NFL Football: What Is An Illegal Snap Infraction?

In the NFL, an illegal snap infraction occurs when the center illegally snaps the ball. The NFL has a specific policy regarding this infraction.

“It is not necessary that the snap be between the snapper’s legs. But it must be one quick and continuous motion of the hand or hands of the snapper. The ball must leave or be taken from his hands during this motion.”

By definition, an illegal snap occurs when the center fails to snap the ball continuously. A center who makes a sudden move prior to snapping the ball will be penalized for this violation.

A simple twitch of the center's fingers after he has placed them on the ball is enough to constitute an illegal snap. An illegal snap infraction can also be thought of as a false start in the center position.

What Is An Illegal Snap Infraction In College Football?

NCAA rulings on illegal snaps are very similar to NFL rules. A snap must meet these expectations in order to be legal at the collegiate level.

“The snap need not be between the snapper’s legs; but to be legal, it must be a quick and continuous backward motion.” – NCAA Rulebook

The logic follows that of the NFL rule, which ensures that a legal snap is generated from a single motion.

Why Are They Punished For An Illegal Snap?

The goal of this penalty is to prevent the center from creating a neutral zone infraction or encroachment by false motion with the ball.

These days, hard counts are common in the NFL. There are also other ways to make the defense commit penalties. There are several rules in place to make sure that this is done fairly in the NFL.

A player may not run towards the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped. After you have finished your shift, you must stand still for one full second.

This prevents the offense from tricking the defense.

For instance, an illegal snap infraction is an example. Many players look to this position when snapping the ball. Their eyes are on the center's hands. They do this so that the play can begin immediately after the ball is snapped.

If the center were to do a sort of “pump fake” with the ball it would easily cause defenders to jump offside. It is for this reason the ball is supposed to be snapped in one quick continuous motion.

By placing rules regarding the snap of the ball these leagues can ensure the ball is snapped in a similar way each time.

Do You Have To Snap The Ball Between Your Legs?

It is not the only legal way to snap the ball through your legs even though it is the norm at every level of football. According to their rulebooks, both the NFL and NCAA allow the ball to be snapped between the legs.

According to the rules, the main requirement to follow is this. The motion has to be smooth and continuous. In both the NFL and NCAA rulebooks, these terms are used.

Just be sure to snap the ball quickly and continuously. Your snap should then be legal. No matter where it goes.

Snap Infraction: a gridiron term

A snap infraction occurs when the center simulates a snap or moves the ball after touching it but not snapping it.

When the center gets in his stance and holds the ball, he cannot make any snapping movements aside from the snap.  In order to draw the defense offsides, he cannot pretend to snap or move.  Moving before the snap is a false start, just like any other player.  A snap infraction occurs if he moves the ball in any way other than snapping it.

Also, the center cannot move the ball forward before a regular snap, such as a slight forward movement before the snap.  Some long snappers have been caught doing this.

The center can let go of the ball and get reset, but he has to do so in a way that does not simulate a snap.  He should usually lift his hand vertically from the ball.

There is no requirement that the ball must be snapped between the center's legs in the rule.  Other reasons are given for doing that, not because the rule says so.