How to...

There are many different traits that make a winning quarterback, but according to former professional quarterback John Fitzgerald, one of the most important aspects of being a winning quarterback is getting the ball from center. "Probably the most forgotten and yet most important play in football is the quarterback-center exchange," said Fitzgerald, "It happens on every play whether you are running or passing, shotgun or under center, there is always a quarterback-center exchange." 1: Like every athletic movement, taking the snap starts with the feet. "Whether your stance is slightly staggered or straight is a matter of preference," said Fitzgerald, "ultimately you want to be comfortable, and to start in a good athletic position. You don't want to be too low, but you don't want to stand straight up either. You are not looking at the center's back; you want your head up so you can see what the defense is doing. Be careful to do the same stance every time, whether passing or running, so the defense cannot key in on you." 2: After getting into a comfortable stance, you want to put the back of your throwing hand firmly under the center with the heel of the other hand on the bottom pushing firmly against the heel of the top hand. "You want to be real sturdy against the center so that he knows exactly where you're at. Fingers open wide, hands open wide to receive the ball," said Fitzgerald. 3: "After you get the snap, the first thing you're going to do, whether running or passing, shotgun or under center is to seat the ball," said Fitzgerald, "Seating is pulling the ball tightly into your body to secure it and getting your hands in the proper position to make the play. In the excitement of a game it is very easy to start moving before you have control of the football. Just a split second of focused attention on seating the ball will prevent a lot of bobbles and fumbles. What you do from there will depend on the play." An easy way for parents and coaches to practice with younger quarterbacks is to kneel in front of the quarterback holding one hand out palm down at the appropriate height, to simulate the center. Pushing down with your hand will force the QB to practice pushing up firmly with his hands. Then proceed to snap the ball firmly up with your other hand. Practice receiving the snap and seating the ball several times a day throughout the season.