Center (American football) facts for kids

The positioning of a center in an offensive formation.

A center (often called C) is a very important player in American football and Canadian football. They are part of the offensive line, which is the group of players who block for their teammates. The center is right in the middle of this line. Their main job is to start every play by passing the ball between their legs to the quarterback. This move is called a "snap".

Besides snapping the ball, centers also have two other big jobs. They must protect the quarterback from defensive players who try to tackle them. They also block for the running back when that player tries to run with the ball.

What Does a Center Do?

The center is like the leader of the offensive line. They are in charge of making sure everyone on the line knows what to do before the play starts.

Starting the Play: The Snap

The most unique thing a center does is the snap. This is how every play begins. The center bends over the ball and quickly passes it backward to the quarterback. This has to be done perfectly so the quarterback can catch it and start the play smoothly.

Different Kinds of Snaps

• Under Center: This is the most common snap. The quarterback stands right behind the center and takes the ball directly from their hands.
• Shotgun Snap: Sometimes, the quarterback stands several steps behind the center. The center then throws or "snaps" the ball back a longer distance. This is often used for passing plays.

Protecting the Quarterback

After snapping the ball, the center quickly stands up and becomes a blocker. Their main goal is to stop defensive players from reaching the quarterback. This is super important because if the quarterback gets tackled before throwing the ball, it's called a "sack," and it loses yards for the team.

Blocking for Runners

When the team decides to run the ball, the center's job changes a bit. They still block, but now they try to open up a path for the running back. They push and move defensive players out of the way so the runner has space to gain yards.

Key Skills for a Center

Being a center requires a special mix of skills:

• Strength: Centers need to be very strong to block big defensive players.
• Intelligence: They must understand the team's plays and quickly figure out what the defense is trying to do. They often "call out" changes to the blocking plan.
• Quickness: Even though they are big, centers need to be quick to snap the ball and then get into position to block.
• Accuracy: The snap has to be perfect every time, whether it's a short handoff or a longer throw.

The Offensive Line Team

The center is just one part of the offensive line. This group works together like a team within a team. Besides the center, the offensive line includes:

• Guards: Two players who stand on either side of the center.
• Tackles: Two players who stand on the outside of the guards.

All these players work together to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the running backs. If one player on the line makes a mistake, it can cause problems for the whole offense.

Images for kids

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  Center Bum Day

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  Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Carson Wentz "under center" Jason Kelce in a 2017 game against the Washington Redskins

See also

In Spanish: Center (fútbol americano) para niños