Center-QB Snap Drill (youth flag football drill)

Pairs practice the snap, then the center runs a short route and catches a pass. A bad snap ruins a play before it starts, and in flag football the center is also a receiver, so this drill trains both jobs.

Setup

Pair players up: one center (C) and one QB (Q). Pairs stand side by side, 8 yards apart. Each center has a ball on the ground. The QB stands about 3 yards behind the center, which is how most youth leagues snap (check your league rules). Put a cone 5 yards in front of each center.

How to run it

1. The center holds the ball like a pass, laces up, and bends over it with feet wide.
2. The QB holds both hands out as a target and calls "Ready, set, hike!"
3. On "Hike", the center swings the ball back between the legs to the QB's hands.
4. The center runs to the cone, turns around, and the QB throws a short pass to the center.
5. Switch jobs after 5 snaps.

Coaching points

• The snap is a firm swing, not a flip. Aim for the QB's belly.
• The QB watches the ball all the way into the hands.
• Centers get out fast after the snap. They are often the open receiver.
• Same cadence every time so the whole team learns it.

Common mistakes

• The center looks back between the legs and lifts the head, so the snap sails high.
• The QB stands too close and gets hit in the chest before the hands are ready.
• The center forgets to run after the snap and just stands there.

Used in these practice plans

• 6U Flag Football Practice Plan (7 minutes)

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