You Know You Are a Rubio Long Snapping Parent if…..

1. You find yourself rooting for random colleges because you know a Rubio Long Snapper on the team.
2. You have brought a stop watch to a football game that your son is playing in

3. You have brought a stop watch to a football game that your son is NOT playing in
4. You have caught snaps in a hotel hallway or parking lot
5. You have adjusted furniture in your house so your son could do drills
6. You have caught snaps in bizarre locations all over the country (possibly even in your house)
7. You have pressed refresh on your computer umpteen times as the rankings are being updated
8. You have made very good friends within the Rubio Long Snapping family
9. You have watched several Rubio Long Snappers improve so much it is shocking
10. You have thought Rubio is out of his mind, at times
11. You have thought Rubio is a genius, at times
12. You have looked at a Long Snapper in college, and possibly pro, and thought your kid is better (and could be right)
13. You have taken a photo of your son getting into a perfect stance all over the country
14. You have had to explain to countless people exactly what the heck a Long Snapper is and that he is NOT the center
15. You have injured yourself from catching a snap
16. You have caught a snap with a baseball glove, net, mattress or sheet
17. You find yourself watching just the Long Snapper during a football game
18. You have printed out a Rubio blog and given it to your son to read
19. You have forwarded a Rubio blog to someone
20. You have said to yourself “I can’t believe Rubio just did/said that” countless times:)
21. You have laughed out loud by something I have said on Twitter.
22. You have had your son snap in front of crowds/family/parties to show exactly what he does and how good he is at it.
23. You have done the laundry and been amazed at how many Rubio Long Snapping shirts your son has

24. You are more excited for Vegas than your son
25. You have waited for my morning #QuoteOfTheDay on Twitter and/or Facebook to send me a text knowing that I was officially awake
26. You wonder how Jolie puts up with me
27. You are usually the one at a game that never knows where the punt goes since you are too busy watching the Long Snapper the whole play
28. You now have a sick feeling in your stomach anytime you see a bad snap (doesn’t even have to be your own kid)
29. You most likely know more about Long Snapping than your son’s high school coach.
30. And last, but certainly not least, You have threatened your son with “Oh yeah?!?!? Well, I’m gonna call Rubio!”

Please feel free to add some, as I am sure I have missed a couple, on the comments section of this blog.

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Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Rubio has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the USA Today, Deadspin and countless other publications.

Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world, Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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831

Q and A with Rubio

Q: Who is the fastest Long Snapper you have ever worked with?
A: Tyler Schmitt of San Diego State and then the Seattle Seahawks. Timed him once at .53  – translates to about 45 mph!!!


Q: Should I be looking for a girlfriend right now?
A: Absolutely NOT! Wait until March. No need to get crazy with Christmas and Valentine’s Day right around the corner.

Q: If you are so opposed to kickers and your business partner, Sailer is a kicker, how do you work with him?
A: Simple. He doesn’t act like a kicker.

Q: What was your SAT score?
A: Good enough to get into UCLA:)

Q: What was your first car?
A: 1984 Honda Prelude and it was a piece. No radio. Something rattled in the trunk and I couldn’t fit in it unless the sunroof was open. Side note: I still embraced.

Q: Have you ever looked at a Long Snapper and immediately knew they would get a scholarship?
A: Yup and it happens at least once a year. Right now there are a couple out there but I won’t say who. The funny part is that most of them are nothing special in the beginning. There is just something I can see right away. Hard to explain. One particular was Mike Zupancic of Eastern Michigan (Side Note: he just won the Special Teams MVP of his team).

Q: Did you live with football players in college?
A: Yes and a couple paparazzi’s (seriously) named Buzzard and Dirty Dom.

Q: Who would win in a fight, your grandmother Macaw or your uncle that yelled at you for only making one sandwich
A: Easy answer. Macaw would crush Uncle Jim. She is much dirtier. She spits on the rules, the law and eventually her enemies grave.

Q: Why don’t more Long Snappers excel?
A: Lazy. Like I always say, being a great Long Snapper doesn’t take just hard work, it takes working right and hard.

Q: What is your opinion on a girl that comes up to me and knows about Long Snapping?
A: Propose

Q: Which Long Snapper that you have worked with has improved the most over time?
A: Tough as there have been a ton. One that I could show you examples of would be Taybor Pepper .  You’re welcome America:)

 


 


Q: What is the name of the shoulder pads for Long Snappers?
A: Douglas Snapper Pads.

Bless the heart of the person
that invented these gems

Q: Who was the first Long Snapper you ever worked with?
A: Casey Hales. Amazing story. Tiny surfer kid (currently holds the record for saying the most “bros” and “dudes” in a 24 hour span). He was a true student of Long Snapping. Worked his tail off and actually holds the record for most starts at Duke!

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pizza and THIS place has the best I have ever devoured.

Q: What are a couple things that can really crush a Long Snapper?
A: Bad attitude and a lack of confidence.

Q: My girlfriend stole my Rubio Long Snapping shirt…what should I do?
A: Winners and losers my friend, and you just lost…while she won.

Q: How much football do you watch?
A: Barely any. I Tivo games and fast forward to the snaps. Kid you not, I had not watched one play of the guy (not a snapper means I don’t remember his name) that just won the Heisman. Sailer actually makes fun of me since I don’t know any players or stats (and I don’t care). I know the college and pro Long Snappers. Others don’t matter to me.

