Center (gridiron football) facts for kids
A center (often called C) is a key player in gridiron football. They are part of the offensive line, which protects the quarterback and helps the running backs. The center is the player who starts every play by passing the ball between their legs to the quarterback. This move is called a "snap."
Centers are very important, especially with modern defenses. A good center can stop strong defensive players. If the center isn't strong, the running game might struggle. Also, the quarterback could face pressure on every play.
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What a Center Does
The center has several important jobs during a football game. They are often seen as the smartest players on the offensive line.
Snapping the Ball
The center's first job is to pass the football to the quarterback. This is called the "snap." It starts every play.
Making Calls
Before the snap, the center has a great view of the defense. They can see how the defensive players are lined up. Because of this, the center often makes the first "line call." This call helps the whole offensive line know what to do. Sometimes, the center might even help the quarterback decide on the play. This means centers need to be very smart to do their job well.
Blocking for the Team
After snapping the ball, the center's next job is to block. Blocking means stopping defensive players from getting to the ball carrier or the quarterback.
Blocking for Running Plays
When the team runs the ball, the center's blocking job changes based on the play. Here are some common tasks:
- They might block middle or backside linebackers.
- They often help the guards with their blocks. This can be a "double-team," where the center and guard block the same defensive player together.
- They might also give a quick "chip" block to help a guard.
- Sometimes, the center blocks a defensive tackle when a guard needs to move to block somewhere else.
Blocking for Passing Plays
When the team passes the ball, the center also blocks.
- They usually help the guards block defensive linemen.
- If a defensive player, like a linebacker, rushes quickly (called a "blitz"), the center might need to block them.
- A good center also watches out for tricky defensive moves, like "stunts" or "twists," to protect the quarterback.
During the Game
Most of the time, the center snaps the ball directly into the quarterback's hands. This is called being "under center."
Shotgun and Special Teams Snaps
Sometimes, the quarterback stands a few yards behind the center. This is called a "shotgun formation." The center still snaps the ball back to them.
For punts and field goals, the center also snaps the ball several yards back. They snap it to the punter or the holder. Because a bad snap can cause big problems, many teams have a special player just for these long snaps. This player is called a long snapper.
Tricky Snaps
The center doesn't always have to snap the ball to the quarterback. They can snap it to anyone behind them. Sometimes, teams use this to trick the defense by snapping the ball directly to a running back.
Special Teams Role
On all special teams plays, the center is the long snapper. Today, most professional teams have a player whose main job is just to be the long snapper.
Drawing Penalties
The center's snap officially starts the play. Defensive players cannot cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is snapped. A smart center can sometimes trick the other team into getting a penalty. For example, they might snap the ball quickly when the other team isn't ready. This can cause the defense to be "offside."
In college and high school football, there are special rules for centers who snap the ball for punts or field goals. They cannot be touched by a defensive player until one second after the snap. If they are, it's a penalty called "roughing the center."
Also, the snap must be one smooth motion. If the center stops the snap halfway, it's a penalty called an "illegal snap."
Awards
In college football, the Dave Rimington Trophy is given each year to the best center in the country.
See also
In Spanish: Center (fútbol americano) para niños
