Coach Tom Bass brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to USA Football. Along with answering youth coaching questions, he also receives emails from young players. You can email the coach at NFLAskTheCoach@aol.com.
Jordan sent the following question:
I do not play football, but I love the sport. I play in my free time with my friend, but it's nothing serious. I am curious about the term "hard count." What does that mean? How does a QB change up the snap count, and when does he do it?
Hi Jordan,
As a defensive coach, you hope that the defensive players are watching the ball to know when the play is starting but that is not always the case.
As the game goes along, the defensive players become accustomed to the sound of the quarterback's voice as he calls out the cadence to start each play. They also become used to when the ball is snapped.
For a "hard count' the quarterback will call out one phase of the cadence much louder than the rest. It may sound like: "4-3, 4-3 Blue 25, Blue 25, hut, HUT, hut." Because the second "hut" is so much louder than the rest of the cadence, the defensive linemen may jump offside giving the offense a free 5 yards with the penalty.
The other way the quarterback will try to get the defensive players to jump offside is by using a "long count". When the offensive team have been snapping the ball on the first or second "hut" for most of the game, the quarterback will tell the offensive team in the huddle that they are going to snap the ball on the fourth "hut" when they get to the line. In this case, the defensive players may jump offside after the second "hut" giving the offensive team 5 free yards.
Good quarterbacks will use both techniques to help their team move the ball down the field.
Coach Tom Bass
Will sent the following question:
If the guy has the ball in his hand and his hand is straight in the air, can I grab it out of his hand?
Hi Will,
Until the whistle blows ending the play, you can certainly grab the ball if the ball carrier leaves it exposed and does not secure it to his body. Even if he has it against his body, you can pull the ball free and gain possession for your team.
You do have to be very careful that you do not focus completely on freeing the ball and end up missing the tackle. If you are the first defensive player to the ball carrier, it is really important that you make the tackle and then allow your teammates to come in and try to strip the ball free from the ball carrier.
Causing a turnover by stripping the ball out of the ball carrier's hands has become a technique that more and more defensive players are using during the game.
The two most common techniques used to strip the ball are to come from behind and to pull down and out on the ball from the top or to punch up from below knocking the ball forward. Both techniques are good, so it really depends on your body position at the moment of contact.
Coach Tom Bass
Justin sent the following question:
Currently I'm an offensive lineman, bnt I really want to be fullback or halfback. I'm a really big guy though, so can you give me some tips?
Hi Justin,
Many players face the same challenge that you are facing right now. I know that it may seem like it would be more fun to play in the backfield, but there are a few things to consider. One, you will probably continue to grow and may not be suited for a position in the backfield.
The second is that you have to realize that there is only one FB/HB position on the field at any one time as opposed to five offensive linemen. Your chances of being able to start are much greater as an offensive lineman.
Third, you want to always think ahead to where you might play if you do decide to go on to play in college. Many colleges will move a fullback to the offensive line or to a linebacker position when they come to college.
If you and your coaches agree that this is a move that you should consider, you will need to learn to run with the ball, run pass routes properly, catch the ball correctly and block from the backfield position. All these skills will require a great deal of work and extra practice time on your part. Your coaches can help you with all of these skills.
Since you already know how to block as an offensive lineman, you may want to talk to your coaches about moving to a tight end position where you can use the skills you already have rather than going to a position that is completely new.
Coach Tom Bass
Joe sent the following question:
I'm wondering how a player should prepare himself the night before a game. Is it healthy to start thinking about it at that time or should you be trying to relax yourself and not worry about it?
Hi Joe,
I always asked my players to do a quick review of the major offensive plays or defenses that we will run the next day in the game. Once they are sure of their assignments, then they can relax and stop thinking of that part of the game.
Then just before they go to sleep, I asked them to close their eyes and visualize themselves on the field and making a great block, catch, run, tackle or interception based on the position that they played.
Your want that picture so that when the play occurs on the field, you will have already played it out in your mind.
Once they did those two things they were usually comfortable with their preparation and they could relax and get the necessary rest that they needed for the contest the next day.
Do what you need to do to be prepared, positive, relaxed and mentally ready for the game.
Coach Tom Bass
Carlos sent the following question:
I'm going to high school next year, and I want to be a WR/TE. I'm faster than a tight end, slower than a wide receiver, but I have great hands and I know where I am on the field. What should I be?
Hi Carlos,
If you have the size to block defensive linemen and linebackers and you feel that this is something that you would like to do, then I would suggest that you really think about playing tight end.
Having more speed than the other players at any position is a tremendous advantage. You can learn technique, but it is much more difficult to increase your speed.
Playing tight end is a challenge because you must be part offensive lineman and part receiver but it is one of the most important positions on the offensive team. If you feel that you have the size, strength and temperament to play tight end then you should go for it.
Coach Tom Bass
Coach Tom Bass, the technical writer and advisor for USA Football, is a 30-year NFL coach who has also authored several books, including "Play Football the NFL Way" - the first "how to" book ever authorized and published by the NFL. Coach Bass is happy to personally autograph his books to you. Book ordering information can be found on http://www.coachbass.com/.
