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About Football Glossary - Defensive Holding

By James Alder, About.com

Definition: Use of the hands to hold or push an offensive receiver or back on a passing play beyond the first five yards past the line of scrimmage.
Also Known As: Illegal Use of Hands
Examples: Inside the five yard chuck zone, the defense may jam the receiver, but after that a penalty is called. Defensive holding results in a five-yard penalty on the offending team and an automatic first down.
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