Special teams in American football are the units on the field for kicking plays: kickoffs, punts, field goals and extra points, plus the teams that return or try to block them. They score points directly through field goals (3 points), extra-point kicks (1 point), kick and punt return touchdowns (6 points), blocked-kick returns and occasionally safeties or fake plays. They also shape scoring indirectly through field position, since a long punt or a big return can decide how far an offense has to go. Special teams are on the field for a meaningful share of plays in every game, which is why coaches often call them the third phase of football.
This guide explains each special teams unit, all the ways special teams score or prevent scores, key positions, strategy, how rules differ by level, and common mistakes.
How special teams score
| Play | Points | How it happens |
|---|---|---|
| Field goal | 3 | Kicking the ball through the uprights from scrimmage |
| Extra point (kick) | 1 | A kick after a touchdown |
| Kickoff return touchdown | 6 | Returning a kickoff all the way for a score |
| Punt return touchdown | 6 | Returning a punt for a score |
| Blocked kick return | 6 (or 2 on a try in some levels) | Blocking a punt or field goal and returning it |
| Fake punt or fake field goal | Varies | Running or passing out of a kicking formation |
| Safety | 2 | For example, a punt returner tackled in their own end zone in certain situations |
The special teams units
Kickoff and kickoff return
The kickoff starts each half and follows every score. The kicking team tries to pin the returner deep or force a touchback, while the return team blocks to create a lane. Onside kicks, short kicks the kicking team tries to recover, are used when a team needs the ball back late in a game. Kickoff rules have changed significantly in recent years at several levels to reduce high-speed collisions.
Punt and punt return
On fourth down, teams often punt to push the opponent back. The punt team protects the punter, then covers the kick. The return team may try to block the punt or set up a return. Returners can signal a fair catch, which means they cannot be hit but also cannot advance the ball.
Field goal and extra point
The field goal unit includes the long snapper, holder and kicker, protected by a line of blockers. The defending unit may try to block the kick. After a touchdown, teams choose between a kick for one point or a two-point conversion attempt from scrimmage.
Key special teams positions
- Kicker: handles kickoffs, field goals and extra points.
- Punter: punts on fourth down and often holds for kicks.
- Long snapper: snaps the ball accurately for punts and kicks.
- Holder: catches the snap and places the ball for the kicker.
- Returner: fields kickoffs and punts and tries to gain yards.
- Gunners: fast players who sprint downfield to tackle returners.
Special teams strategy
- Field position: good punting and coverage make opponents drive farther.
- Directional kicking: kicking toward the sideline limits return options.
- Fakes: surprise plays that exploit a defense focused on the kick.
- Onside kicks: used when trailing late, or occasionally as a surprise.
- Two-point decisions: coaches weigh probabilities and game situation.
Rules by level
Special teams rules differ between the NFL, college and high school. Kickoff formations, touchback spots, the use of kicking tees on field goals, the distance of the extra-point try, and fair catch rules are among the details that vary. The NFL, for example, introduced a redesigned kickoff format in 2024 to encourage more returns while reducing high-speed collisions. High school rules allow kicking tees on field goals and extra points, while college and the NFL do not.
Check the current NFL Rulebook, NCAA Football Rules or NFHS Football Rules for exact details, as special teams rules change frequently.
Common mistakes
- Muffed punts: fumbles by returners give the opponent the ball.
- Poor snaps: lead to blocked or missed kicks.
- Coverage lanes breaking down: allows big returns.
- Penalties on returns: holding and blocks in the back erase gains.
- Roughing the kicker: gives the kicking team a new set of downs.
Kickoffs and punt returns involve high-speed contact. Players should use proper tackling technique and follow their governing body’s safety rules and concussion protocols.
Every way special teams can put points on the board
Most fans know about field goals and return touchdowns, but special teams can score in several less common ways too.
| Scoring play | Points | How it happens |
|---|---|---|
| Field goal | 3 | Kick through the uprights from scrimmage |
| Extra-point kick | 1 | Kick after a touchdown |
| Kickoff or punt return touchdown | 6 | Returner carries the ball into the end zone |
| Blocked kick returned for a touchdown | 6 | Defence blocks a punt or field goal and scores with the loose ball |
| Recovered fumble in the end zone | 6 | Kicking team recovers a muffed or fumbled return in the end zone |
| Safety | 2 | Punter or returner is tackled in their own end zone, or a blocked punt goes out of the end zone |
| Fair-catch kick (NFL and NFHS) | 3 | After a fair catch, a team may attempt a free kick at goal |
Onside kicks and surprise plays
Special teams can also create scoring chances without scoring directly. An onside kick is a short kickoff that the kicking team tries to recover after it travels the required distance, usually 10 yards. Teams use it when trailing late in games or occasionally as a surprise. Fake punts and fake field goals are another weapon: the kicking unit lines up normally but runs or passes instead, hoping to catch the defence off guard and keep the drive alive.
How coaches build strong special teams
- Pick players who are fast, disciplined and good tacklers, often backups at other positions.
- Rep the snap, hold and kick every practice so timing becomes automatic.
- Drill lane discipline on kick coverage so returners have no easy seams.
- Teach returners when to fair catch, return or let the ball bounce into the end zone.
- Review film to spot blocking weaknesses in the opponent’s protection.
Kickoff and touchback rules have changed several times in recent years, including the NFL’s new kickoff formation introduced in 2024. Check the current NFL, NCAA or NFHS rulebook for your level.
Field position: the hidden value of special teams
Not every special teams win shows up on the scoreboard straight away. A long punt that pins an opponent inside their own 10-yard line, or a strong kickoff return that sets up a short field, can decide a close game. Analysts often measure special teams by average starting field position, net punting average and return yards, because a few extra yards on each change of possession add up over four quarters.
Frequently asked questions
How many points is a field goal?
Three points.
Can special teams score a touchdown?
Yes, through kickoff returns, punt returns, blocked kick returns and fake plays.
What is a fair catch?
A signal by the returner that they will catch the ball without advancing it, in exchange for protection from being tackled.
