What it is

A defender hits or holds an eligible receiver more than five yards past the line of scrimmage, before the pass is thrown.

The penalty

The penalty is 5 yards, plus an automatic first down. The penalty is enforced from the previous spot, and the offense gets a first down.

More detail

Defenders are allowed to jam receivers within the first five yards. After that, receivers must be allowed to run their routes. It is a different foul from holding, which can be called anywhere on the field.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. A defender is allowed to jam a receiver within five yards of the line of scrimmage.
2. Past that zone, the receiver must be allowed to run his route. Here the cornerback hits him ten yards downfield.
3. The officials flag illegal contact: five yards and an automatic first down.