Q: Who is the toughest Long Snapper you have worked with?
A: Tough one. Rubio Long Snapper Carson Tinker of Alabama is a solid choice as he has overcome a ton this past year but I am going to go with Rubio Long Snapper Scott Shockley. Scott is a 2012 Long Snapper from GA that, one year ago, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. He has gone through MANY surgeries in one short year and is continuing to go head to head with chemo. Kid came straight from the hospital to my GA camp this weekend to say hello to me and the guys. He is a soldier and everyone needs to keep him in their thoughts.

Next time you feel like complaining, 
think of Shockley


Q: Would you rather be a great Long Snapper or a great person?
A: Great person. Without a doubt. Many years down the road, no one will care how fast you snapped, how well you blocked or just how accurate you were. They won’t care how high you scored on The Target. They won’t care how much you dominated someone else. They will care how you handled your success. They will care about your demeanor and your overall attitude. They will care about what type of person you were and are. They will care how you treat them and others.

The snapping will fade, being a great person will not.

(Click HERE to have me read you this blog)

_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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129

Building the Perfect Long Snapper

I have been asked countless times what makes up a great Long Snapper. I have taken to an earlier blog to actually spray about it in detail, but I figured I would break down just a tad more. This time I will go from the bottom to the top….literally.

Feet
A Long Snapper tends to have big hoofs and you can usually spot them from behind since they tend to absolutely crush the sides of their shoes from snapping in them. I have witnessed many a Long Snapper actually “blow out” a pair of shoes on the side. Immediate respect from me when I see that occur. Like Sasquatch, very rarely has this been seen live. Usually it is just noticed after that fact.

Ankles
I am happy when a Long Snapper actually has them. Many Long Snappers can break (pun intended) into the “Cankle” territory (calve just blends into ankle, one is never sure where one ends and the other begins). Cankles usually equate to being slow. No embrace.

Calves
They have to be glorious. If this makes no sense to you, you really need to get to one of my camps:)

Hamstrings 
Need to be nice and loose. If they aren’t, this will cause issues with speed and follow through. Being flexible is not mandatory but oh does it help. You should almost be able to use your legs like a bow with the ball being like an arrow. Like I say, anyone that breaks their legs backwards gets a high five from me! Seems like a fair trade off in my book.

Bow and Arrow
hammy option


Hips
Also need to be nice and loose. If you look like my 712 year old grandmother Macaw bending over for her cane to hit someone, you probably should start embracing yoga. Hips can be a deal breaker for a Long Snapper.

Butt
The bigger, the better. It keeps your weight back and gives you more power. Positive for balance as well. I cannot confirm, nor deny, but I am willing to put some cash on the fact that Sir Mix A Lot’s most famous song was about top quality Long Snappers. Some great Long Snappers have had huge cans. Of course, no names will be mentioned as to not embarrass them (wink, wink, wink)

Stomach
Free of butterflies (since we dominate under pressure), yet hairy and very itchy. Not sure why, but all Long Snappers continually scratch their bellies. Some really get their paw into it. Unfortunately, the belly button is not off limits.

Paws
A Long Snapper with freakishly long digits is always a positive. Chubby hands may have issues but usually can be worked around. If the palm of your hand looks like a Double Double and your fingers look like Snausages, you might want to embrace being a kicker.

Embrace long digits on a paw

Arms
Long. Duh

Chest
Possible hair. Very strong for blocking. Massive. Requiring constant attention. No matter where or when, a Long Snapper’s chest is fair game…to him. Hence, why Long Snappers are always pulling their shirts off their chest and readjusting. Might be something scientific. I embrace.

Face
Goatee, double duh. Possible beard of glory in November (if you can’t, please don’t, you are only embarrassing yourself…and no Abe Lincoln option). If you are man enough to pull off a ‘stache, you shall do it. Teeth have to be great since your smile helps out with the ladies. Once the smile reals them in, a simple “Oh you don’t know what a Long Snapper is, let me explain…for the next two hours” locks them down. You’re welcome Long Snappers.

Hair
Really?

(Click HERE to hear me read you this blog)

_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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79

The Fine Line

green…..green……green….green…..green……green….green…..green……green….green……green….green……green….
green…..green……green….green…..green……green….green…..green……green….
green……green…
greeN…greeN…
greeN…greEN…grEEN…grEEN…GREEN….GREEN….GREEN….GREEN….GREEN….GREEN….

RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!!!RED!RED!!!RED!!!


Oh, the ever so fine line of a baby monitor. You lay there looking at it almost like a best friend and enemy in one. You know it is a great thing, yet you want to smash it.

Jolie and I have one for Damon and I loathe it. I know we need it and all, but I almost feel like I am in one of those old western’s simply waiting for a shootout at high noon. A couple nights ago, I was up staring at the monitor almost waiting for it to explode from green and peaceful to red and devastating. I was eye balling it and it was staring right back at me. I was just waiting for those little green lights to accumulate to the lava of red.

As I waited for the inevitable, I got to thinking and my mind started to move. I began to realize that the key to the power of the baby monitor is that fine line between green and RED. It is the line of “everything is ok” to “all hell is breaking loose.” It is the line between the baby is just moving around to the baby is in distress (Code Brown if you catch my drift). It is a very fine line, but when it is crossed, you are often in for a long haul of readjustment to fix the situation.

