In my last blog post, I discussed why longsnappers struggle with the transition from College to the Pros and I mentioned a technique flaw in protection.

Let me explain further.

Many young snappers are working on snapping as fast as they can and with that they are locking out their knees in the follow thru. This will help you at a young age when you are not strong enough to generate power with your snap. But as you get older and want to move on from college to the pros this will cause an issue.

I understand the thought of using your entire body to generate speed but in the Pros you have to “get out” after your snap and protect. When you lock your knees out it is putting you behind in protection. You will get stuck in that position for a split second and the rusher will have an advantage. 

Here is an example of Scott Daly of Notre Dame. He has worked to become one of the top longsnappers in college. He also knows that if he wants to take the next step into the NFL he needs to work on his protection and alter his knee extension.

From the position shown in the photo, it will take an extra split second to regather and drop his butt back down, vertical set and get into blocking position. A split second in protection can lead to a blocked punt.

In my Advanced Section where I go further into techniques, I have video of Scott snapping and setting so you can see his delay and I also have practice video of me blocking. You will see there the difference in technique and why it is a flaw.