Motion (American Football) - Requirements

Requirements

In all forms of football, only players in the backfield and not on the line of scrimmage may be in motion at the time of the snap. Prior to starting the motion, all players on the offensive side must be in a set formation for a minimum of one second.

In most versions of American football, only one player may be in motion at one time, and the player must not move toward the line of scrimmage in his motion (in other words, he can only move laterally or backward). In no situation may the moving player begin on the line of scrimmage when he moves (in other words, offensive linemen are prohibited from motion prior to the snap). Any player who shifts from a lineman position to a back position must set in position at least five yards behind the line of scrimmage before going into motion.

Exceptions are as follows:

• Pro Bowl: Motion is prohibited.
• XFL, WFL, Arena Football League and most other indoor football leagues: One player in motion is allowed; he can move toward the line of scrimmage only if he is outside the offensive tackles.
• American Indoor Football: Two players in motion are allowed, both can move toward the line of scrimmage outside the tackles.
• Canadian football: All backfield players are allowed to move toward the line of scrimmage at the snap, regardless of their horizontal position.

In leagues that allow forward motion, the moving player(s) cannot cross the line of scrimmage, or else it is a false start.