Okay, so today I spent some real time working on the center sneak. It’s one of those things, looks simple, but getting it right consistently? That takes work.
Got out to the practice field pretty early. Weather wasn’t too bad, a bit cool but good for working up a sweat. Dumped the bag of footballs out, grabbed one, and just started getting loose. Did some basic stretches, nothing too crazy, just wanted to get the blood flowing before really getting into it.
Setting Up the Drill
First thing, I lined up some cones to act as my guards. Didn’t have a full line out there today, just me focusing on my part. Put a marker down where the quarterback would line up, right under center, nice and tight. The whole point is that quick, surprise surge, right?
I spent a good few minutes just snapping the ball. No movement after, just focusing on the snap itself. Making sure it was clean, quick, and low. You gotta get that ball secure into the QB’s hands instantly. Mess that up, and the whole play is dead before it starts. Did maybe 20, 30 snaps like that. Some felt good, some were a bit wobbly. Just kept at it.
Executing the Sneak
Alright, then came the main event. Combining the snap with the forward drive. This is where it gets tricky. You snap, and in that same split second, you gotta explode forward. Low pad level, driving with the legs.
Here’s what I really focused on:
- Snap First: Sounds obvious, but making sure the ball was moving back before my feet started driving forward. Timing is everything.
- Low Man Wins: Staying low. The moment I snapped, I focused on keeping my helmet down, shoulders low, and just trying to push forward like a bulldozer. If you pop up, you lose all your power.
- Immediate Push: No hesitation. Snap, bang, forward drive. Trying to get that initial movement as powerful as possible to create that little bit of space needed.
I ran through this sequence maybe 15 times. Took a breather. Then another 15. Really tried to feel that forward momentum right after the snap cleared my hand. Imagined a big nose tackle right over me, trying to get lower than him.
Some reps felt great – quick snap, good surge, felt like I could definitely get that yard. Other times, I felt a bit slow off the ball, or maybe the snap wasn’t perfect which threw off the rhythm. It’s a fine line.
Observations and Adjustments
Noticed my first step wasn’t always as explosive as I wanted. So, I started really concentrating on pushing off both feet hard, right as the snap happened. Also made sure I wasn’t leaning too far forward before the snap, trying to keep my weight balanced so I could fire out properly.
Did a few more sets focusing just on that initial explosion after the snap. Didn’t even worry too much about how far I drove, just that first powerful step forward while keeping low.
Wrapping Up
Spent about an hour total on it. Felt pretty gassed by the end, honestly. It’s more tiring than it looks, that constant low driving. Picked up the cones and the balls. Felt decent about the progress. Definitely got a better feel for the timing and the need to stay low and drive immediately. Still needs more reps, always needs more reps, but it was a good session. You just gotta put the work in, right?
