A hand-off is a legal move where the ball-carrier pushes a defender away using the palm of their hand. This is a vital skill for staying on your feet and breaking through a tackle attempt. The player must keep their arm straight and aim for the defender’s chest or shoulder area. It is illegal to use the hand to strike or punch the opponent’s head or neck during the move. A powerful hand-off can knock a defender off balance and allow the runner to keep sprinting forward. It requires great timing to strike the defender just as they reach out to make the grab. This move is a favorite for strong runners who want to dominate their one-on-one battles. For example, a center might use a hand-off to shove a defender aside while running at full speed. This allows them to stay in the clear and continue their run toward the try line. It is a show of strength.
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