Now, I want you to take a second and think about life and how often we come across those tiny “fine lines” that have an effect on us. Those “fine lines” can have such a large impact on not only us, but those around us as well. Those “fine lines” can be a situation, a statement, a friend, a job, a grade, a paper, a number, a decision, a judgement or a significant other. The trick is to be able to see the “fine line” well ahead of it actually being thrown in your face. Often, if you wait until the “fine line” is upon you, it is too late and the wheels of distress are already in motion.

How often do you sit there and almost know something is eventually going to happen, yet still do nothing to halt the progress? Never? Not you? Really? You have never looked at an assignment and decided to procrastinate? You never looked at weights and decided to get to them later? You never looked at that ball and decided to work on your drills when you are less tired? You never looked at that person that needed to be told something and decided it is simply better if someone else told them?

How many times, after the fact, have you thought…..
if I had only done ________ or said _______
what I should have done was ______ or what I should have said was _______
why didn’t I just __________

Why don’t we just do it right the first time?

Think about your life up until now and how many big decisions you have made or been a part of. Now, think about if you made those decisions before or after that “fine line” appeared. Now, take that decision/instance, and imagine if you had done the exact opposite. For instance, if you were slow to the draw and let your monitor get to RED, how different would your situation be right now if you were on the ball and kept your monitor in the green?!?!?! Take some time on this one, it might blow you away.

Each one of those instances has that “fine line” of watching and waiting to doing and controlling. To be successful in life, one must be proactive in the green, instead of being reactive to the RED.

Imagine the power you would have over your own life if you simply took control of it. Today, and from this day forth, why not simply attack life instead of waiting for it to attack you?

(Click HERE to listen to me read you this blog)_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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34

Been There, Done That

When you go to one of my camps, you will notice something right off the bat. It isn’t the fantastic logo on the shirts or my dome so freshly shaven or even the kickers with their ridiculous cleats. What you will notice is that there is a distinct difference between those that have been to a Rubio Long Snapping camp and those that have not. Those that have are embracing and moving around like cattle (slowly and generally in a herd…given, never fast enough to break a sweat). Those that have never been to a camp are a bit isolated and slightly overwhelmed. 


Then, as soon as the camp begins, things progress to another level. The “vets” are still embracing and usually getting louder as they start swapping stories while the “rookies” are still trying to find their way. By about half way through the camp, I will always catch a glimpse of a majority of “rookie” Long Snappers that  are just flat out staring at one or more of my top kids. They look dumbfounded, overwhelmed and wonder how a snap can be so fast and accurate. I have even heard “Oohs” and “Ahhs” when they snap from the kids and the parents. Both are completely understandable as they are watching a Rubio Long Snapper dominate and it is a beautiful thing.

What everyone has to realize is that no one comes out of their moms (go thank your mother after reading this) and is a 5 star Long Snapper. No one. It doesn’t happen. Everyone starts off as a “rookie.” Yup, even the Long Snappers that you hear the most now were once isolated rookies off by themselves. Every single one of my 4.5 and 5 stars were just average, or even well below average, at one point. You know how they fixed themselves?

    • They kept coming to camps and gained confidence.
  • They did not get intimidated or shy away from the competition.
  • They worked right and hard, not just hard.

Becoming the best takes determination, effort and time. Nothing worth achieving is done overnight. Things take time and the best things often take the most time. The question is do you have the desire to achieve what you want with your Long Snapping and your life?

Right about now, I’d bet you are thinking I am just blowing smoke and that the great ones are just that….great, and have been since they came out (hugs this time for your mom). Want proof? Here is a picture of a kid (face blurred to not embarrass him….yet) that I worked with when he was in the 8th grade

 

As you can see, his form leaves much to be desired (if you can’t tell, I can and trust me it needs A LOT of work). His weight is off, he is too extended, too low and just all over the place. This Long Snapper, especially being in 8th grade at the Vegas Event, could have EASILY thrown in the towel and never snapped again. He could have pouted, been intimidated and just been done with it all.

He didn’t do that. He did all of the things I spoke of in the above bullets and soon came to dominate. He held in there. He kept coming back. He worked right. He really worked on his form. He did not get down. He begin to have confidence as he improved. When you go to a Rubio Long Snapping camp, you are going to get better. It is a proven method that has worked countless times before with tons of Long Snappers.

Curious as to who this long time Rubio Long Snapper is…..click HERE to find out and never stop pushing yourself! Remember, you…can…do…any…single…thing…you…set…you…mind…to.

_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 20 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 1850 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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105

An Open Letter

Dear Coach,
 
I wanted to take some time to introduce myself. I have been on your team for quite some time, but you have never really noticed me or who I really am. We are more of acquaintances than people that  truly know one another. Honestly, it is a bit of a shame since I am a real member of the team and, in my opinion, a very important part. I am the Long Snapper.
 
I am the one that volunteered when no else would, or could, play the position. I am the one that many of my teammates mocked for wanting to get better at it. I know it is not the most glamorous position and I know it doesn’t get any praise, but I also know it is very important to myself and the team. I know without me there are no extra points, no field goals and no punts. I know I’m important even if you don’t ever tell me. I know I am the one that started the play that makes you high five the kicker and walk right past me. I know my role and I know what goes along with it. I am the Long Snapper. 
 
