PAT question

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Are "centers" (snappers) trying to "get skinny" and make the snap from as erect a posture as they can manage? Are they taking as wide a stance as possible, using their legs to claim the A gaps as their space? Or are they snapping from a normal snapper's posture?

No, our ten year old snapper has a hard enough time making teh snap while looking upside down at the holder.

No, he is setting up in his normal stance. By normal, I mean the same he uses when trying a shotgun snap to our QB.

You're seeing defenders slant inward on the Gs? How does that collapse the middle? Are they trying to throw one of them into the snapper to draw a foul?

Yes, since we have two players back, they pile up the middle. By sending two defenders at the guards they collapse the pocket. Keep in mind that we have a ten year old snapper. He is not whipping the ball back.

You might want to keep in mind that the guards are allowed to lock legs with the snapper.

Thanks. We teach them to do this just after the snap. A couple teams do this prior to getting set. When we pointed this out the crew said it is legal. I'm not complaining about the call or lack of, rather I just want clarification so we can better prepare our boys. Some day they will be playing in front of guys like you and I hope we can instruct them now so that we avoid problems later. Thank you!

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Yes, since we have two players back, they pile up the middle. By sending two defenders at the guards they collapse the pocket.

Doesn't that just create a pile of bodies in the middle? I could see that opening up the B gaps, but certainly not the A gaps! Doesn't seem to me that your league rule makes any difference to that tactic. What am I missing?

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Doesn't that just create a pile of bodies in the middle? I could see that opening up the B gaps, but certainly not the A gaps! Doesn't seem to me that your league rule makes any difference to that tactic. What am I missing?

I am still awaiting an official interpretation for this rule from our league. I will advise the board what they say.

To answer your question, most teams here know that they can simple send the mass through the middle to mess up the kick. We already have two back, so that means the defense will have two unchallenged. I received a PM from one of the members here telling me to get the snap back quicker. Thanks. I'll tell the ten year old to start eating protein bars.

Is it legal to lock legs prior to the snap?

[InsideTheStripe]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Is it legal to lock legs prior to the snap?

RULE 7 SECTION 2 ART. 2 . . . The players on each side of and next to the snapper may lock legs with the snapper, but any other A lineman must have each foot outside the closest foot of the player next to him at the snap. A’s players may stand, crouch or kneel.