Quote:
Originally posted by watsonhb
For a snap to be legal must the ball pass through the center's legs? The definition in Rule 2 of a snap is not particularily clear when it says that the ball must be passed backwards to a player in the backfield.
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The snapper does not have to pass the ball through his legs but there are other requirements to be watchful for (these things usually come up in the 'muddle-huddle' or 'swinging gate' alignment). The umpire and wings need to be aware and ready for something unusual.
a) The snapper must be facing his opponents goal line with his shoulders approximately parallel to that goal line (he can't stand sideways).
b) The snap must be a smooth continuous motion (he can't legally 'wind up' for his snap, nor can he pick up the ball and throw it overhand).
c) The snapper must move his hand(s) first in making the snap (he can't legally step back with one foot as he makes the snap).
d) The snapper may not turn the ball prior to the snap.
e) Only the snapper's hands and head may be in the neutral zone prior to the snap. Only his hand on the ball may be beyond the neutral zone prior to the snap (hard to set up legally for a sideways snap).
An improper snapping technique gives the offense an unintented unfair advantage. Make the snapper do it right.
Mon Oct 23, 2000, 10:35am
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