Every Sunday during the NFL season, millions of fans watch as kickers boot field goals and punters launch the ball downfield. But there’s one player who makes all of these plays possible, yet rarely gets noticed until something goes wrong. The long snapper is the unsung hero of football, responsible for delivering perfect snaps on every punt, field goal attempt, and extra point.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about the art of long snapping, from basic technique to earning a scholarship as a snapper in college and eventually making an NFL roster.
What Is a Long Snapper in Football?
A long snapper in football is a specialized player whose main job is to snap the ball approximately 7-15 yards to a punter or holder during special teams plays. While this might sound simple, the position requires incredible precision and consistency. Unlike a regular center who snaps the ball just a few feet to a quarterback, a long snapper must deliver the ball with perfect accuracy over much greater distances while under intense pressure from defenders trying to block the kick.
The long snapper’s role is critical because special teams plays often determine the outcome of close games. A perfectly placed snap gives the punter or kicker the time and positioning they need to execute their job. On the other hand, a bad snap can result in missed field goals, blocked punts, or even safeties that give the opposing team two points and possession of the ball.
What makes this position unique is that long snappers work closely with specialists like the holder, punter, and kicker. These four players must develop perfect timing and chemistry, as even a fraction of a second can mean the difference between a successful play and a disaster.
Long Snap vs Regular Snap
The difference between a center snap and a long snap is dramatic. A regular center snap travels about 2-3 feet to the quarterback’s hands. The center can see the quarterback and adjust if needed. But a long snapper must deliver the ball with his head down, using only muscle memory and thousands of hours of practice to hit a target 15 yards away with pinpoint accuracy.
Speed matters tremendously in long snapping. An NFL-caliber punt snap must travel to the punter in under 0.75 seconds, while field goal snaps need to reach the holder in approximately 0.6-0.7 seconds. This speed is necessary because defensive players are charging at full speed trying to block the kick. Every hundredth of a second counts.
Not every center can be a long snapper, even though both positions involve snapping the ball. The techniques are completely different. A center focuses on short, quick snaps while maintaining a blocking position. A long snapper uses a specialized grip and body position that generates the velocity and accuracy needed for special teams situations. This is why NFL teams carry a dedicated long snapper on their roster instead of asking their center or another lineman to handle both roles.
Read Also: What is a Center in Football: Explain Center Position in American Football
The Role of a Long Snapper in Football and the NFL
During punts, field goals, and extra points, the long snapper has one clear responsibility: deliver a perfect snap every single time. On punts, the snap must reach the punter at chest height with a tight spiral so he can catch it cleanly and get the kick off quickly. On field goal attempts and extra points, the snap must arrive at the holder with perfect rotation so he can spot the ball with the laces facing away from the kicker in a fraction of a second.
NFL teams understand how valuable consistency is at this position. This is why every NFL team carries an NFL long snapper on their active roster. These players practice their craft daily, taking hundreds of snaps to maintain the muscle memory and precision required at the professional level. While they might not touch the ball as often as other positions, their impact on winning and losing games cannot be overstated.
Why the Long Snapper Is Critical in the NFL
Consider this scenario: Your team is down by two points with three seconds left on the clock. Your kicker lines up for a game-winning field goal attempt from 48 yards out. The entire season could come down to this one play. If the snap is low, high, or off-target, the holder will struggle to get the ball spotted properly. The timing will be off by even a split second, and the kick could sail wide or get blocked. One poor snap can turn a potential victory into a devastating loss.
This pressure exists throughout every game. A poor snap on a punt can result in terrible field position for your team or even a turnover. During playoff games or championship matchups, the stress becomes even more intense. The best long snappers thrive in these high-pressure moments because they’ve trained their bodies and minds to perform the same motion perfectly regardless of the circumstances.
Trust between the snapper, holder, and kicker forms the foundation of successful special teams. These players spend countless hours together in practice, developing timing and communication. The holder knows exactly when the ball will arrive and where it will be. The kicker can start his approach with confidence because he trusts his teammates to do their jobs perfectly.
Long Snapper Technique and Fundamentals
Proper technique starts with the stance. A long snapper begins in a stance similar to a center, with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and the ball positioned between the legs. However, the body position is more upright than a regular offensive line stance because the snapper needs to generate velocity rather than prepare for blocking.
Hand placement on the ball is critical for creating the proper spiral and accuracy. The top hand controls the rotation and release point, while the bottom hand guides the ball and provides power. Most experienced long snappers use a grip where their top hand is positioned slightly behind the laces, allowing them to apply the spin needed for a perfect spiral during the snap.
