What is a hard count in football?

In football, a hard count is a tactic used by the quarterback to try to draw the defense offside by using a fake snap count. The quarterback will typically vary the cadence of the snap count in order to confuse the defense and hopefully get them to jump offsides, resulting in a penalty and a free five yards for the offense.

A hard count can be an effective strategy for gaining an advantage over the defense, especially in crucial situations such as third or fourth down when the offense is looking to convert for a first down. However, if the defense does not fall for the hard count and the offense jumps offsides instead, it can result in a penalty and loss of yardage.

Overall, the hard count is a risky but potentially rewarding tactic that quarterbacks can use to try to gain an edge over the defense. It requires good timing, discipline, and communication between the quarterback and his teammates to execute successfully.