| Being a long snapper in football is a very over looked, | | | | as you hike the ball. |
| yet important position in the game. Long snappers | | | | ***Guide Hand*** |
| are not noticed unless they make a mistake, and just | | | | Your guide hand is exactly what the name implies. It |
| like a kicker or punter if they make a mistake, it is a | | | | is the hand you use to guide the ball back to the |
| glaring one. Like snapping the ball, dribbling back to | | | | recipient. |
| the holder or punter, or worse flying over his head. | | | | You want the football resting on the finger pads of |
| Either way the job of the long snapper can impact | | | | your guide hand with your finger pointing away from |
| the game. He must get the ball back quickly and | | | | you and towards the tip of the football. The finger |
| accurately or create dire consequences. The focus of | | | | pads are the area of the finger between the finger |
| this article will be the basics you need to become a | | | | tips and your first joint. |
| good long snapper. | | | | It is important only this area of the guide hand touch |
| ***Stance*** | | | | the ball. Neither hand should have the palm in contact |
| Foot placement, when you are standing over the ball | | | | with the football. |
| place your feet shoulder width apart plus six inches. | | | | ***Snapping the Football*** |
| Make sure your feet are pointed straight ahead to | | | | Now you are ready to snap the ball. With your guide |
| ensure the proper balance. | | | | hand on top and your snapping hand under the ball, |
| As you bend over to grip the ball you may adjust | | | | you hike the ball using both arms, pulling back with |
| the width of your feet for purposes of comfort. | | | | equal force. As you pull the ball back, roll the ball of |
| ***Snapping Stance*** | | | | the finger tips of the snapping hand. Remember this |
| Now that you are in your stance you are ready to | | | | is really a backward pass. Ball spin, accuracy and sped |
| get into snapping position. You want the ball about | | | | are important. |
| one yard in front of you. As you come forward to | | | | With your guide hand on top of the ball as you pull |
| grip the ball, you want your weight to transfer to the | | | | back, you snap both wrists towards your fore arms; |
| balls of your feet. | | | | this creates the velocity needed to get the ball back |
| Bending your knees slightly, you are ready to come | | | | fast. Remember there are defensive rushers |
| forward, bend at the waist extending your arms | | | | dedicated to trying to block the punt or kick. |
| forward 90 to 95 % to grip the ball. Make sure your | | | | *** The Finish*** |
| back is flat, feet firmly planted and that you are not | | | | Now that you have snapped the ball, both palms |
| leaning to far forward. Balance is critical and must be | | | | should finish open and upwards and your fingers |
| maintained before and after the snap. You need | | | | pointing towards the punter /kicker. |
| good balance to snap the ball and to explode off the | | | | In conclusion start with a good balanced stance, |
| LOS after the snap to fulfill your blocking duties. | | | | moving forward to grip the ball, make sure your |
| ***Gripping the Football*** | | | | snapping hand holds the ball similar to how a |
| Snap Hand Position | | | | quarterback does. Griping the ball with your guide |
| Think of the long snap as backward pass, gripping | | | | hand gives you the aim you need to snap the ball to |
| the football in the similar fashion of a quarterback. | | | | the recipient. |
| Place your forefinger and middle finger more towards | | | | There are several DVDS about long snapping, this |
| the end of the ball and your thumb on the underside | | | | article gives you the basics of how to become a |
| opposite your middle finger. These are considered | | | | football long snapper. |
| your "touch fingers" and the ball should roll off them | | | | |