How to Simplify the Center-QB Exchange

Every football play begins with the center hiking the ball to the quarterback. Without a fluid center-QB exchange, the play is doomed to failure. Whether the center is hiking the ball directly to the quarterback under center, or if the quarterback is in the shotgun formation, the exchange must be accurate and fluid. This article will explain how to simplify the center-QB exchange and allow for the maximum success rate.

Things You'll Need

  • Football
  • Whistle
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Instructions

  1. Quarterback Under Center

    • 1

      Teach your quarterback the proper placement of his hands. Most exchanges are ruined due to the quarterback resting his hands too far behind the center. The quarterback should place his right hand flat against the center's underside, just below his protective cup. Connect the left hand at the base of the palm in a wide position.

    • 2

      Caution the quarterback to not get over-anxious and pull out from the center before the ball is firmly in his hands. This will cause a fumble of the exchange, and the play will never even get started.

    • 3

      Remind your quarterback to clear his feet after the exchange so the center will have room to move. Often, the quarterback will not get clear of the center, and they will step on each other's feet.

    • 4

      Tell the center to pop the ball firmly into the quarterback's hands in the parallel position. Do not short-arm the snap by only taking the football back partially. A good center needs to remember to complete the snap before attempting to engage in his blocking assignment.

    • 5

      Practice these methods every chance you get. It is vital that your quarterback and center become accustomed to each other. The center/QB exchange must be second nature by the time you get to the actual games.

    Shotgun Formation

    • 6

      Instruct your quarterback to line up approximately 5 yards beyond the center. It is imperative that they line up in the same place on each and every snap, so the center can gauge the distance of his snap consistently.

    • 7

      Tell your center to line up his sights on each and every snap, to be sure they are in the same position. The center must deliver the ball consistently to the quarterback's breadbasket so the quarterback will be ready to throw or hand off immediately.

    • 8

      Prepare for mishaps by keeping your running backs in on blitzing downs. On downs and distance where a blitz are likely, you do not want your quarterback behind center with no protection. Keep one or two running backs with him to pick up the blitz.

    • 9

      Practice this exchange every chance you get. The center/QB exchange must be perfect in the shotgun formation to maintain a strong offense. The shotgun formation is very challenging to master, and practice is the key to success.

    • 10

      As a center in any formation, grip the football by the seams. Many centers try to snap the ball from various positions; the best way is still the simple seam grip.