Yes, players can and often do physically pull or push a ball carrier forward in college football, especially when the runner is close to the first down marker or the end zone. This action is a crucial aspect of gaining extra yardage and is commonly referred to as “pushing the pile.”
College football is a game of inches, and the ability of teammates to help their ball carriers gain those extra few yards can be the difference between a first down and a punt, or even a touchdown. While the ball carrier is the one with the ball, the collective effort of the offense plays a vital role in their success, particularly in short-yardage situations. The concept of “pulling” a runner forward, while not always a literal grab and pull, encompasses a range of actions where offensive players contribute their physical force to propel the ball carrier beyond where they might have reached on their own. This collaborative effort is a testament to the team-oriented nature of football.
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The Art of Pushing the Pile
“Pushing the pile” is a well-established tactic in football. It’s not about one player physically yanking another forward, but rather multiple players converging behind the ball carrier, driving forward with them. This creates an unstoppable surge that can move the pile – the mass of bodies around the ball – and the ball carrier along with it. It’s a display of sheer willpower and physical exertion.
Offensive Line Support: The Foundation
The offensive line is instrumental in creating opportunities for the ball carrier. Their primary role is to block for the runner, creating lanes and protecting the quarterback. However, in short-yardage situations, their job extends to actively assisting the runner.
- Creating a Push: Offensive linemen are tasked with driving defenders away from the ball carrier. When the runner is tackled, the linemen continue to push against the defensive players, preventing them from stopping the forward progress of the ball carrier.
- Sealing Lanes: Even after the initial block, linemen will often try to maintain their position to keep defenders from reaching the ball carrier.
- Anchoring the Line: A strong offensive line creates a stable base from which the ball carrier can push forward or where teammates can provide assistance.
Help Blocking: A Collective Effort
Beyond the primary blockers, other offensive players can also contribute to moving the ball carrier forward. This “help blocking” involves players like tight ends, fullbacks, and even receivers who are in a position to lend a hand.
- Second-Level Blocking: Tight ends and fullbacks often block linebackers or defensive backs, clearing a path for the runner.
- Downfield Blocking: Receivers who are blocking for a runner on an outside play can also contribute by blocking defenders downfield, preventing them from converging on the ball carrier.
- Unseen Pushes: Sometimes, a player might not be directly in front of the runner but can provide a subtle push from the side or rear, adding just enough momentum to gain a crucial yard.
Gaining Yards After Contact
The ability to gain yards after contact is a hallmark of a successful running back and the entire offense. Pushing the pile directly contributes to increasing these yards after contact.
- Ball Carrier’s Strength: A strong ball carrier can often keep their legs churning even when initial contact is made.
- Teammate’s Force: When teammates provide that extra push, it amplifies the ball carrier’s effort, allowing them to break through tackles or move the pile.
Factors Influencing the Push
Several factors determine how effective a “push the pile” effort will be:
- Momentum: The initial momentum of the ball carrier is critical.
- Number of Players: The more offensive players driving forward, the greater the force.
- Blocking Angles: Proper blocking angles ensure that the force is directed towards moving the ball forward.
- Defensive Pressure: The strength and leverage of the defenders trying to make the tackle also play a significant role.
Game Situations Where Pushing the Pile is Common
Certain game situations make “pushing the pile” a go-to strategy for offenses.
Short Yardage Situations
- Third and Short: When a team needs just one or two yards to keep their drive alive, every ounce of effort is critical. Pushing the pile becomes a primary tactic.
- Fourth and Short: The stakes are even higher on fourth down. A successful push can mean extending the drive or scoring.
- Goal Line Stands: Inside the opponent’s five-yard line, offenses will often employ aggressive blocking schemes and expect their offensive line and other players to provide a strong push to get the ball across the goal line.
Late Game Scenarios
- Clock Management: When a team is trying to run out the clock, gaining first downs is paramount. Pushing for every possible yard is essential.
- Protecting a Lead: A team protecting a lead will want to keep possession of the ball. Gaining yards through sheer force helps achieve this.
The Rules and Regulations
While the physical act of pushing is legal and encouraged, there are specific rules and interpretations that players and coaches must be aware of.
Illegal Assistance
- No Holding: Players cannot hold an opponent to gain an advantage, nor can they hold a teammate in a way that assists the ball carrier.
- No Piling On: It’s illegal for players to pile on top of players who are already down. The “pile” refers to the mass of players actively engaged in the play.
Officials Review and Interpretation
- Forward Progress: The most crucial element officials observe is forward progress. Once a player is ruled down, the play stops.
- Chain Crew and Officials Review: Sometimes, particularly in close calls for first downs, the chain crew may be brought out to measure. Officials might also conduct a brief review to determine if forward progress was stopped before the ball crossed the marker.
What Constitutes a Tackle?
A tackle occurs when the ball carrier is held by an opponent so that their forward progress is stopped. This can also happen if the ball carrier’s knee or elbow touches the ground while they are in possession of the ball, provided they are not being held by an opponent.
- Forward Progress: Officials have the discretion to rule forward progress stopped even if the ball carrier is still on their feet, if they are being held by multiple defenders and are no longer moving forward.
