In 7v7 flag football, the center can be one of the most overlooked players on the field. Defenses often focus on the outside receivers, crossing routes, and deep threats. That can leave the middle of the field and your center available for easy completions. The key is knowing what type of center you have and how to use their strengths.
Know Your Center
I think we all can agree that your center is the start of your line and offense. Every center is not the same and should not be used the same. Taking the time to find the right center who has a consistent and fast snap is the first step, making sure the ball gets back to your QB as smoothly as possible determines the rest of the play. It is important to take the time to learn who your best snappers are and design some of your offense around their strengths.
The Blocking Center
Some centers are physical, smart and willing to do the dirty work. If you have a center who is better at blocking than catching, don't force them into being a traditional receiver. If they can get the ball back fast enough and still get into their blocking positions this allows you to have another offensive person on the field over a set blocker.
Use them to:
- Help protect the quarterback
- Release late after initially showing block
- Occupy a defender before releasing into open space
A center who starts as a blocker can also become a great deception tool. Show the defense that the center is blocking and then release them into an open area.
The Shifty Center
If your center is quick, elusive and good in space, get them the ball quickly. Short center routes, dumps, hooks and option routes can turn a simple completion into a big play.
Try:
- Quick outs
- Short hooks
- Center screens or dumps
- Option routes
- Delayed releases
- Short crossing routes
The goal is to get the ball into their hands before the defense has time to react.
The Tall Center
A taller center can be especially useful in the middle of the field. Use their size and catch radius to create a reliable target over the middle.
Consider:
- Quick seams
- Stick routes
- High-low concepts
- Dig routes
- Short posts
- Middle-of-the-field option routes
A tall center can give the quarterback a dependable target when the outside receivers are covered. Great for when your team needs a quick first down.
The Strong-Hand Center
Some centers simply have a knack for making tough catches. If you have a center with reliable hands, don't overlook them on important downs.
Use them for: First downs. Middle-of-the-field quick passes. Short-yardage situations. Red-zone match-ups. Quick throws to the center can be especially effective when defenses are playing aggressively toward the sidelines. Do not be afraid to use them as a traditional receiver if they are able to snap and get into their route quickly.
Get Your Center Open
The biggest mistake is simply sending your center straight down the middle every play. Instead, use formations and route combinations to create space.
Move defenders away from the center. Run outside routes that force defenders to widen.
Use crossing routes. Make defenders communicate and change responsibilities.
Use motion. Motion can reveal coverage and force defenders to adjust. Forgetting about the center
Change the center's release. Sometimes release immediately. Other times, have the center delay before entering the route.
Use your center as a decoy. Even when the center isn't the primary receiver, their route can open space for someone else.
Your Center Is More Than the Snapper
In 7v7, every player should have a purpose and your center is no different.
Whether you have a blocking center, shifty center, tall center, or a center with great hands, design plays that take advantage of what they do best. Don't let the defense forget about the player snapping the ball. Get your center involved and make the defense defend the entire field.
Check out a quick trick play you can use to get your center involved with your offense: 7v7 Hook & Ladder