The Ultimate Guide to How to Kick a Ball in American Football: Learn the Secrets to Success!

American football is a game of strategy, strength, and skill, and kicking is an integral part of the game. Whether it’s a field goal, an extra point, or a kickoff, mastering the art of kicking can be a game-changer. This comprehensive guide will take you through the fundamentals of how to kick a ball in American football, from the stance and approach to the follow-through and common kicking techniques.

The Importance of Kicking in Football

Kicking is a crucial aspect of American football, offering teams valuable opportunities to score points. Here’s why kicking is so important:

• Field Goals: A field goal is a successful kick through the uprights, earning the kicking team three points. It’s a valuable scoring option when a team is close to the end zone but can’t get the ball in.
• Extra Points: An extra point is a kick after a touchdown, worth one point. It’s a near-automatic point, adding to the team’s score.
• Kickoffs: The kickoff starts each half and after every score. The kicking team aims to send the ball deep into the opposing team’s territory, giving their defense a better chance to start the drive.
• Punt Returns: When a team chooses to punt rather than attempt a field goal, the kicking team hopes to pin the opposing team deep in their own territory.

The Essential Elements of Kicking

To kick a ball effectively in American football, you need to master several key elements:

1. The Stance

• Feet: Place your feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly behind the other. Your dominant foot is the one you use to kick with.
• Body: Your body should be slightly angled, with your shoulders facing the target.
• Head: Keep your head up and look directly at the target.
• Arms: Hold your arms out in front of you, with your elbows slightly bent.

2. The Approach

• Run-up: Start your approach about 10-15 yards away from the ball. Take a few strides, gradually increasing your speed as you approach the ball.
• Final Step: As you reach the ball, take your final step with your non-dominant foot, bringing your body into a balanced position.

3. The Kick

• Contact: Plant your dominant foot firmly on the ground, just behind the ball. Swing your kicking leg through, making contact with the ball at the sweet spot.
• Follow-Through: Continue your swing, bringing your kicking leg through and finishing with your toe pointed towards the target.

Different Kicking Techniques

There are several different kicking techniques used in American football, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. The Roundhouse Kick

• Description: The roundhouse kick is the most common kicking technique. It involves swinging your leg in a circular motion, with your kicking foot hitting the ball from the side.
• Advantages: Powerful, can be used for both field goals and kickoffs.
• Disadvantages: Can be difficult to control, requires a lot of practice.

2. The Straight-On Kick

• Description: The straight-on kick involves swinging your leg straight forward, with your kicking foot hitting the ball from the front.
• Advantages: Easy to control, good for accuracy.
• Disadvantages: Not as powerful as the roundhouse kick.

3. The Soccer-Style Kick

• Description: This technique is similar to kicking a soccer ball, with your kicking foot hitting the ball from below.
• Advantages: Very powerful, can be used for long field goals and kickoffs.
• Disadvantages: Can be difficult to control, requires a lot of practice.

Tips for Improving Your Kicking

• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at kicking. Practice your stance, approach, and follow-through.
• Work on Your Strength: Strong legs are essential for powerful kicks. Do exercises that target your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
• Focus on Accuracy: Aim for the middle of the goalposts when practicing field goals. For kickoffs, aim for the end zone.
• Get Feedback: Ask a coach or experienced kicker to watch your technique and provide feedback.

The Art of the Field Goal

The field goal is a crucial aspect of kicking in American football. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• Hold: The holder, typically the snapper, places the ball on the ground, pointing it towards the goalposts.
• Snap: The center snaps the ball to the holder, who catches it with one hand.
• Hold: The holder keeps the ball steady and aligns it with the goalposts.
• Kick: The kicker approaches the ball, taking their final step and kicking the ball through the uprights.

The Importance of Teamwork

Kicking in football is not a solo effort. The kicker relies on a team of players to execute the kick effectively:

• Snapper: The snapper is responsible for snapping the ball to the holder. Accuracy and timing are crucial.
• Holder: The holder catches the ball and keeps it steady for the kicker. They need to be able to hold the ball securely and align it with the goalposts.
• Long Snapper: The long snapper is responsible for snapping the ball to the punter during punts.

The Mental Game of Kicking

Kicking in American football is not just about physical skill; it also requires a strong mental game. Here are some tips for staying focused and confident:

• Visualize Success: Before each kick, visualize yourself making the kick successfully.
• Stay Calm Under Pressure: It’s important to stay calm and composed, even in high-pressure situations.
• Focus on the Process: Don’t focus on the outcome of the kick; focus on executing your technique correctly.

Beyond the Basics: Mastering the Art of Kicking

To truly master the art of kicking in American football, it takes dedication, practice, and a desire to constantly improve. Here are some additional tips:

• Learn from the Pros: Watch videos of professional kickers and analyze their technique.
• Join a Kicking Camp: Attend a kicking camp to learn from experienced coaches and improve your skills.
• Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to becoming a successful kicker. Practice regularly and work on your technique.

The Future of Kicking in Football

As American football continues to evolve, the role of kicking is likely to become even more important. New techniques and strategies are constantly being developed, and the best kickers will be those who can adapt and evolve with the game.

The Kickoff to a Successful Career

Kicking in American football can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With dedication, hard work, and a passion for the game, you can develop your skills and become a valuable asset to your team.

What You Need to Learn

Q1: What is the best way to practice kicking?

A: The best way to practice kicking is to find a field or open space where you can practice your stance, approach, and follow-through. Start with short kicks and gradually increase the distance as you improve. It’s also important to practice kicking in different conditions, such as wind and rain.

Q2: What are some common kicking mistakes to avoid?

A: Some common kicking mistakes include:

• Not planting your dominant foot firmly on the ground.
• Swinging your leg too high.
• Not following through with your kick.
• Not keeping your head up and looking at the target.

Q3: How can I improve my kicking power?

A: To improve your kicking power, you need to focus on building strength in your legs. Do exercises that target your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. You can also try using a weighted kicking tee to increase the resistance.

Q4: What are some tips for staying focused during a game?

A: To stay focused during a game, it’s important to visualize success and stay calm under pressure. Don’t focus on the outcome of the kick; focus on executing your technique correctly. It can also be helpful to have a pre-kick routine that you follow before every kick.

Q5: How can I find a kicking coach?

A: You can find a kicking coach by searching online, asking for recommendations from friends or family, or contacting your local high school or college football program. Many kicking coaches offer private lessons or group training sessions.