Techniques Of Punting

M

any close ball games are either won or lost by a mistake in the kicking game. Considering this fact, it is most important that an adequate part of our practice time be spent on perfecting this phase of football. The new punting rule that was put into effect last season makes it more important than ever not to slight the emphasis placed on the punting game. I think football teams should spend as much as one-fourth of their practice time (including specialty period) on the overall kicking game. Demoralizing mistakes that can lose a ball game will be cut to a minimum if this time is used properly. As a preface to remarks regarding the punter’s technique, I would like to give you an idea of the practice time we spend on the kicking game. Before our organized practice begins, we have a specialty period of 15 to 25 minutes. During this period our kickers, centers and safetymen work toward perfecting their respective specialties. Aside from our specialty period where we stress individual techniques, we have daily sessions of approximately 10 minutes with the kicking game in teamwork. During the course of a week, we will cover our punt protection, punt coverage, punt return, field goal and extra point protection, and kickoffs during these 10 minute periods. Our punter’s depth varies according to the type of punt formation being used. In spread punt formation, the depth is 13 yards and in a tight punt formation we place our punter 10 1/2 yards deep. When kicking from a depth of 13 yards the punter’s foot should meet the ball within two seconds after it leaves the center’s hands. It is improbable that a punt will be blocked with a minimum of protection in this length of time. In order for the kicker to kick on rhythm and to do his job correctly, it is imperative that the center make a good snap. The center strives to put the ball on the right-footed kicker’s right thigh and snap the ball in approximately seven-tenths of a second. The most important point in handling a punter is to avoid over-coaching him. If he kicks in the desired amount of time and is a consistent kicker, he should be left alone. Proper technique should be emphasized to the kicker who has potential but is inconsistent and has no kicking groove. Particularly this is true with the beginning punter. Another case where knowledge of proper punting technique is important is the situation in which a good kicker falls into a slump. A slight correction by the coach will

frequently provide the help needed to overcome the kicker’s problem. The first two things required of a punter are getting the ball away on time and getting the ball down field. The ball should leave the punter’s foot 1.3 seconds after it hits his hands. We don’t care if he kicks the ball end-over-end as long as it is down field and not sliced off the side of the foot. The ideal punt should be approximately 40 yards high and 40 yards downfield. Our punter lines up 13 yards deep with his right foot on the ball in spread punt. We like for the right-footed punter to have his right foot slightly in front with two-thirds of his weight on the left foot. The knees should be slightly bent and the kicker should be comfortable. With the knees slightly bent, the kicker can spring to the ball in case it is snapped high or to the side, and he can bend quickly if the ball is low. The arms are extended, elbows slightly bent and hands about waist high with thumbs up. The kicker’s eyes should be on the ball from the time it leaves the center’s hands until it leaves his foot. The outstanding punter is always oblivious to onrushing lineman. When the ball hits his hands, the kicker immediately steps with his kicking foot. The initial step should be a short one and as he is stepping the kicker should be simultaneously adjusting the ball with the lace up. The ball should be adjusted and ready to kick as the second step is completed. The ball should be held about waist high, well out in front with the nose down slightly to the left. If this drop is achieved, better height and distance results as well as enhancing the possibility of the nose turning over at the apex of the flight. The punter steps in the direction of the offensive center’s right foot, drops the ball, and follows through the same line with a high leg. Don’t over swing. I would compare punting the football with hitting a golf ball or hitting the fastball in baseball. It isn’t how hard you swing at the ball; it is the smoothness and rhythm that has been grooved that is important. It is ideal for the punter to hold the ball as long as possible to control the drop. If the kicker makes certain not to release the ball too quickly, wind will not affect the drop as much. A good drop is one of the two most important things in achieving the ideal kick. The other is keeping the eyes on the ball with head down until the kick is on its way. The ball should be dropped to lay across the instep with the nose slightly to the left.

• AFCA Summer Manual — 2000 •

The Techniques of Punting

John Majors Head Coach Iowa State University Ames, Iowa

The toes of the kicking foot should be pointed downward. This can normally be accomplished if the ball is dropped well in front of the kicker. A high follow-through should result in a good kick. As stated earlier, the techniques I have discussed should pertain to the inexperienced, ungrooved punter or the punter who has been in a slump. If a punter is effective and kicks the ball on time, we do not over-coach him and do not try to change his kicking style. Many of the best kickers I have seen were three-step kickers. If they get the job done, leave well enough alone. Listed below are some common faults of kickers: 1. Taking eyes off ball (possibly too concerned with the rush). 2. Dropping the ball too low, resulting in lack of height. 3. Releasing the ball too quickly resulting in a bad drop. 4. Too slow in getting the ball adjusted, resulting in a rushed and jerky finish and possibly a blocked punt. 5. Dropping the ball too far outside causing a sliced kick. 6. Kicking or swinging too hard to the ball. 7. Dropping the ball too close to the body, resulting in the toe coming up and a muffed kick. 8. Overstriding. Situations in which a kicker should be schooled:

John Majors at a Glance Experience: Assistant Coach, University of Tennessee, 1957-59; Assistant Coach, Mississippi State, 1960-63; Assistant Coach, University of Arkansas, 1964-67; Head Coach, Iowa State University, 1968-72 (24-30-1); Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh, 1973-76 & 1993-96 (45-45-1); Head Coach, University of Tennessee, 1977-92 (116-62-8) Career Head Coaching Record: 185-137-10 Bowl Game Record: 9-7 National Championships: 1976 AFCA District Coach of the Year Awards: 1976 AFCA National Coach of the Year Awards: 1976 AFCA Board of Trustees: 1980-1990 (1990 AFCA President)

1. A bad snap on fourth down — Try to get the ball away even if it necessitates kicking on the run. 2. A bad snap on any other down — Fall on the ball since we can line up on the next down to punt again. 3. When kicking out of the end zone, do not stand on the end zone line — Results in a safety on the opposing team. 4. When to kick the poocher (short high kick) or kick out of bounds (Low driving kick that the safetyman can’t handle) — We work on these two kicks a short time each day.

In concluding my remarks, I could best summarize by saying do not over-coach the consistent kicker, but know the cause that can contribute to a good kicker getting out of groove. Be familiar with the techniques to teach the raw, inconsistent prospect and school your punter regarding crucial situations. Stress the timing and rhythm between the center and the punter to prevent the possible blocked punt that might cost your team a ball game. Press the kicking game for here is where the breaks are made.

Speak Up For Football Coaches have many opportunities through media interviews, coaches’ radio and television shows, speeches, etc., to put in a good word about the sport and the profession. Always look to improve football’s image by saying something positive about the game. It will help all of those involved — players, coaches, officials, administrators and fans alike.

Support High School Football High school football is an integral part of America’s athletic heritage. Be sure to encourage community involvement at every opportunity — including coaches’ television shows — to ensure the success of high school football in your state. • AFCA Summer Manual — 2000 •