Question: The Clapper

[throwittoblythe]

Can someone explain to me the point of the fake clap our QBs do on every play? I'm not incredibly knowledgeable regarding football, so forgive my ignorance. Is it honestly to try and fool the defense? I don't see how that works since we never actually clap and snap quickly. It seems like every play goes: line up, fake clap, look back at the coaches, then run the play.

Can someone shed some light on this for me?

 

[Istate]

It's done for two main reasons:
1) To keep the defense away from trying to time the snap
2) To possibly get the defense to show where a blitz or stunt might be happening to adjust a play call

 

[BoxsterCy]

It's sign language for "OMAHA!"

 

[Clonefan32]

It's done for two main reasons:
1) To keep the defense away from trying to time the snap
2) To possibly get the defense to show where a blitz or stunt might be happening to adjust a play call

But in order for that to work wouldn't we have to occasionally snap it on the "clap". I don't think I've ever seen us do that. As the OP said, it seems like it's always clap, sideline look, motion, snap.

 

[throwittoblythe]

It's done for two main reasons:
1) To keep the defense away from trying to time the snap
2) To possibly get the defense to show where a blitz or stunt might be happening to adjust a play call

This is kind of what I was thinking. However, I question the effectiveness of the implementation because we always do a fake clap first. I haven't seen us come up to the line, clap, and snap the ball. If I'm the defense, I would just wait until after the fake clap to position myself for a blitz. Am I missing something?

 

[CTTB78]

But in order for that to work wouldn't we have to occasionally snap it on the "clap". I don't think I've ever seen us do that. As the OP said, it seems like it's always clap, sideline look, motion, snap.

Unless it helps our own guys some way, it's a waste of time because it's not fooling anybody.

 

[Acylum]

I think it's to make sure the stadium lights don't go off.

 

[Big12Cy]

http://landgrantgauntlet.com/2015/10/30/film-room-what-is-the-clap-cadence/

 

[cloneu]

But in order for that to work wouldn't we have to occasionally snap it on the "clap". I don't think I've ever seen us do that. As the OP said, it seems like it's always clap, sideline look, motion, snap.

I don't think they are trying to trick anybody with it. I am sure they can go on the first clap if needed, just not in the normal offense.

It is essentially just signifying to everybody that they are ready to get the play call from the sidelines.

 

[Bryce7]

It is similar to a Donald Trump clap.

 

[Cytasticlone]

Why didn't you call the thread "The Clap"? They usually only do it once...

 

[mdk2isu]

Why didn't you call the thread "The Clap"? They usually only do it once...

Because its not a thread about UofI co-eds.

 

[throwittoblythe]

http://landgrantgauntlet.com/2015/10/30/film-room-what-is-the-clap-cadence/

Thanks! I have noticed how the clap signal cuts through the other sounds of a game. Unless the crowd is being crazy loud, you can usually hear it pretty clearly on TV.

If I recall correctly, Park didn't actually use the clap for his snap. He does the fake clap, then a voice or other signal to snap the ball.

 

[dunar]

Why didn't you call the thread "The Clap"? They usually only do it once...

Had a buddy in high school that signed every yearbook, "Avoid the clap". Our offense should do the same.

 

[NetflixAndClone]

I thought this was going to be a Brady Hoke thread. I am disappointed.

 

[BuffettClone]

Had a buddy in high school that signed every yearbook, "Avoid the clap". Our offense should do the same.

Was his name Jimmy Dugan?

 

[19210]

I'm just guessing that it is letting the center know he can snap the ball at any time.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

The coaches don't trust the qb's enough to give them pre snap read preference. Maybe next year we won't be doing what I like to call 'Meerkat Manor' to the sidelines all the time.