Long snapper
The long snapper is the specialist who snaps the ball a long way: about 15 yards back to the punter on punts, and about 7 yards to the holder on field goals and extra points. He is a lineman who plays only on special teams, and a bad snap can ruin a kick.
What he does
- Snaps the ball accurately between his legs, so it arrives at the same place and speed every time
- Blocks a rusher right after the snap
- Covers the kick downfield on punts, after he has blocked
- Works with the punter, the holder and the kicker so that the timing is the same on every play
- Practices the snap thousands of times, since he is noticed mostly when he makes a mistake
On punts
On a punt the long snapper sends the ball about 15 yards back to the punter, with a spiral so that it is easy to catch. He then blocks the rusher in front of him before running downfield to help cover the kick.
On field goals and extra points
On a field goal the snap goes to the holder, who is much closer, and it must be both fast and accurate because the kicker is already moving. The long snapper is also a blocker on the line, so he must be tough as well as accurate.
What makes a good one
Accuracy, a consistent snap and the strength to block. Few teams carry more than one long snapper, so the player must be ready to play every special teams snap.
How he lines up
The long snapper lines up in the center of the line, with his hands on the ball and his head up so that he can see the defense. His job is to snap and to block, so he stands in a low, wide stance, like a center. On punts he looks back through his legs for the target, and on field goals he snaps the ball to the holder, who is much closer.
Techniques and common mistakes
Key techniques are a consistent grip, a smooth swing of the arms through the legs, and a snap that spirals with the laces turned the way the kicker wants. Common mistakes are snapping too high or too low, which can force the punter to jump or the holder to reach, snapping too slowly, and letting a rusher past him after the snap. He is noticed most when he makes an error, since a bad snap can lose the ball or the game.
Animated play
Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.
- The offense has moved the ball close enough for a kick. Here it is the 25-yard line.
- The long snapper snaps, the holder catches and sets the ball down, and the kicker kicks it.
- The distance of a field goal is the yard line plus 17: ten yards for the end zone and seven yards for the snap and the hold. So from the 25-yard line it is a 42-yard kick.
- If the ball goes over the crossbar and between the uprights, it is three points.