How to Become a Great Center in Football

The center position, in American football, is the most important position on the offensive line. The center is the leader of the offensive line and must be both intelligent and physically dominant, thoughtful and hard-headed. If you wish to become a truly great center, there are certain steps you ought to take when going about it. Here is a list of those steps:

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Intelligence
• Leadership Skills
• Composure
• Physical Talent
• Size
• Heart

Steps to Becoming a Great Center

1. Lead the offensive line. This is the most important duty of the center. Not only is a center responsible for his own play on the football field, but he is also accountable for that of the rest of his linemates. Be a leader by example and befriend the rest of the offensive linemen. Only with true chemistry and leadership can your offensive line become dominant.

2. Learn the offense thoroughly. No player on the field, other than the quarterback, needs to know and understand their team's playbook as thoroughly as the center does. This is because you need to be able to determine the blocking scheme as you approach the line and then dictate it to your fellow offensive linemen. Learn the offense, inside and out, and you'll be on your way towards greatness.

3. Learn to read defenses. Only by understanding defenses can you begin to really know what blocking schemes you should give to your fellow players. Take time to learn defensive football theory and you'll be glad you did.

4. Train extensively. You need to lead by example, so you should be the first to the practice field and the last one into the locker room. Also, arrange for the other linemen to train with you during the off-season to help build camaraderie.

5. Practice the snap. No other element of your job, as a center, can be accomplished unless you snap the ball perfectly every time. Great centers practice snapping the football to their quarterback for at least 100 snaps per day. This will make the process automatic.

6. Learn to long-snap. If you don't already know how to snap the ball in shotgun formations, learn that first. Then, go on to learn how to snap for extra points, field goals, and punts. By becoming a long snapper you'll add a lot of extra value to your football resume and help your team out with a difficult roster spot to fill.

7. Master the other offensive line positions. This will allow you to help younger, less-experienced players on your offensive line who play other positions.

Tips & Warnings

• Develop a friendly relationship with your quarterback. The chemistry between the two of you will help to maintain a flawlessly executing offense.
• Focus on the center position. No other position on the football field should be on your mind when you play. If it is, give up the center spot and go for what you really want to play.
• Don't expect glory. The offensive line is a thankless place and the only ones who will ever know how important your position is are your coach, the rest of the offensive line, and your teammates.

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