What it is

A returner makes a motion that looks like a fair catch signal but is not a proper one, which could make the kicking team stop its coverage.

The penalty

The penalty is 5 yards. The penalty is five yards from the spot where the receiving team would next put the ball in play.

More detail

The signal has to be clear: one arm raised and waved above the head.

Animated play

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

1. The kicking team watches the returner as the ball comes down.
2. He makes a motion that looks like a fair catch signal but is not one. The coverage players might slow down because they think he will not run.
3. The officials flag an invalid fair catch signal: five yards.