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Line Splits refer to the spacing between linemen (Center, Guards, and Tackles) or any other personnel lined up on the line with the main body (Center, Guards, Tackles). Line depth refers to how far the Guards, Tackles, and any other personnel lined up on the line with the main body are lined up off of the ball.
LINE SPLITS
Line Splits can be anywhere from no split (foot to foot) to 1 or 2+ feet apart. The Line Split will be designated by your Coach’s system.
Line Splits serve a variety of functions:
- Increase the distance/ time of edge rushers to the QB (DEs and or any other personnel attacking off of the edge of the formation).
- Spread out the interior of the defensive line. *This also increases the distance/ time Defensive Tackles have to get to the QB/ play the run.
- Create better angles to designated blocking assignments.
- Create a larger pocket for the QB.
- Allow RB and QBs more space to visually process and react to the oncoming defensive in real-time (RTVP).
LINE DEPTH
Line Depth will also be determined by your coach’s system. However, the rule on how far Guards, Tackles, and Tight Ends may be lined up off of the ball is:
- The head of any non-snapper must be in line with the belt of the snapper (Center).
As you can see in the image above, the Guards and Tackles are lined up well behind the center’s feet, but, all of their heads are in line with the snappers belt.
Line Depth plays a variety of functions:
- Gives O-Lineman more time to react.
- Makes pulling, crossing, folding, and other scheme-specific moves easier to accomplish.
- Provides better angles to designated blocking assignments.
- When Line Depth is shortened, it allows the O-Line to get into their blocks faster, i.e. Goal Line, 4th and short, etc.