When can a cornerback touch a receiver?

Asked by: Aldrena Darpino

The 5-yard contact rule in the NFL allows defensive backs to make contact with wide receivers at or less than 5 yards. Anything over 5 yards will result in an illegal contact penalty.

When can a defender make contact with a receiver?

within 5 yards

In the NFL, defenders may only make contact with a receiver within 5 yards. In college and high school, defenders may contact a receiver as long as the ball is not in the air.

Can a CB push a WR?

So unless your league specifically addresses this situation, then yes, it’s perfectly legal for a defender to bump or push an eligible receiver downfield before the ball is thrown. Now, a defender can still be called for holding or illegal contact to the head or neck area if he or she violates those rules.

What are cornerbacks allowed to do?

A cornerback’s skill set typically requires proficiency in anticipating the quarterback, backpedaling, executing single and zone coverage, disrupting pass routes, block shedding, and tackling. Cornerbacks are among the fastest players on the field.

Can you jam a receiver at the line?

The main a chin from the damage. And go to timing off and get the water to go off this line. So if you can jam them up right amount inside ride them out outside. It's gonna make your job a lot easier.

What is considered an illegal contact in football?

Definition. Illegal contact is when a defender grabs or holds onto an opposing receiver after the initial 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.

What is illegal contact in football?

Article 2: Illegal Contact Within Five Yards. Within the five-yard zone, if the player who receives the snap remains in the pocket with the ball, a defender may not make original contact in the back of a receiver, nor may he maintain contact after the receiver has moved beyond a point that is even with the defender.

Can a corner touch a receiver?

The NFL prohibits this from making ANY contact past 5 yards “illegal contact.” This was because of how physical corners, like Mel Blount, dominated receivers off the line of scrimmage.

Can a CB hold within 5 yards?

Within the area five yards beyond the line of scrimmage, a defensive player may chuck an eligible receiver in front of him. The defender is allowed to maintain continuous and unbroken contact within the five-yard zone, so long as the receiver has not moved beyond a point that is even with the defender.

How do you defend a WR?

Once the receiver makes a cut, plant your foot and run at the receiver’s hips, closing down any gap so you are next to the receiver, running with them. As the pass is thrown, you’ll want to swipe your arm over the receiver’s shoulder closest to the ball to try and defend the pass.

What’s the hardest position in football?

Cornerback

Cornerback



Cornerback is the hardest position in football, and it’s one of the toughest jobs in all of sports. Corners are some of the smallest men on the field, but they’re typically the most athletic. Exceptional speed, quickness, and agility are prerequisites for the position.

Who has the #1 defense in the NFL?

The Bills are the No. 1 team in a number of defensive categories and are allowing just a 68.8 passer rating — almost 10 points lower than the next best team.