Long Snapping Techniques Snapper must practice 15 to 30 minutes a day to master the fundamentals and skills of being a snapper. The snapping workout should be divided into two phases. 1) Individual drills with a partner- this should be a daily routine prior to actual snapping practice. 2) Snapping drills- repetitive snapping to a holder, punter or stationary target. Stretch Routine It’s important to be thoroughly loose before snapping. Key muscle areas are the groin, hamstrings, arms, lower back, shoulders and wrists. Finish stretching with the clock stretch. Clock Stretch: This stretch starts with the snapper spreading his feet as wide as possible and with his back flat, knees slightly bent, arms extended out in front of the body and the hands together. Start at twelve o’clock and go clockwise, then repeat counter clockwise. Touch both and hands at each number of the clock during the rotation. Snapping Progression Step 1: Stance- The most important aspect of long snapping is a comfortable stance. He must point his toes straight ahead with feet parallel and his weight equally distributed on the big toes and heels. The distance between the snapper’s feet should be no wider than his shoulders. It is important to have a solid base, which allows him to lower his body to the ground. This creates a solid foundation to operate from. The snapper’s back should be flat with knees bent, forming a “Z” in the knees. Weight should be equally distributed between the insteps of the feet, ankles, knees and hips. Next, the snapper should lay his stomach on the thighs for support. The goal is to have complete movement of arms through the lower body, without losing balance or control. Step 2: Hand Placement- The snapper should extend both arms directly in front of his shoulders and place them on the football. The bottom tip of the ball should be aligned directly under his chin. The snapper should place his dominant hand (power hand) on the laces of the ball, similar to how a QB grips the football. The off hand is the “guide hand” and is placed on the middle of the ball opposite the power hand. The middle finger should be aligned parallel to the seam of the ball, pressing the palm into the ball and forcing it into the power hand. The snapper rolls and cocks the power hand, forming a slight bend in the wrist, turning the laces of the ball toward the ground. Power Hand Placement • Place the first knuckle of the index finger across the seam of the ball • Place the middle finger and ring knuckles between the 2nd and 3rd laces of the ball, keeping them close together • Place the little finger across the bottom seam of the ball • Place the thumb around the ball, forming a natural “V” with the index finger and thumb. Guide Hand Placement • Place the middle finger down the seam of the ball. The height of the middle finger on the seam helps determine elevation of the flight of the ball. • Place the index and ring finger on the ball, keeping them close to the middle finger. • Line up thumb and little finger straight across from each other for balance and straight release. • At the start of the snapping action, press the palm of the hand into the ball. This does three things: 1. Forces the ball into the power hand 2. Assists in the cocking action of the power hand 3. Puts pressure on the ball for a tight spiral Step 3: Arm Position- As the snapper grips the ball, he should favor the right leg with the ball if he’s right handed and the left if he’s left handed. He rolls and cocks the ball a half turn pointing the knuckles and laces of the power hand and ball into the ground while keeping the ball flat on the ground, with the nose slightly tilted up. The guide- hand arm must be straight (elbow not bent). The arm of the power hand will be extended out in front of the body as far as possible with a slight bend in the elbow. It’s important not to put a lot of weight on the football. When ready to deliver the snap, the snapper pushes the palm of the guide hand into the ball, forcing the ball into the power hand. Now’s he ready to fire a snap! Step 4: Snapping Motion- The snap is made with arms, wrists and hands moving in a continuous motion. As the snap is made, both the snapper’s hands and arms follow through directly at the target, with both hands snapping through the legs as far as possible. Do not let the arms and hands spread after the snap. Snapping is strictly all arms and wrists. After the follow through, the snapper should get his head up, set back off the LOS and “get big” to protect his area, then hustle to his coverage assignment. Individual Drills Under-Hand Pass Drill- This drill helps the snapper develop strength in the wrist of the power hand and learn to control the ball from the grip to the spiral with accuracy. The snapper and a passing partner should stand facing one another at a distance of 8 to 10 yards with the feet shoulder-width apart. Both players must execute an under-hand pass without taking a step toward their partner. Both players should concentrate on accuracy, speed, throwing a tight spiral and follow through. 15-20 reps One-Hand Pass Drill- This drill emphasizes proper hand position of the power-hand, which keeps the ball from wobbling. The snapper and a passing partner should stand facing one another at a distance of 8 to 10 yards with the feet shoulder-width apart. They pass the ball to each other without taking a step forward, emphasizing accuracy, speed, throwing a tight spiral and follow through. 15-20 reps Follow through Snap Drill- The purpose of this drill is to emphasize the importance of follow through and wrist snap. The snapper addresses the ball on air in a pre-snap position. His partner is 1 yard deep behind the snapper in a QB position with his palms facing downward and extended outward beneath the snappers tail. The snapper should start a snapping motion with the hands and arms executing follow through. Both the guide hand and power hand must snap through the legs as far as possible, slapping the QB’s palms that are placed behind him. After maximum follow through, the snapper should snap his head up after every touch. 15-20 reps rapidly Live Snap Drill- Have the snapper snap to his partner or a stationary target, starting at a depth of 10 yards and working to 14 yards. The snap must be done with accuracy, good technique and speed. The snapper must not hitch or telegraph the delivery of the snap or change his rhythm. The snapper must focus on the target and stress proper technique to develop the accuracy, consistency and speed of every snap. Long Snapping Tips • Approach the ball separately each time the snapper snaps in practice situations. Make sure he always resets his feet. • Make sure the long snapper varies the rhythm he uses when snapping the ball so that opponents can’t zero in on his snapping motion and rhythm. • The long snapper must throw strikes. The landmark is inside the punters kicking hip. • Never aim the ball on snaps. Snap every time with good technique, speed, accuracy and follow through. • The long snapper should strive to get the ball back in 0.70 to 0.75 seconds. The risk of getting a punt blocked increases every 0.05 seconds. • During a long-snapper’s routine, he must set his feet and emphasize spring in the knees with his weight centered on the insteps. He must look at the target before placing his hands on the ball. • The snapper must approach the ball with everything in line at high noon with his body and the ball. He must have the correct grip, with the wrist cocked and back flat. He should pre-cock his hips on the pre-snap and eliminate any hitches. • The long snap is all arms, hops, concentration and focus. .