Hard count (gridiron football)

The defensive and offensive lines square off prior to a snap

In gridiron football, the hard count is a strategy used by offenses. It is most frequently used to "convert" on fourth down with less than five yards to go. In this situation, the quarterback uses an irregular, accented (thus, the term "hard") cadence for the snap count in the hope that the defense will jump offside, giving the offense the five yards needed to convert the first down.^[1]

Also, if the defense jumps offside, but the offense begins their play, it is designated as a "free play" (as in, there are no negative consequences to the offense on the play, with the exception of penalties). 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.

However, if the defense does not go offside, the offense will either call a time out or take a five-yard penalty for delay of game and punt the ball away. Also, the offense's own offensive line might react to the hard count, resulting in a false start.^[2]

References

↑ Shpigel, Ben (2014-11-23). "Packers’ Aaron Rodgers Has a Voice That Leaves Defenders Muttering". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2014-11-23.
↑ http://www.footballoutsiders.com/info/glossary_general

American football strategy

Systems

Offensive strategy

Scheme	A-11 Air Coryell Air option Air raid Buck-lateral Hurry-up Marty Ball New England Patriots Option Pro-style Run and shoot Smashmouth Spread Triple option West Coast

Routes	Corner Curl Down and out Drag Flat Fly Hitch Hot Out Post Seam Slant Wheel

Trick plays	Play-action pass Draw Double pass End-around Reverse Flea flicker Fumblerooski Hidden ball trick Hook and lateral Statue of Liberty Halfback option Hard count Pyramid Swinging gate Tackle-eligible

Defensive strategy

Offensive formations

Defensive formations

Other

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