The motion itself combines power from the legs, core rotation, and arm extension. As the snapper initiates the snap, he drives his hips forward while pulling the ball through his legs with force. The wrists snap at the end of the motion to add rotation to the ball. All of this happens in less than a second, requiring thousands of repetitions to master.
How to Execute a Perfect Long Snap
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of a technically sound snap:
- Set your stance with feet wider than your shoulders and the ball positioned directly below your center of gravity
- Grip the ball with your dominant hand on top, fingers across the laces, and your guide hand underneath providing stability
- Focus on your target by looking back through your legs at the holder or punter
- Initiate the motion by driving your hips forward while pulling the ball through your legs with both arms
- Snap your wrists at the release point to create the spiral rotation
- Follow through with your arms extended and your head up to prepare for blocking responsibilities
Many young long snappers make the mistake of prioritizing velocity over accuracy. While speed matters, a snap that arrives fast but off-target is worthless. The goal is to develop consistent mechanics that deliver both speed and precision. Another common error is gripping the ball too tightly, which restricts the natural wrist snap needed for rotation.
Long Snapper Drills to Improve Accuracy, Speed, and Consistency
Repetition and proper mechanics are the foundations of great long snapping. A long snapper should aim to take at least 50-100 snaps per practice session, focusing on maintaining perfect form on every single rep. Quality always matters more than quantity – ten perfect snaps are more valuable than fifty sloppy ones.
Best Long Snapper Drill for Beginners
Beginners should start with basic accuracy drill work at close distances before progressing to full punt and field goal ranges. Set up a target at 7 yards and practice hitting it consistently before moving back. Once you can hit a chest-high target 10 times in a row without missing, increase the distance by one yard and repeat.
Here’s a simple progression plan:
- Week 1-2: Snap from 7 yards to a holder or target, focusing purely on accuracy
- Week 3-4: Move back to 10 yards while maintaining accuracy standards
- Week 5-6: Progress to full 15-yard distance, working on both accuracy and velocity
- Week 7-8: Add pressure simulation with a timer to replicate game conditions
Advanced Long Snapper Drills Used by NFL Players
Professional long snappers use sophisticated training methods to maintain their edge. Speed-focused drills involve snapping to a timer, trying to consistently deliver the ball in under 0.7 seconds for field goals and under 0.75 seconds for punts. Pressure simulation drills recreate game scenarios, with teammates rushing from the line of scrimmage to simulate the chaos of a live play.
One effective advanced drill involves snapping while fatigued. After running sprints or doing conditioning work, the long snapper must deliver perfect snaps to prove he can maintain technique even when tired during the fourth quarter of a close game.
What Makes the Best Long Snapper?
The best long snapper at any level combines physical skills with exceptional mental toughness. While arm strength helps, technique and consistency matter far more than raw power. The ability to perform the exact same motion under any circumstance – whether at practice, during pregame warmups, or in a playoff game with 70,000 fans screaming – separates good snappers from great ones.
Mental toughness means handling the pressure of knowing that one mistake could cost your team the game. It means bouncing back immediately after a poor snap without letting it affect the next one. It means staying focused during long stretches when you might not be needed, then delivering perfection when called upon.
Coachability and work ethic define the trajectory of a long snapper’s career. Players who seek out feedback from their coach, study film of their mechanics, and constantly work to improve their craft are the ones who earn scholarships and professional opportunities. A coach can spot technical flaws that the snapper might not notice himself, making that relationship crucial for development.
Physical and Mental Traits of the Best Long Snapper
While arm strength helps generate velocity on snaps, technique trumps power every time. Many successful NFL long snappers are not the biggest or strongest players on the field, but they’ve perfected their mechanics through years of dedicated practice. The ability to snap the ball with consistent rotation and accuracy comes from muscle memory, not brute force.
Focus under pressure is perhaps the most important mental trait. During a crucial field goal attempt, thousands of people are watching, your teammates are depending on you, and you have one chance to deliver. The best long snapper in this situation doesn’t feel extra pressure – he simply executes the same snap he’s done thousands of times in practice.
Leadership and communication are often overlooked aspects of the position. A starting long snapper must communicate with his holder and kicker about timing preferences. He must stay connected with his head coach and special teams coordinator about game plans and adjustments. Some long snappers even play another position like tight end or linebacker in certain formations, requiring versatility and football intelligence.
