An onside kick is a short, deliberate kickoff that the kicking team tries to recover itself so it can keep possession of the ball. Under the basic rule, the ball must travel at least 10 yards, or be touched first by the receiving team, before the kicking team can legally recover it. Teams usually attempt onside kicks when trailing late in a game and needing extra possessions, although some coaches use a surprise onside kick earlier. Success rates are low, especially in the NFL, where recent kickoff rule changes have also added restrictions, such as requiring teams to declare an onside attempt in advance.
How an onside kick works
A normal kickoff sends the ball deep so the receiving team starts its drive far from the kicking team’s end zone. On an onside kick, the kicker instead aims for a short kick that travels just past the 10-yard mark, trying to make the ball bounce unpredictably or land where the kicking team’s players can reach it first. If the kicking team recovers the ball legally, it gains possession, often near midfield. If the receiving team recovers, it usually gets excellent field position because the kick traveled such a short distance.
Key rules
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| 10-yard rule | The kicking team cannot touch the ball first until it has traveled 10 yards |
| Receiving team | May recover the ball at any time, including before it goes 10 yards |
| Touched by receivers | Once a receiving player touches the ball, the kicking team may recover it even before 10 yards |
| Fair catch | Receiving players who signal for a fair catch are protected from interference |
| Formation rules | Each level sets limits on how kicking players line up and move before the kick |
If the kicking team touches the ball illegally before it goes 10 yards, the result is usually a penalty or the ball being awarded to the receiving team at that spot. Kicking the ball directly out of bounds is also a foul. Details differ between the NFL, college and high school rules.
NFL rule changes
NFL kickoff rules have changed several times in recent seasons, largely to improve player safety. Earlier changes limited how kicking team players could line up and removed running starts, which made onside kicks harder to recover. More recently, the NFL introduced a new kickoff format with players lined up closer together and restrictions on movement until the ball is caught or hits the ground. Under these rules, teams must declare an onside kick in advance, and the league has placed limits on when an onside kick can be attempted, generally tying it to a team trailing late in the game. Because these rules are still evolving, check the current NFL Rulebook for the latest details.
College and high school football have their own kickoff rules, and onside kicks in those levels may look different, with more traditional formations and fewer restrictions on when they can be attempted.
Onside kick techniques
- Bouncing kick. The kicker strikes the top of the ball so it hits the ground quickly and takes a high hop around the 10-yard mark, giving teammates a chance to catch it in the air.
- Squib or dribbler. A low, rolling kick that bounces unpredictably and is difficult to field cleanly.
- Side kick. The kicker directs the ball toward the sideline, where kicking team players have overloaded one side.
- Surprise onside. An onside attempt when the receiving team expects a normal kickoff, which, where allowed, can succeed more often because the receiving team is not prepared.
When teams try an onside kick
The most common situation is when a team trails late in the fourth quarter and needs to score again quickly. Without an onside recovery, the team would have to stop the opponent’s offense and get the ball back, which might take too much time. Coaches consider the score, time remaining, timeouts and the strength of their defense when deciding. Some coaches also use surprise onside kicks early in games to gain momentum, though rules at some levels restrict these.
Success rates
Onside kicks are low-percentage plays. In the NFL, recovery rates for expected onside kicks have been low for years and fell further after kickoff formation changes. Surprise onside kicks historically succeeded more often, because the receiving team was not prepared, but new rules requiring declaration reduce the element of surprise. In college and high school football, success rates vary with rules, kicker skill and the preparation of both teams.
Practicing onside kicks
Because onside kicks are rare in games, teams need regular practice to execute them well. Kickers work on hitting the ball consistently to produce the same bounce, often practicing with a partner who tracks where the ball lands. The kicking team rehearses its alignment, timing and responsibilities so every player knows whether to attack the ball or block. The hands team practices fielding bouncing and rolling kicks and securing the ball in traffic. Many coaches include a short onside period each week during the season, using controlled contact to limit injury risk, and review film to refine technique.
Alternatives to the onside kick
Because onside kicks rarely succeed, teams trailing late sometimes choose to kick deep and rely on their defense to force a quick stop, using timeouts to preserve the clock. The NFL has also discussed alternatives in the past, such as giving a trailing team a single offensive play from its own territory to keep the ball, although such proposals have not been adopted as standard rules. Coaches weigh the probability of recovery against the risk of giving the opponent short field position.
How to execute an onside kick
- Choose the type of kick based on the situation and your kicker’s strengths.
- Set the formation within the rules, often overloading one side.
- Place the ball on the tee at the angle that produces the desired bounce.
- Strike the ball to create a high hop or an unpredictable roll.
- Time the approach so teammates arrive as the ball passes 10 yards.
- Secure the ball first, rather than trying to advance it.
How to defend an onside kick
The receiving team uses a hands team made up of players with reliable catching ability, such as receivers, running backs and defensive backs. These players position themselves near where the ball is likely to go, focus on securing the ball rather than returning it, and block kicking team players who try to reach the ball. Communication is essential, so players know who will attack the ball and who will block. Falling on the ball to secure possession is usually the priority.
Common mistakes
- The kicking team touching the ball before it travels 10 yards.
- Kicking the ball out of bounds.
- Receiving players trying to return the ball instead of securing it.
- Poor timing, with kicking players arriving too early or too late.
- Not knowing the current rules for declaring or formatting an onside kick.
Rulebook note: kickoff and onside kick rules differ between the NFL, NCAA and NFHS and change frequently. This article summarizes general principles; check the current rulebook for your level for exact requirements.
Health note: kickoffs and onside kicks involve high-speed contact. Use proper technique and equipment, and follow your league’s safety rules.
Frequently asked questions
How far does an onside kick have to go?
At least 10 yards before the kicking team can recover it, unless the receiving team touches it first.
Can the receiving team recover an onside kick before 10 yards?
Yes. The receiving team can recover the ball at any time.
Why do onside kicks fail so often?
The receiving team is usually prepared with sure-handed players, and rules limit how the kicking team can line up and move.
