Taking the Snap-Back
On the snap of the ball, the quarterback should dip his hips so his hands will follow the tail of the center as he charges. This technique will also help the quarterback push off. The quarterback will take the ball with his right hand, using the left as a trapper, as was explained previously. He should make certain he has the ball, and he should not fight it, before withdrawing his hands from the center’s crotch. As soon as the quarterback has possession of the ball, he should bring it into his “third hand,” his stomach. Such a procedure will help prevent a fumble. He then wants to push off and execute his techniques as quickly as possible.
The quarterback must always be cognizant of the fact he cannot score without the ball; consequently, he wants to make certain he has possession of it before pulling out of there. If he gets in a big hurry, he is likely to drop the ball to the ground. I have seen this occur many times.
After Receiving the Snap
After receiving the snap, the quarterback will operate in one direction or the other by using a pivot or a cross-over step. The theory and techniques are basically the same.
First, the quarterback must know the defensive alignment as this will determine how far he should pivot, or if he needs to take a position step. After he has recognized the defense and he has taken the first short jab step or pivot step, he should have the ball in close to his body until he is ready to hand-off.
The head is the first part of the body around if using the pivot step, and also the first to move in the direction the quarterback is taking if the cross-over step is used. After the head is pointed in the right direction, the steps can be adjusted to avoid running into the ball carrier. The quarterback should not wave his arms or his body up and down as he should maintain the same level throughout the entire operation. The quarterback should never flash (show) the football; he always operates under control.
Making the Exchange
It is important for the quarterback to know each man with whom he must make an exchange, including his speed, strong and weak points. He should look at the target, the far hip, of the man to whom he is going to hand the football, and he should be very quick with the exchange. He should try to make the hand-off with the same motion he would use if he were dealing cards quickly.