pick play

[mantle]

I'm sure it's been on here somewhere before but please explain one more time. A1 and A2, both legal receivers, are lined up to the right. They are going to run a pick play for one receiver to get open. Exactly, what can one or both receivers do legally? When will it be OPI?

[ncwingman]

Receivers are not allowed to block downfield prior to the end of the pass. If they engage a defender to change his course or obstruct his movement, then it's OPI. If they just exist in space and make the defender go around him, then I've got nothing -- the receiver has the right to his position on the field.

This is also very much a judgement call and a "I've got to see it" play, so if you have something particular in mind, I can't internet officiate it without video (and even then, it might be tough).

[brettjr2005]

I agree with nc, it's definitely a "have to see the video" type play that even a description can't really get a definitive answer on.  Technically a pick play is never legal but can be a tough call and nothing is ever going to be caught 100% of the time.  But assuming the official does see the action, I would say that the only actual contact you would get away with is if the receiver were to stop short of the defender and turn towards the QB and put his hands out as if anticipating a pass.  But even then, the "turn towards the QB" and contact can't be simultaneous because that's pretty obvious.  He'd need to turn and face the LOS before letting the defender "hit him."  It's also legal if the receiver gets in the path of the defender to alter his route but avoids contact, but that wouldn't be a pick play. 

[bossman72]

The biggest things to look at when officiating picks is who initiated the contact.  If the defender is holding his ground or moving just a little bit and the offensive player runs right at him, then you probably have OPI.  If the defender pursues the offensive player and contacts him, it's probably nothing.

Like others said, you'd have to see the video.