How to Be a Football Long Snapper

Being a long snapper in football is a very over looked, yet important position in the game. Long snappers are not noticed unless they make a mistake, and just like a kicker or punter if they make a mistake, it is a glaring one. Like snapping the ball, dribbling back to the holder or punter, or worse flying over his head. Either way the job of the long snapper can impact the game. He must get the ball back quickly and accurately or create dire consequences. The focus of this article will be the basics you need to become a good long snapper.

***Stance***

Foot placement, when you are standing over the ball place your feet shoulder width apart plus six inches. Make sure your feet are pointed straight ahead to ensure the proper balance.

As you bend over to grip the ball you may adjust the width of your feet for purposes of comfort.

***Snapping Stance***

Now that you are in your stance you are ready to get into snapping position. You want the ball about one yard in front of you. As you come forward to grip the ball, you want your weight to transfer to the balls of your feet.

Bending your knees slightly, you are ready to come forward, bend at the waist extending your arms forward 90 to 95 % to grip the ball. Make sure your back is flat, feet firmly planted and that you are not leaning to far forward. Balance is critical and must be maintained before and after the snap. You need good balance to snap the ball and to explode off the LOS after the snap to fulfill your blocking duties.

***Gripping the Football***

Snap Hand Position

Think of the long snap as backward pass, gripping the football in the similar fashion of a quarterback. Place your forefinger and middle finger more towards the end of the ball and your thumb on the underside opposite your middle finger. These are considered your "touch fingers" and the ball should roll off them as you hike the ball.

***Guide Hand***

Your guide hand is exactly what the name implies. It is the hand you use to guide the ball back to the recipient.

You want the football resting on the finger pads of your guide hand with your finger pointing away from you and towards the tip of the football. The finger pads are the area of the finger between the finger tips and your first joint.

It is important only this area of the guide hand touch the ball. Neither hand should have the palm in contact with the football.

***Snapping the Football***

Now you are ready to snap the ball. With your guide hand on top and your snapping hand under the ball, you hike the ball using both arms, pulling back with equal force. As you pull the ball back, roll the ball of the finger tips of the snapping hand. Remember this is really a backward pass. Ball spin, accuracy and sped are important.

With your guide hand on top of the ball as you pull back, you snap both wrists towards your fore arms; this creates the velocity needed to get the ball back fast. Remember there are defensive rushers dedicated to trying to block the punt or kick.

*** The Finish***

Now that you have snapped the ball, both palms should finish open and upwards and your fingers pointing towards the punter /kicker.

In conclusion start with a good balanced stance, moving forward to grip the ball, make sure your snapping hand holds the ball similar to how a quarterback does. Griping the ball with your guide hand gives you the aim you need to snap the ball to the recipient.

There are several DVDS about long snapping, this article gives you the basics of how to become a football long snapper.

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