I know you don’t know a lot about my position and I understand that since many don’t. I know you think you are doing your best by telling me to “just get the ball back there” but I would love it if you could really coach me. I mean think about it, can you imagine if you coached the running back the same way you did to me? Telling him to “just run it that way” while you pointed, probably wouldn’t be too affective. No, you go into detail. You learn, you study. You watch film. Did you ever think that you could do that for my position as well? Did you ever think about contacting my private coach (yeah, I have one and he is great) for some possible drills I could do at practice? Or did you just think I would take care of it and that I am someone you shouldn’t have to worry about? That’s kinda what I figured. I get it. I am the Long Snapper.
 
I am the one that goes to camps year round to perfect my craft. I am the one that gets to practice early or stays late to make sure everything goes as planned on game day. I am the one that works countless hours on my form at home to make sure all is just right for the team. I know I am dealing with milliseconds and one tiny little hiccup can ruin it all. I am the one that actually asks for extra reps at practice. How many of your other players do that?  I know everything has to be perfect. I am the Long Snapper. 
 
Please treat me with respect as I do to you. I answer with yes sir and no sir. I never degrade you or your position, and I hope you can do the same with me and mine. Major things have happened, and continue to happen, in the world of Long Snapping (actual scholarships and even a national award) and I really wish you would take notice.  I am very serious about my position and, with or without your help, I will continue to work harder than the next guy to be the best I can. I know that I will often be solo on my journey and I am willing to accept that. I am willing to work right and hard. I know my role. I know who I am.
 

I am the Long Snapper

___________________________________________________________________

Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Rubio has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the USA Today, Deadspin and countless other publications.

Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world, Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 14 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 1,000 Long Snappers earning full scholarships and preferred walk-on opportunities to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

1340

Dealing with Pressure

As I have mentioned in one of my previous Long Snapping blogs that discussed my first snap, I am an over-thinker. And, in being so, I know that it can get you into a lot of trouble in Long Snapping, sports and life in general. When I was playing, I quickly realized that I needed to be able to calm my thinking and just focus (while not thinking) on the task at hand. This can be hard to do, especially when you start thinking about not thinking. Thankfully, I had a Meyers. 
What is a Meyers you ask? Meyers is a human (allegedly) that was an offensive guard when I played at UCLA (key word: offensive). He is, by far, the meanest man I have ever come across in my life. I could devote an entire year’s worth of blogs simply to him and I guarantee half of the stories you would swear are fake when they are all dead on true. He was approximately 6’6″, 350 lbs, with a gap in his teeth that could hold 35 cents (no dimes), skinny legs, a barrel chest (jacket size: 60), sweated so bad he would have to change his entire uniform at half and had a chip on his shoulder the size of Vermont. 

 

Meyers crushed this person…
then went after his family…
and then had ribs….
Anyway, Meyers and I were in cahoots (thank the Lord) and I requested he be right next to me on p.a.t.s. This was good and bad. It was bad for a couple reasons. First, Meyers would yell (imagine an angry trucker that was raised by wolves) at the defensive players which in turn made them upset and want to crush me (remember, I played when you could hit the Long Snapper). Never really understood why they would take out their frustration on me, but they did. Meyers was also famous for letting a defensive player get about half way past he and I, simply so he could try to really take out their knee and/or break their leg. Meyers didn’t seem to care that he would essentially slam the guy into my knee as well. I tried to explain this to Meyers and he just grunted and told me to shut up. I embraced and thanked God he was on my team. 

The good about Meyers was that it gave me someone to talk to and that is how I handled my nerves. From the time I got out to the huddle (we huddled on field which was great for TV time) to the time I snapped a perfect ball, I spoke to Meyers. I would ask about plans after the game, if he was hungry, what was his favorite movie and why he was so sweaty. He really hated the sweaty comment and would always proceed to tell me it was because he was an actually player and not a Long Snapper. Of course, I would ask why he was so sweaty the most:). The point is, by speaking to Meyers, it took my mind off the task at hand. I knew I worked right (not just hard) at practice and I knew was capable. The only thing that would stop me was, well, ME. I would be so enthralled with the conversation and what would come out of Meyer’s mouth, that the play would be over before I even had a chance to think about it. Did it work? Yup. I never had one bad snap in college.

Right about now you are thinking, “But I don’t have a Meyers, so what should I do?” Couple things have worked with my Long Snappers over the years. I advised one of my Long Snappers before each snap to look into the crowd, find the best looking girl and point directly at her. He was a major over-thinker and this helped him immensely. He would break the huddle, walk slowly to the ball while looking to the crowd. Given, in being a Long Snapper, he was built like a god and looked like Brad Pitt’s better looking brother, so t
he ladies already loved him. Once they figured out what he was doing, they would clamor to be the “one.” This method worked perfectly for him in Long Snapping and with the ladies.

Another thing that has worked for my Long Snappers is to simply get down with your perfect form, get your hands on the ball and say something absurd. From “sexy avocado” to “flapjack wilson” to “Rubio is sexy.” A Long Snapper will be so intrigued with the off the wall statement, they will forget about thinking…which is always a good thing.

