stiff arm
What Is The Definition Of Stiff Arm In Football?
1. This is a move made by an offensive player in football where they extend their arm and try to hold off or push away defensive players attempting to tackle them.
Examples Of How Stiff Arm Is Used In Commentary
1. Murray takes the handoff, runs to the outside and stiff arms two different players before being tackled to the ground after running 12 yards.
SportsLingo Goes The Extra-Inch With The Meaning Of Stiff Arm
A ball-carrier who can fend off a defender with an effective stiff arm can turn a short-run into a potential game-breaking run. This move requires both strength and technique in order to ward off potential tacklers.
When a defender approaches the ball-carrier, the ball-carrier has three vital areas to aim for on the defender in order to apply the stiff arm:
- Top of the helmet
- Shoulder pads
- Chest plate
Although it is sometime instinct to push towards on the opponent’s face mask, players are taught to avoid this part as to avoid injury to their opponent, and also to avoid an offensive face mask penalty. In addition, in some leagues such as high school, it is illegal to touch any part of a players face mask or opening.
Also, the top of the helmet is just as effect as the face mask as the main goal is to just keep the defensive player from getting close to the ball-carrier in order to wrap their arms around them.
Sport The Term Is Used
1. Football
Also Known As:
1. Straigh-arm
