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So I have been getting a lot of emails from parents and coaches about how to get my son or players to the next level, either the college or to the pros. So I did some thinking and came to the realization that there are three positions that a coach or player can work for which will give you the highest probability and longest career in football. I am actually going to make this into a three part series. Here is the part one: Long Snapping

Being a long snapper is a lost art. Many coaches do not even know the ins and out of how to properly coach the center to do this job. I have known many undersized lineman that could not block to save their life, but they sure could long snap. So when looking for a long snapper for your team I would have everyone try because you never know.

Coaching this position to your players is tough but should be worked on everyday either before or after practice. You do not need the kickers or even the place holder, it helps to have the place holder but you can fill in if need be. All you need is a couple of footballs and area about the 20 yards by 5 yards. Now some players like to snap with their helmets off, that is ok in the initial stages. Once they get their accuracy I would make them snap with their helmets on to get the vision and feel down. Now you know that as a long snapper you are to be touched at the snap of the ball, but we all know that the defense shots the gaps which in turn forces body onto the long snapper. Besides snapping make sure to teach them to be as big as possible in the hole. This can be done through the splits and elbows once the ball is snapped.

Long snapping can be practiced much like the a quarterback would throw balls through a hanging tire. So if the player is serious about getting to college or pro level then they should be practicing as much as possible. There is no size or weight stereotype as with other positions on the field. If you can get the ball back there fast and accurate then you will have a long career ahead of you. Below are several videos that will help you with coaching art of being a long snapper:

Here are some instrunctional videos:

Here are some players long snapping:

I hope you enjoyed this first installment of The One Way Ticket to the Pros. Come back and visit to see what the second position will be.