The position of the player who normally snaps the ball in football is center. The center lines up in the middle of the offensive line and begins most plays by passing the ball backward between the legs to the quarterback or another backfield player.
After the snap, the center becomes an offensive lineman. Their responsibilities include blocking defenders, communicating protection calls, and helping create running lanes or protect the passer. Because the center must deliver the ball accurately before blocking, the position requires coordination, strength, and awareness.
The center is not always snapping directly to the quarterback's hands. In a shotgun formation, the snap travels several yards backward; in a traditional under-center formation, it is a short exchange. A bad snap can disrupt the play and sometimes produce a fumble.
A specialized long snapper may handle snaps on punts and field-goal attempts. That distinction explains why “center” is the standard answer for ordinary offensive plays, while “long snapper” can be the more precise term for kicking situations.