HOW TO LONG SNAP A FOOTBALL PART 1: MENTAL APPROACH TO LONG SNAPPING

Special Team Servant's Complete Guide to Long Snapping footballs Accurately, Consistently, and with Proper Technique

How To Long Snap a Football: Mental Approach to Long Snapping

So you want to learn how to long snap a football but you don't know where to start? Look no further! The first step in accurately, consistently, and long snapping footballs with proper technique is in your head!

Here we'll explore the mental approach to long snapping a football.

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The Mental Approach to Long Snapping is More Important Than the Physical Approach to Long Snapping

You are only going to play one play at a time.

You have to be highly focused every single time you go out onto the field to long snap a football.

You Could be Long Snapping in Any Weather Condition

Good weather isn't guaranteed, especially if you're a long snapper living in the Mid-West.

You could be playing in sunshine, rain, snow, and hail all in the same game!

So what does this mean?

You Have to Approach Practicing Long Snapping a Football the Same way You Would Approach Long Snapping a Football in A Game

You should only snap one ball at a time.

Take a little break before you snap the next football. It is rare (only only when you have to replay the down) will you have to quickly snap a football back-to-back in a game, and even then you have 30-60 seconds of a break in between the two snaps.

If your stance is too staggered, you will likely take large and less controllable, off-balance, steps as you catch and punt the ball. If your stance is not staggered enough, you won't be in an athletic enough position to be able to naturally and quickly take your punting steps.

We see it far too often where kids snap 10-15 balls in a row, and that never happens in a game.

The best mental approach is to take each snap, one at a time, and make each snap as perfect as you can.

Always Start with the Football on the Ground When You Practice Long Snapping

Walk up to the football like you would in a game. Get into the mental habit of thinking you only have one snap, and treat each snap like it is your only live snap during the game.

Too many guys stay in their snapping position and fire long snaps, one after another, never walking away from the ball yet alone resetting their feet. Again, this simply never happens during a game. Why practice in conditions you'll never see?

After You Long Snap a Football, Snap Another Football from a Different Spot on the Field

It could be a few yards away from where you just snapped. The point is to get in the habit of pacing yourself. Don't rapid fire snaps. Walk away for a moment and approach your next snap again like it is the only live snap you have in the game.

This is more about mentally resetting and getting into a mental routine.

Staying in the same position for an extended period of time will also put more stress on your body. When your body is under more stress, you are more likely to start overcompensating and developing bad habits. Walking way to mentally reset will also help your body stay refreshed and perform at the optimal level, each and every time.

Conclusion: Mental Approach to Long Snapping

In order to have a the right mental approach to long snapping, you need to always practice long snapping like you are long snapping in a game. You should focus on one play at a time. Start with the ball on the ground every time, and walk up to the ball prior to each snap.

The next step in long snapping footballs Accurately, Consistently, and with Proper Technique is being physically prepared.