What is an illegal shift in football?

An illegal shift in football occurs when two or more offensive players are in motion at the same time before the snap. This penalty is typically called if the players fail to come to a complete stop before the ball is snapped.

The penalty for an illegal shift is 5 yards from the previous spot and the down is replayed. It is considered a minor penalty and does not result in a loss of down.

Illegal shifts can be called on any offensive player, including the quarterback, wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends. It is important for the offense to be coordinated and disciplined in their movements before the snap to avoid this penalty.

Overall, an illegal shift can disrupt the flow of the offense and put them in a difficult position with a loss of yards. Teams must be careful to avoid committing this penalty during a game.