How to Call a Snap Count

A snap count in football refers to the numbers and other words a quarterback yells to his team before the football is snapped. He is using codes to communicate to his offense and to make the defense unaware of the play that is coming. There can be a lot of information relayed in a snap count or the words can mean nothing at all--that is for the defense to figure out, if they can. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Plan which code words you will use in your snap count before the game. You'll need to have words that your offense can understand but the defense won't know. For example, use the word "blue" for an audible.

2. Discuss the upcoming play with your teammates in the huddle. Inform them of the length of the snap count you will be calling and any words that will be used for changes.

3. Position yourself at the line of scrimmage behind the center. Make sure your hands are always ready to receive the football in case the center makes the snap prematurely.

4. Yell loudly when you're calling your snap count. You'll need to make sure you can be heard over the crowd noise. Use your code words if needed and mix them in with some decoy words. Say "hike" when you want your center to snap the ball.

5. Keep the defense guessing. Use a short snap count when you want to start the play before they're ready, and use a long snap count to try to catch them off sides. You can make the snap count whatever you want as long as the ball is snapped before the play clock runs out.