Center (gridiron football)
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Center or centre (C) is a position in
The importance of centers for a football team has increased, due to the re-emergence of
Roles
The center's first role is to pass the football to the quarterback. This exchange is called a snap. Most offensive schemes make adjustments based on how the
After the snap, the center performs blocking assignments. The blocking assignments vary by offense but typically consist of the following:
Run blocking
Run blocking assignments will vary based on the current play and the defensive formation when the ball is snapped. Typically, these assignments consist of the following:
- Blocking middle or backside linebackers in certain formations, then moving up to secondary levels if no linebacker is present.
- Assisting guards in their blocking assignments. This may be a center-guard double-team where the center and guard are assigned to the same target (usually a defensive tackle) to get extra push or drive. Assistance may also be just a quick hit or "chip" to throw the defensive player off balance and help the guard to execute their block, while the center moves up to higher-level targets.
- Backside blocking of offensive linemanto block for the ball carrier. If a guard needs to pull for a block, the center will typically block the defensive tackle in order to fill the guard's void.
Pass blocking
- Pass blocking is similar to run blocking for a center. The center will initially help guards based on the position of the defensive linemen. In the case of a safety or corner. A good center also needs to stay vigilant during pass blocking to protect against defensive stunts and twists.
During the play
On most plays, the center will snap the ball directly into the quarterback's hands. In a
Special teams
On all
Drawing penalties
Although the quarterback commands the ball, it is the center's snap that renders the ball in play; the defensive line may not cross the line of scrimmage until the center snaps the football. An astute center can help draw an opposing team offside prior to the snap or potentially trick the other team into a penalty by quickly snapping the ball while the opposing team attempts to substitute players.
Under college and high school rules, the center, as a long snapper, may not be contacted until 1 second after the snap has been initiated. This will result in "roughing the center".
Additionally, a snap must be a continuous motion. If a center halts the snap motion, this draws the penalty of "illegal snap".
In
References
- ^ Chadiha, Jeffri (October 15, 2009), "Spikes in value, hikes in pay", ESPN.com
- ^ Layden, Tim (September 24, 2012). "Calm Amid The Chaos". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
External links
- Media related to American football centers at Wikimedia Commons