backfield) and be set for one second. Otherwise, a player “on” the line of scrimmage must be at least 5 yards behind their line of scrimmage at the snap. This is also known as going in orbit.
SHIFT
A shift is the action of one or more offensive players who, after a huddle or after taking set positions, move to a new position before the ensuing snap. Shifts are relevant to officials because players who may have been ineligible to receive a pass may now be able to due to shifting from one formation to another. The opposite is also possible. Officials need to stay sharp and be able to identify their eligible through these shifts.
WHAT IS A LEGAL SHIFT?
All players shall come to an absolute stop and shall remain stationary for at least one second before the snap. Remember that breaking the huddle itself is a shift and all players must be set prior to any player going in motion, subsequent shift, or snap. Any player can shift into a new position if they have not gotten set in a 3 or 4-point stance as an interior lineman or have put their hand on the ball (snapper).
PENALTIES
Illegal Motion and Illegal Shift are both live ball fouls and only become infractions with the snap. This is because these two technical errors can be corrected by coming to a complete stop and they do not necessarily simulate the snap. Both fouls are 5-yard penalties.
CONCLUSION
Motions and Shifts are aspects of football that makes the game interesting and exciting. It brings another dimension to an otherwise straightforward approach of lineup and hit the other team. Being able to stick with keys throughout these movements pre snap will make officiating the play a lot easier.
