A hard count by a
quarterback at the beginning of a
play is an audible
snap count
A snap (colloquially called a "hike", "snapback", or "pass from center") is the backward passing of the ball in gridiron football at the start of play from scrimmage.
Action
The ball begins on the ground with its long axis parallel to the sidel ...
that uses an irregular, accented (thus, the term "hard") cadence. When used, the
center will
hike
Hike may refer to:
* Hiking, walking lengthy distances in the countryside or wilderness
* Hiking (sailing), moving a sailor's body weight as far to windward (upwind) as possible, in order to counteract the force of the wind pushing sideways agains ...
the ball to the quarterback on an accented syllable (for example, "hut one ... hut two ... hut three ... hut hut HUT").
Quarterbacks can use a snap with two or more accented syllables in the hope of drawing an opposing player
offside before the last accented syllable (for example, "hut one ... hut two ... hut three hut HUT ... hut HUT"). A loud home crowd can deprive a visiting quarterback of the ability to use this strategy.
Outcomes
This play is often used in a fourth down situation, when fewer than 5 yards are needed for a first down. If the defense jumps offside, they are penalized 5 yards, resulting in a first down for the offense.
When used on fourth down if the defense does not go offside, the offense can either call a time out or take a five-yard penalty for
delay of game and punt the ball away, or purposefully done to burn time near the end of the game and kick a
field goal
A field goal (FG) is a means of scoring in gridiron football. To score a field goal, the team in possession of the ball must place kick, or drop kick, the ball through the goal, i.e., between the uprights and over the crossbar. The entire ba ...
to tie or win the game.
If the defense jumps offside, but the offense begins their play, it is called a "free play", because if the offense gains yardage or scores a
touchdown, they can decline the penalty and benefit from the gain or score, while if they execute a risky pass that is intercepted or are in their own end zone and are taken down for a
safety, the turnover or defensive score is nullified by the offsides penalty.
The offense may choose to use the hard count throughout the game, in an attempt to confuse the defense, and get them to play more conservatively.
The offense's own offensive line is sometimes fooled by the hard count, resulting in a
false start offensive infraction.
References
{{American football strategy
American football strategy
Canadian football