Long Snapper Recruiting, Camps, and Scholarships
Long snappers are recruited differently than other positions. While a quarterback or running back might get attention from major college football programs as a sophomore, long snappers often develop later and get recruited during their junior or senior years. Specialized recruiting services now exist specifically for snappers, helping connect talented players with college football programs looking for specialists.
Attending snapping camps and showcases is essential for exposure. These events allow coach staffs from multiple schools to evaluate your skills in person. Top camps feature NFL snappers who provide instruction and feedback. They also include timed competitions where recruits can prove their speed and accuracy against other talented snappers.
Can You Get a Football Scholarship as a Long Snapper?
Yes, long snappers absolutely can earn scholarships to play college football. While full scholarships are less common than for skill positions, partial scholarships are frequently available. Division I programs especially value reliable specialists because one good long snapper can remain consistent for four or five years, providing stability to their special teams.
College coaches evaluate snapping talent based on several factors: snap time (speed), accuracy, consistency across multiple snaps, performance under pressure, and athletic ability for blocking. Many programs prefer long snappers who can also contribute at another position like tight end or linebacker, adding value to the roster beyond just special teams.
The Path to Becoming an NFL Long Snapper
Making the NFL as a long snapper is extremely difficult. Only 32 teams exist, meaning there are only 32 starting jobs available at any time. Competition is fierce, with hundreds of talented college snappers competing for just a handful of openings each year. However, NFL long snapper careers tend to last longer than most positions because the physical demands are less severe, and consistency improves with experience.
Many successful NFL long snappers played college football at mid-major programs or even smaller schools. Unlike quarterback or receiver, where elite programs dominate NFL rosters, long snapping is truly a meritocracy based purely on skill and consistency.
How NFL Long Snappers Make a Roster
Getting to the NFL as a long snapper usually involves one of several paths: getting drafted (rare), signing as an undrafted free agent, attending rookie minicamps, or getting invited to training camps. Teams evaluate snappers during these opportunities, looking for consistent snap times under 0.75 seconds, zero bad snap instances across multiple attempts, and the ability to handle pressure situations.
NFL teams want reliability over flashy athleticism. They want a player who will deliver the same quality snap on play one and play one hundred. They want someone who won’t make mental mistakes or struggle when the game is on the line. Consistency is everything at this level.
Famous and Best NFL Long Snappers of All Time
Some legendary NFL long snappers have enjoyed careers spanning 15-20 years. Players like these demonstrate what’s possible with perfect technique and unwavering consistency. They’ve snapped in Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, and countless playoff games without major errors.
What made these players the best long snappers in history? First, absolute mastery of technique – their mechanics never wavered regardless of circumstances. Second, remarkable consistency across entire seasons and careers. Third, they earned complete trust from coaches and teammates, who knew they could count on perfect execution every time.
Common Myths About Long Snappers
Myth #1: “Anyone can long snap” – This couldn’t be further from the truth. While the motion might look simple, delivering consistent snaps at NFL speeds requires years of dedicated training.
Myth #2: “Long snappers don’t matter” – Tell that to teams who’ve lost playoff games because of bad snap situations.
Myth #3: “You can’t get recruited as a snapper” – Hundreds of long snappers earn college scholarships every year.
Conclusion: Why the Long Snapper Position Deserves More Respect
The long snapper might be the most overlooked position in football, but it’s also one of the most important. Every successful punt, every clutch field goal, every routine extra point starts with a perfect snap. Without a reliable long snapper, even the best punter or kicker can’t do their job effectively.
For aspiring long snappers, the path forward is clear: dedicate yourself to perfecting your technique, work with an experienced coach, attend camps for exposure, and never stop improving. The football team that takes a chance on you will expect perfection, but they’ll also give you opportunities to showcase your skills on the biggest stages.
Whether you dream of becoming an NFL long snapper or simply want to help your high school football team succeed, remember that this position requires the same dedication and passion as any other. Master the fundamentals, embrace the pressure, and take pride in being the player who makes the spectacular plays possible.
FAQs
What does a long snapper do?
A long snapper delivers accurate snaps on punts, field goals, and extra points.
What is a long snapper’s salary?
NFL long snappers typically earn between $1–2 million per year.
What’s the difference between a long snapper and a center?
A center snaps short and blocks, while a long snapper specializes in long, precise snaps.
Why can’t you hit the long snapper?
Rules protect the long snapper because they are defenseless immediately after snapping.