Strategic Considerations for Pushing the Pile
Coaches devise strategies to maximize the effectiveness of pushing the pile. This involves play-calling, personnel packages, and individual player technique.
Personnel Packages
- “Heavy” Formations: Teams will often utilize heavier personnel packages, bringing in extra offensive linemen (like a sixth lineman in a tackle-eligible formation) or fullbacks to add more size and strength to the push.
- “Jumbo” Sets: These formations typically feature multiple tight ends and a fullback, creating a more powerful blocking unit.
Play Calling
- Runs Up the Middle: Plays designed to run directly between the tackles are prime opportunities for pushing the pile, as the offensive and defensive lines engage in a direct, powerful collision.
- Short Passes with YAC Potential: While not a direct push, plays that get the ball to a receiver in space with the opportunity to gain yards after the catch (YAC) rely on downfield blocking and the receiver’s ability to break tackles, where sometimes a teammate’s shove can make a difference.
Player Technique
- Low Pad Level: Offensive linemen are taught to stay low and drive their legs to generate maximum power.
- Sustain Blocks: Maintaining blocks and driving through the whistle is essential for a sustained push.
- “Finishing” the Play: Ball carriers are encouraged to fight for every inch, and teammates are expected to help them do so.
Examples of Successful Pushes
You can often see examples of successful pushes on highlight reels and game recaps. These moments showcase the power of teamwork.
- Running Backs Leaning Forward: A running back who keeps their feet moving and leans their body forward as they are being tackled, giving their blockers a chance to push.
- Offensive Linemen Driving: An offensive lineman who, after their initial block, continues to drive their feet and push the defender backward, creating a pocket for the runner to surge through.
- “Lift” Blocks: In some instances, a lineman might even get low and provide a slight “lift” under the ball carrier to help propel them forward, although this is a more specialized and less common technique.
The Role of Other Players
While the offensive line bears much of the responsibility, other players contribute significantly.
Tight Ends and Fullbacks
These players are often the second line of attack when it comes to pushing. Their job is to seal the edge or create interior lanes, but their impact is felt directly when they are involved in driving defenders away from the ball carrier.
Wide Receivers
On outside runs, wide receivers are expected to block downfield. This blocking can prevent a secondary defender from making a tackle at or behind the line of scrimmage, and in some cases, a well-timed block can even push a defender away from the ball carrier who is fighting for extra yardage.
Offensive Assists Beyond Blocking
Sometimes, the “assist” isn’t a traditional block. It might be:
- Scrumming: When multiple players converge on the ball carrier, and all are pushing in the same direction, it creates a powerful scrum.
- Incidental Contact: Even incidental contact from teammates that helps maintain balance or provides a slight forward impetus can be crucial.
Challenges and Downsides
While beneficial, pushing the pile isn’t without its challenges.
Risk of Injury
The sheer physicality of these situations increases the risk of injury for all players involved. Lowering pad level and driving through contact are essential for effectiveness but also require great physical conditioning.
Penalties
As mentioned, illegal blocks and holding can negate the positive yardage gained and result in penalties, stalling drives.
Referee’s Whistle
The most significant factor is the referee’s judgment. Once the whistle blows, the play is dead, and any further pushing, however well-intentioned, is irrelevant.
The Human Element: Grit and Determination
At its core, “pushing the pile” is about grit, determination, and a refusal to quit. It embodies the fighting spirit of many college football teams. It’s a visual representation of the adage, “Leave it all on the field.”
Team Blocking: A Unified Force
The concept of “team blocking” is amplified when pushing the pile. It’s not just about individual matchups; it’s about five, six, or even more players working in concert to move a physical mass. This requires great communication and a shared commitment to the goal.
The “Want To” Factor
Beyond physical ability, there’s a significant “want to” factor. Do players want to sacrifice their body to help their teammate gain an extra yard? In competitive college football, the answer is almost always yes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it legal to physically grab and pull a ball carrier forward?
A: No, you cannot legally grab and pull a ball carrier forward. The rules prohibit holding a teammate. However, pushing the runner forward with your body as part of a group effort is legal.
Q: What is the primary role of the offensive line in pushing the pile?
A: The offensive line’s primary role is to block defenders, creating a push to move the ball carrier forward and prevent them from being stopped.
Q: Can receivers help push a ball carrier forward?
A: Yes, receivers can help by blocking downfield and, in some situations, can provide a push to a teammate who is still battling for extra yardage.
Q: What is “yards after contact”?
A: Yards after contact refers to the yards a ball carrier gains after being initially touched or tackled by a defender. Pushing the pile directly contributes to increasing these yards.
Q: When is “pushing the pile” most commonly seen?
A: It’s most commonly seen in short-yardage situations (third and short, fourth and short) and near the goal line.
Q: What are the penalties associated with illegal pushing?
A: Illegal actions include holding, which is a penalty that can stop a drive and result in a loss of yardage.
Q: How do officials determine forward progress?
A: Officials determine forward progress by observing where the ball is when the ball carrier is tackled, held, or when their momentum is stopped by contact with another player.
Q: What is “team blocking” in this context?
A: Team blocking refers to the coordinated efforts of multiple offensive players to block defenders and assist the ball carrier, creating a unified force to gain yardage.