Common penalties

False start (offense)

An offensive player moves early - before the snap - in a way that simulates the start of the play. Dead ball. Usually 5 yards. You’ll see it when a lineman flinches.

Offside / neutral zone infraction (defense)

Defender is across the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped (or jumps into the neutral zone and causes a reaction). Often 5 yards. Related flavors exist; for beginners: “defense jumped.”

Holding (either side)

Illegal grab that restricts a player. Offensive holding is the classic drive-killer (usually 10 yards). Defensive holding often shows up in coverage. If the announcer says “holds the edge,” this is the family.

Pass interference

Illegal contact that significantly hinders a receiver’s (or defender’s) chance to catch a forward pass. Defensive PI can be a huge chunk of yards - sometimes to the spot of the foul. Offensive PI is less common but real.

Roughing the passer

Illegal hit on the QB after the throw (or certain late/high hits). Personal foul yardage and an automatic first down in many cases. Protects the most valuable player on the field.

Analyst frame

Don’t memorize every signal. Ask two questions: Who was restricted? and Did it change the play’s result? That’s enough to follow 90% of flags.

Flags are about unfair advantage - early movement, illegal contact, or dangerous hits. Learn the big five; the rest can wait.