If you are prepared correctly and have worked right, there is no reason to think during the game. Couple great examples of this are John Wooden and Phil Jackson. Both coaches are legends and were the best ever in college and the pro’s that basically did NOTHING during a game. Seriously, if you ever watched an older UCLA game or a modern day Lakers game, those two didn’t even look like they were paying attention or could care less. Why? Because they prepared their team correctly before the game. The bottom line is you want to make sure you are prepared enough before the game that there is no need to think during the game.

Got you thinking now, don’t I?

_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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646

Ask

When I was recruited to play at UCLA, they didn’t offer scholarships to Long Snappers out of high school (thank goodness for guys like this). It was standard issue that a snapper walked on and, when they started, some schools would give you a scholarship. I say some because many still didn’t do it. All together now: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Ah, that felt good, now back to business.

When the starter in front of me graduated, I knew the job (and scholarship) were mine so I proceeded to walk right into the head coach’s office to ask the question, “so, um, what exactly do I need to do to be put on scholarship?” Mind you, the coach at time was Terry Donahue. Coach Donahue was/is a legend at UCLA and in the college football world, while I was a walk on Long Snapper at a time when Long Snapper’s were lower than the guy who invented skinny jeans for men.

Needless to say, that didn’t stop me. I walked right in (during my appointment time…he is the head man for God’s sake) and asked the question. He respected me for my bluntness and for being specific. I am a thinker and I wanted to know exactly what I needed to do for the job/scholarship and he was a busy man that didn’t need to bantering back and forth with a Long Snapper (almost hurts me to put Long Snappers in that tone, but it was true…..at the time).

So, I started and was flawless during Spring Ball (one of his requirements). I made all of the “voluntary” workouts during the summer (another) and performed like a champ during Fall Camp (this one was key). I did exactly what he asked and, after the first game, I walked right back into his office (yes, I made another appointment) and asked, “Hey Coach, I did every single thing you’ve asked of me….do I get the scholarship?” His answer, “Yes and thanks for coming in. I might have forgotten.”

First of all, well done to me. Second, FORGOTTEN!?!?!?!?!?! You kidding me? Thank God I did go in and ask. Imagine if I didn’t? Don’t get me wrong, I am sure I would have eventually been put on, but the stress of waiting could have been detrimental to my success at UCLA. It would have been just one more thing for me to worry about and that is something no one needs. Bottom line, asking helped me and helped me a ton.

If you want something, ask. If you want to know about something, ask. Seems easy enough, but many people, speaking to the youngin’s out there, never do it. And, if they do ask, they don’t ask correctly.

So, how do you ask? Simple. You ask the person you want the answer from and you request specificsIf you want to know why you are not starting at your high school or college, you would ask why you are not starting? WRONG. You need to ask why you are not starting and what exactly you need to do in order to get the starting job. Then, you will know the specifics. 

If your coach just kinda grunts and says to simply beat out the guy in front of you, then you need to respond with “I feel that I am better than him right now so I need to know exactly what I need to do to prove it to you.” At this point, the coach will have to give you a very specific answer to simply get you off his back. Please note that you were never rude in the way you asked. That is key. You upset a coach or back them into a corner and they will feel threatened….that is not a good thing.

As you can see, yet again, the ball is in your court. If you want something, just ask…but be specific. Leave no chance for someone to give you an open-ended answer. Be specific with your question and they will be specific with their answer.

You want to know what you need to do in order to be the starter, just ask but be specific. You want to know what it will take to be put on scholarship, just ask but be specific. You want to know if the best looking girl will go on a date, just ask but be specific (and mention you’re a Long Snapper…ladies love that). You want to know how to switch from being a Long Snapper to a kicker, don’t ask!

Hope this helps and if you have any questions, you know what to do:)

_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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49

Blink

You are born. You know nothing. Not up from down, not night from day, not good from bad. You are completely dependent upon others. You are fed, clothed and bathed by someone else. Where you go from here is not up to you. This is your beginning and you have no control. 
 
Blink.
 
You are growing up. You observe. You are beginning to know right from wrong.  You ask questions. Lots of questions. You are becoming you. You are forming opinions. You are creating thoughts. You are, slowly, taking your steps into life. 
 
Blink.
 
You are you…..so you think. You are big. You are the smartest you will ever be….so you think. You are in great shape. You have found love. You have lost love. You will find it again. You now question instead of asking questions. You are eyeballing life and sprinting full speed at it. You know it all….so you think.
 
Blink.
 
You are different. You look different. You act different. You are not who you thought you would be. You listen. You learn. You wait. You ask. You find out. You get answers. You are growing. Life is now coming to you and not the other way around. You wish it would pause. It never does. It is coming faster and faster. You breathe. Your heart pounds. Faster. You breathe. 
 
Blink. 
 
You are you. This is it. You observe more while speaking less. You have lived. You wish you had listened more, loved more, laughed more, learned more, lived more. This is your ending and you suddenly realize………you had all the control. Don’t waste your life. It will be gone in the blink of an eye. 
 
BLINK._________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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137

An Unfair-y Tale

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a person named Frank. Frank was just like any other person his age, he spent a great deal of time day-dreaming. Thoughts would pierce Frank’s mind like a knife and he would be forced to wrestle them into either the real world or let them float on by.
 
