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What is Holding in American Football?

Illegally grabbing or hooking an opponent who does not have the ball. Offensive holding costs 10 yards and famously wipes out big plays; defensive holding costs 5 yards and an automatic first down.

Example: The 60-yard run came back for holding.

Related terms

TouchdownField goalExtra pointTwo-point conversionSafetyDownFirst downLine of scrimmage
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