CENTER SNAP, RECEIVING, AND PASSING SKILL CUES Center Snap (quarterback 5 yards behind center) 1. Grip the ball the same way as in passing. 2. Spread feet more than shoulder-width apart. 3. Place non-snapping hand on the knee and extend the snapping hand and arm back through the legs. 4. Snap the wrist as the ball is released, pointing the hand back toward the quarterback. 5. The ball should have a spiral on it and should be received by the quarterback at about chest height. 6. The snapper should look back through her or his legs to find the quarterback prior to the snap. However, when actually snapping, the head should be up facing the opponents. Lateral Pass, One-Hand Underhand 1. Pass underhand to make a lateral pass. 2. Pass to the side or behind the passer. 3. Grasp the ball with the dominant hand. 4. Place the palm of the throwing hand under the ball with the fingers spread. 5. Snap the wrist back when making the underhand toss to put spin on the ball and cause a spiral. TEACHING CUE 1. Review the previously presented skill cues for passing and catching before teaching this lesson. ACTIVITIES (30-40 MINUTES) 1. Review the passing and receiving skill cues for students. Again emphasize the importance of developing spin on the ball as it is being thrown. (3-5 minutes) 2. Group students into partners and have them pass back and forth to each other from various distances (5, 10, 15 and 20 yards). Then require students to pass to a moving receiver (forward, backward, and sideways), limiting the distance between the partners to approximately 15 yards. (7-8 minutes) 3. Present the skill cues for the center snap. Emphasize that the ball is snapped with one hand and with a snap of the wrist to impart spin on the ball as it is released. Demonstrate the center snapping skill. (3-5 minutes) 4. Group students into partners and have them practice snapping back and forth to each other from approximately 5 yards. As they become successful, have them increase the distance to 10 yards. (5-6 minutes) 5. Present the skill cues for the lateral underhand pass. Emphasize that the pass must be made laterally or backwards to a player because a forward lateral pass beyond the line of scrimmage is illegal. (3-5 minutes) 6. In partners, have students practice lateraling the ball back and forth to each other from a 5-yard distance. Emphasize that students are to use one hand and should try to develop spin on the ball. At first the receiver should remain stationary, but eventually both the passer and receiver should be moving when the lateral pass is made. (4-5 minutes) 7. Assign one student in each group of three as the snapper, one as the quarterback, and one as a running back. Have the snapper hike the ball to the quarterback, who runs with the ball to the side a short distance then laterals the ball to the trailing running back. Repeat three times and then switch roles. (5-6 minutes) CLOSURE (3-5 MINUTES) Review and discuss with students the content of the lesson. Use the following ideas to reinforce learning, check understanding, and give feedback. 1. Have students identify the similarities between the forward, lateral, and center snap pass. 2. Discuss the regulations for using the lateral pass in flag football. .