One day, a particular vision came into Frank’s head about being someone and doing something very few people in the world could do. Frank thought about being a top athlete and knew it was the thing for him. Frank told his good buddy, Dan, and they both proceeded to devour any bit of information they could about the subject and decided it really wasn’t that hard. They both could definitely do it and would go full speed into the process. They had the means and the desire. Nothing would stop them in fulfilling their dream to be a great athlete.
 
They started with a lesson. They both enjoyed the time with the instructor. The instructor was personable, made everyone feel welcome and definitely made sure everyone acquired some knowledge about the sport. Unfortunately, Dan was not so into it as Frank was, but that did not stop Frank and the lessons continued for both. Frank had a goal and they would achieve it.
 
Day after day, month after month, year after year, Frank would summon Dan to do the drills. To focus with him. To read with him. To stretch with him. To eat with him. To watch videos with him. To go to camps and combines with him. Dan did exactly what Frank wanted, if for any reason, to keep the relationship alive. After awhile, Frank could feel that Dan was drifting away from their dream and decided to look the other way and pretend it simply was not true. Hear no evil, see no evil was Franks’s motto. If they were this close, there is no way they could stop!
 
Camp after camp, Dan became less and less interested and it became more and more like work instead of fun. Dan even contemplated telling Frank he was burnt out and done, but did not want to hurt Frank’s feelings and/or lose the relationship. You see, at one point, they were actually the best of friends. But now, they were almost enemies. Frank didn’t even notice since he was so focused on the goal of being a top tier athlete.
 
Finally, after several years of lessons, camps, combines, events, films, trainers, stretching, eating, working out and countless hours of drills, Dan had had enough. Dan was not feeling well mentally or physically and was done. Done. He wanted no more. It was not fun anymore. It was not even tolerable. It was treacherous and was something that became dreaded. This thing that was once exciting and new, was now bland and exhausting. It was becoming obvious to all around, especially the instructor, that Dan simply was not into it anymore.
 
Something needed to be said and it needed to be said now. After one particular camp, the instructor pulled Dan to the side and asked Dan if he would like him to say something to Frank. Dan looked down, paused for quite some time, rose up with tears in his eyes and said, “No, that’s ok. I will speak to him. He’s my dad.”
 
 

Please note: this is a fictional story that I have made up. However, it could be very true and I don’t want to ever see it happen. This is why I always keep my lessons, camps and events fun and loose yet still extremely productive. I am firm believer in a happy athlete will be a good, if not great, athlete. Like I have stated before, one must wonder if my top kids are smiling because they are the best or are they the best because they are smiling?

Parents, please make sure your kids are happy with their athletic endeavors. Yes, you must push them and keep on them, but you must also support them and make sure they are following their own dreams and not yours.

_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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415

Are You Helping or Hindering Your Athlete?

There is a very simple, tiny little factor that can make a terrific athlete (Long Snapper in this case) an absolute disaster. It isn’t something you can touch, buy or even give to someone. It is a feeling and it is often brought about by a person that loves the athlete the most. The feeling is TENSION and the person(s) often inflicting it are the PARENTS.

Athletes can be tense from self inflicted pressure (rarely) or, more often than not, from an outside source (parent/guardian).

An athlete that is working, truly working (camps, lessons, doing drills on their own, watching film, etc) to become the best KNOWS what rides with each “step” they take in life. They know the implications, they know the ramifications and they know the factors that will enable them to reach their goals within their sport. They got it. Trust me, they know. They do need a little motivation now and again (notice I say motivation which means being positive and not negative) but they do not need to be harassed.

When a parent rides an athlete and nags them, they will make them tense. Very tense. Being tense is not the same as pressure. Pressure is something that every athlete, and person, will have to deal with in life. It is a given. Whether it is a game winning snap, a public speech, a deadline or making your paycheck stretch, you will experience some sort of pressure….so why would you want to add on to that pressure for your son/daughter with tension?

So, how do you know if your athlete is tense? How do you know if your athlete is really into his/her sport and doing it because THEY want to or because YOU want them to? Here are the two biggest ways I have noticed…..
1. Sit back and see who approaches who to get some practice in to get better. Are you asking THEM to get some work in or are they asking YOU? If you find yourself pressing the issue, you might want to pull back a bit. Odds are they are doing it for you, are stressed out and are filled with tension.
2. After each particular key play (a snap in this case) do they focus on what they are doing or do the immediately look up to see your reaction? If an athlete tends to look up immediately for approval from a parent, they are usually running very tense and will never be fully happy or succeed to their fullest extent.

So, what should you (a parent) do? Watch your kid in sports, let them see you NODDING in approval, let them hear you giving them PRAISE and being POSITIVE.

Or don’t.

The choice is yours.

I have been working with top athletes for over a decade and I have NEVER seen one perform better when they are tense. If you simply don’t have the ability to nod (side note: you seriously might want to work on that) I recommend just staying back a bit. Definitely come and support your child but just keep a good distance. Instead of watching from the sideline, watch from the top of the bleachers. Don’t even let your kid know where you are sitting. Spread out. You’ll still be able to see what is happening and relay back to them what you saw.

An athlete will ALWAYS excel at a higher level when they are confident and relaxed. There is enough pressure on them at the camps, competitions, events and games without someone else adding tension to the equation. Be supportive, not suffocating and watch the results skyrocket. No matter how independent a non-adult athlete feels they are,  they will always follow your lead and feed off of you.  Be worth following.

_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

 

167

What Makes a Long Snapper Great?

