I remember when linemen had to be set in stone for a count before the snap. Now it seems that unless they flinch or pull out, they can get away with a lot of movement.

Some examples: one team (I can't recall who) has a guard slap the center to initiate the snap. Another uses the center to do a silent snap count by twisting his head sharply and then snapping. I've also noted tackles and guards pointing out blocking assignments and never being still for a full count before the snap.

Seems like the refs allow a lot of movement as long as it isn't an actual start.

Comments?

(10-19-2013 09:20 AM)QuestionSocratic Wrote:  I remember when linemen had to be set in stone for a count before the snap.

Yep, I've noticed that too. Linemen are allowed to do a lot more foot and body adjustment at the line than they were years ago. As long as they don't move in a clear direction - forward, backward, side - they can shuffle around and not get called for IP.

...maybe a by-product of the hurry-up offenses?

I remember when a center couldn't move the football once it was set by the ref. He used to have to ask the ref to adjust it to get the laces in the right spot. Now centers can do everything but simulate the snap. Other llinemen are moving all over that was never allowed before. Head and arm movements are common. Like the OP said, it seems only coming out of the stance draws a flag.

(10-19-2013 04:00 PM)GreenFreakUAB Wrote:  ...maybe a by-product of the hurry-up offenses?

I don't know. I see it a ton in the pros as well. I'd say it's a by-product of more complex offenses and recognizing a defense being run and how to block against it.

Lineman now adjust their blocking schemes at the line which didn't happen much years ago.

I remember the controversy when the Dallas Cowboys started having their linemen get in a semi stance, with their hands on their knees, and all of 'em would raise up in unison to get into their stance. A lot of defenses would jump when the linemen moved to get into position, and many coaches wanted the practice banned. But Tom Landry was doing it within the framework of NFL rules, so it was never outlawed...

(10-19-2013 06:39 PM)mikeinsec127 Wrote:  I remember when a center couldn't move the football once it was set by the ref. He used to have to ask the ref to adjust it to get the laces in the right spot. Now centers can do everything but simulate the snap. Other llinemen are moving all over that was never allowed before. Head and arm movements are common. Like the OP said, it seems only coming out of the stance draws a flag.

I remember that too, and I'm only 31.

If you ask me, this is a change for the better. Now they're only flagging movement that clearly indicates that you're starting to play the snap.