What Is a Chop Block in Football: Complete Guide

What Is a Chop Block in Football

A chop block is a penalty in American football that involves illegal contact by an offensive player on a defensive player. It is a violation of the rules designed to protect players, particularly those on the defensive line, from dangerous and unfair blocking tactics. This article delves into the definition, types, penalties, and implications of chop blocks in football.

Definition of a Chop Block

1. What is a Chop Block?

• Illegal Contact: A chop block occurs when an offensive player blocks a defensive player below the waist while another offensive player is engaged with that defender above the waist. This type of block is considered dangerous because it can lead to serious injuries, particularly to the knees and lower legs. Read about What Is the Red Zone in Football
• Rule Violation: The NFL, NCAA, and high school football leagues have rules that specifically prohibit chop blocks to ensure player safety and maintain fair play.

2. Types of Chop Blocks

• High-Low Chop Block: This occurs when one offensive lineman blocks the defensive player high (above the waist), while another offensive lineman blocks the same defender low (below the waist) at the same time.
• Cut Block and Chop Block: A cut block, which involves a player blocking a defender by hitting them below the waist, can be legal under certain circumstances. However, if a chop block occurs in conjunction with a cut block, it becomes an illegal maneuver.

Rules and Penalties for Chop Blocks

1. NFL Rules

• Penalty Yardage: In the NFL, a chop block is penalized as a 15-yard personal foul. The penalty is assessed from the spot of the foul.
• Enforcement: If a chop block occurs during a play, the offending team is penalized, and the down is replayed with a loss of 15 yards.

2. NCAA Rules

• Penalty Yardage: The NCAA also penalizes chop blocks with a 15-yard personal foul. This penalty is similar to that of the NFL.
• Enforcement: The offending team faces a loss of 15 yards from the previous spot, and the down is replayed.

3. High School Rules

• Penalty Yardage: High school football leagues typically enforce a 15-yard penalty for chop blocks, consistent with the NFL and NCAA rules.
• Enforcement: The penalty is assessed from the spot of the foul, and the down is replayed.

Purpose and Implications of the Chop Block Rule

1. Player Safety

• Injury Prevention: The chop block rule is primarily in place to protect players from injuries that can occur due to low hits on players who are already engaged with blockers. Such hits can cause severe injuries to the knees, lower legs, and ankles.
• Fair Play: By prohibiting chop blocks, the rule ensures a fair and competitive environment by preventing unfair advantages that could arise from targeting players below the waist.

2. Impact on Game Play

• Offensive Strategy: Teams must adapt their blocking schemes to avoid chop blocks. Offensive linemen are trained to use legal blocking techniques, such as maintaining proper positioning and timing, to comply with the rules.
• Defensive Impact: Defenders must be aware of the potential for chop blocks and adjust their approach to avoid being targeted by illegal blocks.

Examples of Chop Block Situations

1. Offensive Line Play

• Example: During a running play, one offensive lineman engages a defensive lineman at the line of scrimmage, while another offensive lineman comes in and blocks the same defender below the waist. This action constitutes a chop block.

2. Passing Plays

• Example: On a passing play, one offensive lineman engages a defensive end above the waist to protect the quarterback, while another lineman blocks the same defender low. This is also considered a chop block.

Conclusion

The chop block is a critical rule in football designed to protect players from dangerous and potentially injurious blocks. By prohibiting high-low combinations of blocking, the rule helps maintain player safety and fair play. Understanding the definition, penalties, and implications of chop blocks is essential for players, coaches, and officials to ensure the game is played within the rules and with respect for player safety.

FAQs

Q1: What is the primary purpose of the chop block rule?

A1: The primary purpose of the chop block rule is to protect players from dangerous injuries that can occur when a player is blocked below the waist while already being engaged above the waist.

Q2: What is the penalty for a chop block in the NFL?

A2: In the NFL, a chop block is penalized as a 15-yard personal foul. The penalty is assessed from the spot of the foul, and the down is replayed.

Q3: Can a chop block occur without a high-low combination?

A3: No, a chop block specifically involves a high-low combination of blocks. It occurs when one player blocks a defender high while another blocks them low simultaneously.

Q4: How does the chop block rule impact offensive and defensive strategies?

A4: The chop block rule requires offensive linemen to adapt their blocking techniques to avoid illegal hits. Defenders must also be mindful of the potential for chop blocks and adjust their play accordingly.

Q5: Are chop blocks penalized differently in different levels of football?

A5: While the penalty for chop blocks is generally consistent across the NFL, NCAA, and high school football (15 yards and a replay of the down), specific enforcement and interpretations of the rule may vary slightly.