The defense is only allowed a maximum of 6 players on the line of scrimmage on either side of the snapper at the snap. Having 7 or more players on the line on one side will result in an illegal formation penalty.

ILLEGAL FORMATION: The defense cannot have more than six players on the line of scrimmage on either side of the snapper during kicking plays. This rule is designed to protect players who are in a vulnerable position. Violations of this rule will result in a five-yard penalty.

Rather than call a false start on the offense, the penalty is called on the defensive player. False start (5 yards) – Offensive players must remain set prior to the snap. Any movement, other than the player in motion, will result in a false start. Players not on the line of scrimmage must be at least 1 yard back.

You can decline any penalty, even if there is no play. One common example of this is if it is 4th down at the defense’s 35, and the offense tries to take an intentional delay of game to give their punter more space for a high hang time kick inside the 10.

Tight ends and wide receivers must be on the end of the line of scrimmage in order to be an eligible pass receiver. If a wide receiver is on the line of scrimmage and a tight end is inside of him, an illegal formation has occurred because another eligible has covered the eligible tight end.

In the NFL, the formation is illegal if a TE is covered up, or if a lineman who has not reported as eligible is uncovered. In NFHS, as long as there are 7 players on the LOS and all other players are in the backfield except the QB, the formation is legal. If an eligible number is covered up, he is ineligible.

In man coverage, linebackers most frequently cover running backs and tight ends, though they may also cover slot or wide receivers at times. Linebackers also commonly rush the quarterback, especially in 3-4 defenses.