How to Return a Kick in Football

Football is a game of yards and sometimes inches, demanding that each player do his part to get the football to the goal line. Whether it is a fourth down or kickoff, everyone has to chip in. One of the most important moments of any possession is the kick return. It is not enough to just run in the direction of your goal line. You need to see where everyone else is going and head for the best path to the touchdown. Read on to learn how to return a football.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Pads if Playing Tackle Football
• Football
• Players
• Football Field

1. Choose the direction you wish to go when you return the football. Generally you can go left, right or straight up the middle. The direction will tell your blockers where to focus their attention so they can help to create a gap in the defensive line for you to exploit.
2. Take a position at the end of the field opposite where the kicker is going to be kicking the ball. Most punt returns fall between the end zone and the 20-yard line, so try to stick in that area.
3. Wait for the kicker to signal. Once he does, it means he is ready to kick and will proceed to do so.
4. Move under the ball once it is in flight, putting yourself in a position to catch it as it comes down.
5. Keep your eye on the blockers and on the opposing team to mentally prepare for the way in which you are going to return the ball. This is important. Even though you planned where you were going to go with the ball with your blockers, you will need to see where your opponents are generally going so you can anticipate how the field will be filled once you return the football.
6. Run. Once you catch the football, it is time to return it, so proceed in the direction of your blockers and use them as a shield on your way towards the goal line.
7. Follow your blockers as they continue in front of you, and move in the direction opposite of their blocks.
8. Continue until tackled or knocked out of bounds. A good return is one that goes beyond the 35-yard line. A great one goes all the way for a touchdown.

Tips & Warnings

• Take note of the wind at the time of the kick return. The wind will affect how the ball flies and you will need to adjust your return based on where the ball lands.
• Always wear protective gear if you are going to be playing full contact football. The risk of injury without pads is very, very high. You can also simply play two-hand touch or flag football to greatly reduce the risk of injury.

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