Rubio-Ad.jpgI work with hundreds of Long Snappers per year and often get asked the question, what makes a Long Snapper great? The answer is something that I should be able to (don’t worry, I can) spray out to someone pretty darn clearly and with the utmost precision for a couple different reasons.

First, I rank Long Snappers for a living on RubioLongSnapping.com so I probably should know what I am talking about and not just go off something like a ball hitting a target. It would be pretty ignorant of me to completely demolish a Long Snapper’s ranking simply because he missed a target by a quarter of an inch (would you punish a quarter back if he was aiming for the center of a receiver’s chest, but was off a quarter inch….didn’t think so). So much goes into the art of Long Snapping, but very few actually know what it entails.

Second, I get asked by coaches of all levels that exact question (what makes a Long Snapper great? in case you already forgot) simply to challenge me. They are actually testing me and want to hear what I say to decide if I actually know what I am talking about. Can you imagine asking a world class chef why his food is so tasty and he responds with “um, well, it is hot and, um just tastes good.” You would not trust him and definitely would not think he knew what he was talking about.

My answer needs to be precise and broken down so the average Joe can understand. For some reason, not everyone is as into Long Snapping as I am so I try to stay away from getting too technical. I know it is pathetic and sad, but it is what it is. I will work on the people I meet and you do the same. Hopefully, sooner than later, enough of us spraying can enable people to see the light and figure out that the “center just doesn’t do the snapping for punts too.”

Those of you on my e-mail list have already received something similar to this, but I thought I might make it even clearer. Here, in my opinion, is what makes a Long Snapper great……

SPEED – This is easily one of the top things everyone sees when they watch a Long Snapper and it should be. How fast is your snap from 15 yards? We are talking from the instant you start your snap (that is when the defender can get moving) to the instant it hits the punter’s paws.   You are looking for something below .78. Most top tier Long Snappers nowadays flirt with the high .6s. Obviously, the quicker you are the better your rank and the more people/coaches/agents will be drawn to you. Easy way to judge speed is to simply watch the ball from the side about ten yards away. Does the ball have an arch or is it still rising when it hits the punter? Arch is bad, rising is good….told you I would break it down for you:) Check out this video of Rubio Long Snapper Tanner Gibas (2011, CA – headed to Kansas) and how his ball is rising:

Please note on this video: Gibas is basically trying to kill the person catching the ball. I love this (sorry Mr. Sue) because I ALWAYS teach my Long Snappers to snap the ball through the punter and not to him. Mr. Sue actually looks like he is trying to defend himself. I love it! Sorry, yet again Mr. Sue.The average high school Long Snapper hovers around the 1.0 second region. Most high school coaches don’t care simply because they just want the “ball to get there” (sound familiar to all of in the high school world?). The average college Long Snapper is mid .6s to high .7s.The pros are usually right around the same as college but they just don’t ever miss. They are like machines.

ACCURACY– This is usually the third thing someone notices about a Long Snapper. How accurate are you when snapping. Meaning does the punter/holder have to move around a lot to catch your snaps. Best possible location is the right hip (for a right footed punter). Even though some punters like the ball at their chest, this is actually not that great of a spot since they (punters) have to turn the ball over and, for some reason, they can have troubles with this process. A great Long Snapper is not going to make their punter/holder move. Good way to test this is to have someone catch your snaps from about 15 yards away while sitting in a lawn chair. How many footballs in a row can you snap without making that person move? Five, ten, fifteen, fifty? Anything less than ten and you need some work in my book.

Here is a good example of a Rubio Long Snapper, Scott Daly (2012 – IL – Starting at Notre Dame now), showing some very solid accuracy. The ball is in the same spot on all snaps.

CONSISTENCY– This one is a bit tricky to understand since everyone always tries to lump it in with accuracy. Little bit different since consistency, in my eyes, means the ball staying the same speed the with each and every snap. Basically, you and the punter/holder/kicker are trying to create a rhythm. Given, the whole process starts with the most important person on the team, the Long Snapper. Your snap needs to be a good, consistent tempo at all times. It is very hard for a punter to get a rhythm with a Long Snapper if one snap is a rocket and the other is a floater. If you snap a .75 that is great, but is it like that every time? Varying your time from .7 to .8 is a massive valley to cross and can screw up the timing of everything. It is similar to seeing fast ball, fast ball, fast ball, change up…it would screw you up. Big issues with this category come when a Long Snapper has to snap and block.

Below is a great video for consistency from Rubio Long Snapper Reid Ferguson (2012, GA, now at LSU). When you watch this masterpiece, note how the speed is almost identical on every single snap. It almost looks like one snap, cut and pasted over and over again.


SIZE– This is either the first or second thing someone notices about a Long Snapper. Even before you snap a ball someone is going to judge you on your looks. Think about it. You ever look at the old time Cadillacs and say, “Man, I bet that thing hauls!” Not even close. You see a massive ride that isn’t going anywhere quick (quite comfy though).How big are you? How strong are you? Are you built well? Do you pass the eyeball test? If you got off a plane to visit a college coach, what would be the first thing he thought when he saw you? Size and look of your body is a big thing with colleges and, therefore, a big thing with me.Given, not everyone is 6’4″ and 250 lbs so you have to do the best with what you got. How would you look in just your underwear? If vomit is making its way to your mouth right now, you might want to hit the elliptical and some weights. If you are undersized you will need to make up in other ways to compensate (grades, perfect form, blocking, speed of ball, attitude, aggressiveness). Perfect example would be someone like Rubio Long Snapper Scott Thompson (2011, CA – headed to NC State). He is not a giant, but uses his solid Long Snapper frame….meaning massive butt and legs which is a good thing for a Long Snapper:)…exceptionally well. Watch this video to see Scott really utilizing his backside almost like a trebuchet…love it!


