Man in Motion rules

[FrustratedFinFan]

Hey guys,

I was thinking....one thing missing from our games so far is the man in motion. Other leagues might use it, so I am interested in hearing how you handle it.

As of now, our leagues out here in L.A. allow all the offensive backfield members to move within the tackles as an audible. The defense can then move one player.

I would like to see a man in motion added. Prior to backfield audibles, the offense can put a man in motion and move him from to a new position on the line or in any receiver position....I would allow a running back from the backfield to also be the motion man....but he has to move to a receiver/TE spot (can't move him into the backfield). The defense can then move one player in response. Then the usual audibles are done in the backfield and the defense can move a man in response to any backfield shift....as usual. The only problem I see is that we have the offense call set prior to any shifts. Therefore, the motion would have to take place after the offense is set....and probably should not be allowed in hurry up offense (the hut rule).

What do you think? I think this allows for more creativity on offense....and it might also give the defense some interesting options. The defense might choose to ignore the motion man....stay in zone....and move a blitzer into the vacated spot.

[5-13 Studios]

That's pretty much how we do it here in the Mid-Ohio. We allow motions for up to 2 eligible receivers (backfield included), and the defense is allowed up to 2 motions in retaliation. On paper, it seems like it accomplishes very little, seeing that the defense can respond with as many motions, but what it does is help break up coverages and it can open up areas of the field that were previously covered.
I have no proof, but I think that I motion more than any body else in our league.

[NEW CASTLE HiTMEN]

We are allowed to actually move a player from one spot to another as long as all other rules are met. There needs to be seven men on the line of scrimmage and both offensive tackles are covered. The man in motion can be motioned into the backfield but must be in a gap. No stacking. After the offensive player is motioned then the Defense can do the same. Then the O can pivot any and all players. Once that is done then the D does the same. The D CAN NOT motion or pivot if the O doesnt. Try it out. We love this rule. A real chess match has taken place in some of our games.