Center (American football)

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Center (C) is a position in American football and Canadian football (spelled centre in Canadian English). In modern professional football, centers are usually the smallest offensive linemen, but this is not to say that they are unimposing. An average NFL center would weigh in at over 300 lb (130 kg) and stand over 6 feet (180cm) tall.

Description

The center is at the center of the offensive line, and it is the center who passes (or "snaps") the ball between his legs to the quarterback at the start of each play.

Role

Centers play an integral part of the offensive line and act as the primary protector of the quarterback after the snap. The center is often referred to as "the smartest person on the field next to the quarterback", in the sense that the center acts as the line's "mind". Before the snap, the center is given the responsibility of assessing the likely action of the defensive team (based on his knowledge of their defensive schemes, as well as the placement and stance of players on the field) and will then often adjust the blocking assignments of all the offensive linemen and the backfield by communicating using audible and visual signals referred to as "line calls".

During the play

On most plays, the center will snap the ball directly into the quarterback's hands. In a shotgun formation, the center snaps the ball to the quarterback lined up several yards behind him. In punt and field goal formations, the center also snaps the ball several yards behind him to the punter or holder on the field goal unit. Because bad snaps can ruin special teams plays and cause turnovers, some teams have a center who is specifically trained for snapping the ball in punt and field goal formations. This player is often referred to as the team's long snapper. Also, it must be noted that the Center does not have to snap the ball to the quarterback, holder, or punter. He is allowed to snap the ball to anyone behind him. Because of this, some plays involve snaps directly to running backs instead of the player generally expected to receive the snap, hoping to fool the defense.

In slang, the player receiving the snap is said to be "under center". This phrase is typically applied to quarterbacks, but has been used in reference to other positions as well.

After the snap

After the snap, the center must block defensive players from reaching the ball carrier (on running plays) or the quarterback (on passing plays). On passing plays in particular, the center often must block blitzing defensive players.

Special teams

In special teams situations, the center is referred to as a "long snapper," who snaps the ball with two hands to a punter standing approximately 12-14 yards behind him, or to the holder for the placekicker, kneeling approximately behind him. These long snappers are often players particularly talented at performing these snaps, and are not necessarily the same center used on other plays. In fact, professional football teams may carry a player on their roster for the sole or primary purpose of long snapping.

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.

In college football, the Dave Rimington Trophy is awarded annually to the nation's most outstanding center.

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Last updated on Friday February 22, 2008 at 10:39:13 PST (GMT -0800)
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