trap block

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trap block

A defensive player commits a trap block on the offensive lineman.

Definition

Noun: 1. An illegal block in American football: A "trap block" is a specific type of blocking violation in American football. It occurs when an offensive player blocks a defensive player below the waist from the side or from behind, typically when the defender is already engaged with another blocker. This action is considered dangerous and is penalized.

Usage
  • The term is used exclusively in the context of American football to describe a foul or penalty.
  • It is a compound noun where "trap" modifies the type of "block."
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The referee threw a flag for a trap block on the offensive guard.
    • The team lost ten yards due to a trap block penalty.
Advanced Usage
  • The rule against the trap block (or "chop block") is designed to protect players from knee and leg injuries.
  • While "trap block" specifically denotes the illegal action, the strategy of trapping a defender with a legal block is a common offensive scheme. In this strategic sense, it refers to a play where a defensive player is allowed to cross the line of scrimmage and is then blocked by an offensive player coming from the side. However, in official rulebook terminology, "trap block" primarily refers to the illegal variant.
Variants and Related Words
  • Chop block (n): Often used interchangeably with "trap block" to describe an illegal low block. Some rule distinctions exist, but both are penalties for blocking below the waist against an engaged defender.
  • Illegal block (n): The general category of blocking fouls, which includes the trap block.
  • Cut block (n): A legal block below the waist, but only against a defender who is not already engaged with another blocker. The trap block becomes illegal when it is a "cut block" on an engaged defender.
Synonyms
  • Illegal chop block
  • Blocking below the waist (when referring to the specific foul on an engaged defender)
Notes
  • This is a highly specialized term from sports jargon. Its meaning is precise within the rules of American football.
  • Do not confuse with the general verb "to trap" or the noun "trap." In this compound, "trap" specifically relates to the football tactic of ensnaring a defender.
trap block

A defensive player commits a trap block on the offensive lineman.

Noun
  1. (American football) an illegal block