CHOP BLOCK Meaning and
Definition
-
Chop block is a term used in American football to describe a specific illegal blocking technique that involves two offensive players working together to take down a defender. In this technique, one player, known as the "chopper," aims to cut down the defender by hitting him low to the knees or below while the other player, called the "engaging blocker," simultaneously engages the defender at the upper body or higher.
This technique is considered dangerous and prohibited by the rules of the game due to the potential for causing severe injuries, especially to the knees and lower extremities of the targeted defender. Chop blocks are not to be confused with legal low blocks, where an offensive player can block a defensive player below the waist without a second blocker's involvement.
The primary purpose of a chop block is to disable or incapacitate a defender, aiming to remove them from the play or limit their effectiveness. This technique is often employed in situations where the targeted defender poses a significant threat to the offense's success, such as a defensive lineman who is close to sacking the quarterback or obstructing a running back's path.
Due to the inherent risk of injury, chop blocks are penalized severely in football at various levels of play, including high school, college, and professional leagues. Penalties typically include loss of yards for the offense and may also result in fines and other disciplinary actions for the offending players.
Etymology of CHOP BLOCK
The word "chop block" is a sports term used primarily in American football. Its etymology comes from the combination of two separate meanings of the word "chop" in this context: "chop" as a verb meaning to cut or strike with a quick downward movement, and "chop" as a noun referring to a quick downward blow or stroke.
In football, a "chop block" refers to an illegal block where one offensive player engages a defensive player high, while another offensive player engages the same defensive player low simultaneously. This action often involves the offensive player diving at the defensive player's knees or leg area, potentially resulting in knee injuries.
The term "chop" in this context represents the downward movement of the blocker's action, resembling a cutting or chopping motion. The word "block" refers to the action of interfering with the movement of an opponent, which is central to offensive and defensive strategies in football.
