Special teams handle every kick in football: kickoffs, punts, field goals, extra points and onside kicks. The kicking game can swing field position and decide close games, since field goals are worth 3 points and extra points 1, while good kickoffs and punts pin opponents deep in their own territory. A field goal or extra point depends on three players working together: the long snapper, who snaps about 7 to 8 yards to the holder; the holder, who places the ball; and the kicker, who strikes it with a consistent, soccer-style approach. At high levels, this whole operation takes roughly 1.3 seconds. Kickoff and extra-point rules change often, so always check the current rulebook for your level.
Why the kicking game matters
Many football games are decided by a field goal or less. A reliable kicker turns stalled drives into points, and strong kickoffs and punts force opponents to start drives far from the end zone. Special teams also create game-changing plays, such as blocked kicks, long returns and successful fakes. Because special teams plays involve the whole field and high speeds, they require precise coordination, practice and discipline.
Types of kicks
| Kick | Purpose | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff | Starts each half and follows scores | None |
| Field goal | Kick through the uprights from scrimmage | 3 |
| Extra point | Kick after a touchdown | 1 |
| Punt | Give the ball away with better field position | None |
| Onside kick | Short kickoff to try to regain the ball | None |
The field goal and extra-point operation
Field goals and extra points use the same basic operation. The long snapper stands over the ball and snaps it back about 7 to 8 yards to the holder, who kneels and catches the ball, places its tip on the ground and spins it so the laces face away from the kicker. The kicker, already set at a consistent distance and angle, begins the approach as the ball is snapped and strikes it the moment it is placed. The line blocks to prevent defenders from breaking through, and the wings on each end protect the edges. At the NFL and college levels, kickers do not use a tee on field goals, while high school rules generally permit a small tee.
Because the holder spots the ball about 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage and the goalposts stand at the back of the end zone, a field goal is roughly 17 yards longer than the yard line where the ball is snapped. For example, a kick from the opponent’s 20-yard line is about a 37-yard field goal.
Kicking technique
- Set up consistently. Mark your spot, measure your steps back and to the side, and use the same approach every time.
- Approach at an angle. Most modern kickers use a soccer-style approach, coming at the ball from an angle rather than straight on.
- Plant your foot. Place your plant foot beside the ball, a few inches away, pointing at the target.
- Lock your ankle. Strike the ball with the instep, the top inside part of the foot, with a firm ankle.
- Keep your head down. Watch the ball through contact.
- Follow through. Swing your leg through toward the target and let your momentum carry you forward.
Kickoffs
On kickoffs, the ball is placed on a tee, and the kicker tries either to kick deep for a touchback or to place the ball so the coverage team can tackle the returner short of the touchback line. Kickoff rules have changed significantly in recent years, especially in the NFL, which introduced a new kickoff format with players lined up closer together to reduce high-speed collisions and encourage returns. College and high school use different kickoff rules. Kickers must balance distance, hang time and placement with the team’s coverage strategy.
Roles on special teams
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Kicker | Field goals, extra points and kickoffs |
| Punter | Punts, and often the holder on field goals |
| Long snapper | Snaps on punts, field goals and extra points |
| Holder | Catches and places the snap for the kicker |
| Returners | Field kickoffs and punts |
| Gunners and coverage players | Sprint downfield to tackle returners |
The mental side of kicking
Kicking is as much mental as physical. Kickers often go long stretches without playing, then must perform instantly in high-pressure moments. A consistent pre-kick routine, such as the same number of steps, a deep breath and a focus cue, helps block out distractions. Many kickers focus on process rather than outcome, thinking about their plant foot and contact rather than the scoreboard. After a miss, the ability to reset quickly matters, since the next kick may decide the game. Coaches can help by creating pressure situations in practice and supporting kickers through mistakes.
Blocking and protecting kicks
Protection is essential on field goals and extra points. The offensive line typically lines up tightly and steps inside to seal gaps, while wing players on each end protect against edge rushers. Defenses try to block kicks by overloading one side, getting a hand up at the line or timing the snap. Quick operation time and disciplined blocking make blocks rare. A blocked kick can be returned by the defense, so all players must stay alert after the snap.
Practice routines
- Operation reps. Snapper, holder and kicker practice full field goal sequences with a stopwatch.
- Distance progression. Kickers start close and move back, focusing on clean contact rather than power.
- Hash work. Practice kicks from both hashes and the middle to master angles.
- Pressure situations. Simulate game-winning kicks with teammates watching or noise.
- Kickoff placement. Practice deep kicks and directional kicks to specific areas.
Kicking in bad weather
Wind, rain, snow and cold all affect kicking. Wind can push the ball left or right or shorten its distance, so kickers study conditions during warm-ups and adjust aim and range. Cold air and a cold ball can reduce distance. In rain, footing and ball handling become harder, so the snap and hold must be especially clean. Coaches often adjust their decision-making about field goal range based on weather.
A brief history of kicking
Early football relied heavily on kicking, including drop kicks, and field goals were once worth more points than touchdowns. Over time, scoring values changed and the forward pass reduced the emphasis on kicking. For decades, many kickers used a straight-on style with a square-toed shoe, but soccer-style kicking, approaching from the side and striking with the instep, gradually took over and had largely replaced straight-on kicking by the 1980s. Today’s kickers are specialists who often have soccer backgrounds.
Common mistakes
- Inconsistent approach steps and angles.
- Planting too far from or too close to the ball.
- Lifting the head early and pulling the kick.
- Trying to kick too hard and losing accuracy.
- Slow operation times that allow blocks.
- Ignoring wind and weather conditions.
Rulebook note: kickoff, touchback, extra-point and tee rules differ between the NFL, NCAA and NFHS and have changed frequently in recent years. Check the current rulebook for your level.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a field goal from the 20-yard line?
About 37 yards, because you add roughly 7 yards for the snap and 10 yards for the end zone.
Do kickers use a tee for field goals?
Not in the NFL or college, but high school rules generally permit a small tee.
What does a long snapper do?
A long snapper snaps the ball on punts, field goals and extra points.
