Sliding

In American football, “sliding” describes a technique most often used by the quarterback. This motion is completed to safely stop a play when the player carrying the ball, commonly the quarterback, decides to give himself up and escape a tackle. The procedure is as follows:

1. The ball carrier, particularly the quarterback, can commence a slide when they determine it is no longer advantageous or safe to advance the ball.
2. How to Do It: A player who wants to slide does so by rapidly lowering their body towards the ground, typically with their feet or buttocks taking the lead. Sliding feet first sends the defenders and officials a strong message that the player is given up.
3. End of Game: The game is done once a player starts their slide. Defenders are not allowed to hit a sliding player, as it indicates that the player has relinquished their forward movement.
4. The ball is located at the point where the slide begins, not where the player lands at the end of the slide. No longer can a player take advantage of the slide rule’s protection by diving forward for extra yards.
5. The slide’s primary purpose is to ensure its users’ safety. It helps athletes, particularly quarterbacks, who are always on the move when carrying the ball, to be safe from damaging blows.
6. To avoid unnecessary roughness penalties, defenders should avoid making contact with players who are clearly in the act of sliding.

This maneuver is both strategic and defensive, allowing players to keep themselves safe while deciding how to advance the ball strategically.