Football Officiating > NCAA Discussion
MECHANICS: Short Wing (HL/LJ)
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sirhoagy:
Usually I work R or U. Have been assigned a lot of short wing this season. It's great fun to be looking at the game from a different perspective and having different responsibilities. To note, i have worked short wing at the HS level before thus it's not my first time.
Had a situation come up in a game this weekend. Offense moving left to right. My key goes downfield, I'm following him with eyes/head, but he gets *way* down there. I notice all of the receivers seem to be coming *back* to the LOS. I took a look back at the offensive backfield and see the QB is about to get sacked.
Huge facemask by B. Couldn't miss it.
R tosses his flag.
And, of course, i toss mine.
I knew I should NOT have tossed the flag, it's not my call, not my area of responsibility. Not arguing that at all, no need to beat that one into my head.
The issue I'm struggling with working short wing is this....when I have a "busted play" like this, I don't want to have a situation where the QB is scrambling my way and I need to ensure that I'm not getting in the way and to also ensure I'm not in harm's way for anyone. I don't quite understand how I am supposed to keep my eyes on the downfield receiver, keep eyes on my sideline in case there's a scramble by the QB towards my sideline OR the ball is pitched/flipped/etc. and another receiver/RB is coming my way (and I need to get out of the way). It seems like my head has to be looking in both directions at once, and I'm not sure how to handle this on 7-man mechanics.
This issue happened later in the game. Busted play, QB is scrambling, he finds a receiver who is 5 yards to my right. Ball was caught (so I think) but I was watching the QB who was now high-tailing it to MY sideline, right towards me, and, yup, I was watching him to ensure I wasn't leveled or worse. As I'm making sure he's not taking me out or he's not being cheap-shot (right in front of me) the catch was made 5 yards to my right....and I didn't see it. SJ didn't really say much, but, everyone in the whole stadium knew it was a catch
Thus my struggle is how to keep eyes on my key, keep eyes on my sideline, and ensure backfield action that breaks up and comes my way isn't about to kill me. The struggle is real for this first-time-ever shortwing in NCAA action. Advice/suggestions/thoughts are appreciated.
ElvisLives:
Unfortunately, there is no good answer to this age-old question. This, and goal line surges, is what makes working the wings so very difficult. I have ALWAYS said the two wings do more than all of the rest of the crew combined. I believe that.
When speaking of "areas of responsibility," which, in the NFL, at least, has nearly replaced the traditional concept of "keys," the deep guys need to be able to shift their attention to this action, and be able to make rulings, or, at least, assist in making rulings like this.
Beyond that, you just simply have to do the best you can to know where the receivers are in your area, and what the BC (passer) is doing. Yep, a lot of head-swiveling.
When I worked L, I would work at the back of the white, as much as possible, and wider when we got outside the team areas. That helps by relieving a lot of the concern about running for your life. I know some guys today are preaching working right on the sideline, to ensure a good view of catches at the sideline. I'm not convinced. If you keep your restricted area clear, you can see see the sideline well, anyway. And, you usually have time to move toward the sideline and get a great angle down the sideline.
You are in the same company with every other wing guy working American football. Good luck.
bossman72:
This is why you EARN your money on the LOS! haha.
The best thing I can tell you is that you do have to bounce back and forth and "play the percentages" of what is likely to happen. In your example, you don't want to watch the QB running in space because nothing will happen (same with your receiver). You have to see the closeness of the defender to the QB to know when to go back to him because you have down/fumble/forward progress. Always try to see the receiver at the top of the route when he breaks because that's usually when the foul happens. If nothing, check back at the QB. Nothing going on a the QB? Back to the receiver. Etc. Just try to pay attention to where you think the action will happen.
This play becomes even more fun when you check your receiver real quick and then when you go back to the QB, he's already thrown a flare pass to the RB who drops it and you aren't sure if it's forward or backward!
Etref:
Also, work the stress area, QB under pressure coming at you, but when ball is released go to your area of responsibility with your eyes.
Man —-key
Zone—— area closest you
Man—- man in your zone
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