claydeaux

You are doing it wrong then.
The etiquette is spelled out in Title 36 Subtitle 1, Para. 301 of the US Code:

During a rendition of the national anthem—
(1) when the flag is displayed— (A) all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart;
(B) men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold the headdress at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart;

The US Code (Titles 4 and 36) specifies four circumstances for rendering the hand-over-heart salute:

1. When the US flag is raised or lowered
2. When the US flag is carried past in a review or parade
3. When reciting the pledge of allegiance
4. When the national anthem is played

The saluter should face the flag in all cases. If the national anthem is played when the flag is not displayed, the saluter should face the source of the music.

Peter Ansoff

Most of the black Alabama players on camera held their hands down or behind their back during the Anthem.

Is this their form of protesting? Less obvious than kneeling?

Isn't hand over heart customary?