When is motion a penalty?

It’s technically against the rules to move toward the LOS before the snap without resetting, but I’m sure there’s an acceptable amount of “lean” allowed.

It's a penalty that's rarely called unless the timing is way off. Similar to rub routes. I also notice a lot of neutral zone penalties that go uncalled, although that one is called more frequently.

The rule is:
- One “back” (defined as one of the four players playing off the LOS) may be in motion at the snap, but may not be moving toward the opponent’s goal line.
- A player in motion at the snap cannot start that motion until at least one full second after all the other offensive players are set.
- Players can move towards the opponents goal line in a “shift,” but they have to stop for one full second before the snap otherwise it is an illegal shift.
- A player starting on the LOS cannot be in motion at the snap unless they “shift” to become a “back” first (which requires someone else to shift up and take their place on the LOS), and then stop for one full second before starting the final motion.

Basically, motion towards the LOS as the ball is snapped is illegal. But it’s not always called for whatever reason.

It varies depending on who we are playing.