Ideal Long Snapper frame? Rubio Long Snapper Nick Boyle (2011, NJ – headed to Delaware) is pretty darn close:

Yours truly and Nick Boyle
Please Note: I am not a small fellow (over 6 ft tall and above two turns on the scale)
and Nick is making me look like a child.

ATHLETICISM– how athletic are you? Can you move down field? Would you be able to divert the punt returner or even tackle him? Are you light on your feet or are you causing the ground to shake…in a bad way? Solid athleticism can really help out a ranking if you are under and over sized. It is not a deal breaker, but man oh man can it help a Long Snapper that is battling against another one in the coach’s eyes.

On that note, I can reflect back on quite a few Long Snappers that are beyond sub-par athletes (think doing a layup, mind you with no one around, and launching it well over the backboard….not even kidding) that are exceptional at Long Snapping.

BLOCKING– how well do you block? “My HS coach does not require me to block” doesn’t fly with me. It shows toughness and coaches will want to know if you can block. You say the school/coach you are getting recruited by does the spread punt….awesome! What happens if/when that coach leaves and the new one wants to see you block since he is doing the pro style? You aren’t going to say “sorry I don’t block” you are going to do exactly what you need to do to get/keep the starting spot.

Blocking is a major selling point for a Long Snapper. You can jump up the rankings very quickly by being able to snap AND block. Like I always say, there are thousands of people that can snap a ball, and there are thousands that can block, but there are very, very few that can actually snap AND block.

Look at this video of Rubio Long Snapper Samuel Rodgers (2011, PA – headed to Syracuse) and how his snap is the exact same (phenomenal) when he is blocking. Such a huge win to be able to do both.


SPIRAL– This one is pretty basic. Either your ball spirals or it doesn’t. You can look at this one two ways. 1) Scientifically: tight spiral cuts through the wind due to less resistance. 2) Caveman: Bad spiral is hard for the punter, who is already fighting an uphill battle since they aren’t a Long Snapper, to catch. How well does your ball spiral? Having a very fast snap and little to no spiral will crush your speed, your ranking and the opinion of you in a coach’s eyes. Just think if someone didn’t know a ton about Long Snapping, wouldn’t a nice, pretty spiral be something that catches their eye? The answer is undoubtedly YES.
MENTALITY– This is a huge one for Long Snappers and can absolutely crush you. Being a Long Snapper is extremely challenging because you essentially can never obtain a rhythm. A lineman misses a block and he has about forty seconds before he can redeem himself. You might have to wait for twenty to thirty minutes.  You snap a perfect ball, jog off the field and have to wait for a large chunk of time to get back in there. The only time you are on the field a ton is if your team is great (pats) or terrible (punts).How well do you handle pressure? Look at the picture below. Would that bother you or would you thrive on it?

Being a Long Snapper is a difficult position. If it was easy, quarterbacks would do it:) Coaches and I need to see how well you handle pressure and awkward situations. When you are playing in front of 100,000 people are you going to tell them all to shoosh? Nope. Didn’t think so.

When you combine all of these factors with a solid work ethic, you will get a Long Snapper that is simply a juggernaut. See, that is the trick. Finding someone that has all the attributes AND is willing to put in the time and effort. When you mix them all together you will obtain something along the lines of this (turn your volume WAY up so you can fully embrace)…..


For those of that don’t know (welcome back from living under that rock you have been calling home for the past 8 years), in the video is long time Rubio Long Snapper Christian Yount. He is someone that got into Long Snapping simply to get a spot on the bus. After hearing his HS coach tell him to “not even bother with Long Snapping since no one goes to college simply for that”,  Christian accomplished the following….

  • He went out and received a full scholarship to UCLA during his junior year (first to ever do that)
  • He was the only member of his HS team to get a full ride (the irony on this simply delicious)
  • He started all four years at UCLA
  • He was a two time Playboy All-American (the first one to ever be chosen)
  • He was selected to the Senior Bowl
  • He played in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Bucaneers, Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots.

To top it all off, and in the Long Snapper way, Christian is a superb human being. Combine it all and you have a Long Snapper that is, well, great.

Told you I could answer the question:)

_________________________________________________________________

Chris-Rubio-2

Rubio Long Snapping is, by far, the biggest and best resource for Long Snappers in the country. Offering the best instruction and most exposure in the world. Rubio Long Snapping can help you to become the best snapper you can be!

In just 12 years, Chris Rubio, President and Owner of Rubio Long Snapping, has become the #1 Long Snapping instructor in the country and the go-to man when a college coach needs a Long Snapper. Colleges from across the country rely on “Rubio’s” word day in and day out on who the best Long Snappers are in the country. Rubio Long Snapping has assisted in over 300 Long Snappers earning FULL SCHOLARSHIPS to major colleges and universities just for Long Snapping and many into the NFL as well.

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