An offensive player who is set moves in a way that looks like the start of the play before the snap. It's a 5-yard penalty, and the play is blown dead.
Related Offsides · Offensive Line
Also Called Offside, Neutral Zone Infraction
A defensive player is beyond the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. It's a 5-yard penalty.
Related False Start · Edge Rush
Illegally grabbing, hooking or tackling a player who doesn't have the ball. On offense it's usually a 10-yard penalty; on defense the yardage and any automatic first down depend on the level.
Coaching Tip Keep your hands inside the defender's shoulders.
Related Offensive Line · Pass Interference
Also Called PI, DPI, OPI
Illegal contact while a catchable pass is in the air that keeps a player from catching it. It can be called on either team, and the yardage depends on the level.
Also Called Roughing
An illegal or late hit on the passer after the ball is thrown, such as a hit to the head or driving them into the ground. At most levels it's a 15-yard penalty.
Forcible contact to an opponent's head or neck area, or initiating contact with the crown of the helmet. In college and many high school rule books, it's a 15-yard penalty and can get the player ejected.
Coaching Tip Tackle with your head up and to the side, and see what you hit.
Related Roughing the Passer
The offense lines up illegally at the snap, such as having fewer than seven players on the line of scrimmage. It's a 5-yard penalty.
Related False Start · Trips
The offense doesn't snap the ball before the play clock runs out, or a team otherwise stalls the game. It's a 5-yard penalty.
Related False Start