How to Make an Onside Kick

Fourth quarter, less than a minute to play and you've just scored, but your team is still down by a touchdown or less. Time to make an onside kick. In football, an onside kick is when you kick the ball a shorter distance than a normal kickoff to set up a chance to recover and maintain possession of the ball. You can then try to score to either tie or win the game.

Instructions

1. Place the ball on the tee and line up as if you are kicking a normal kickoff. As the kicker approaches the ball, shift all players to the side where the kicker is going to kick the ball.

2. Approach the ball at a normal speed, but slow down as the kicker gets close to the ball. He must kick the ball at a downward angle from the top to drive it into the ground and cause it to bounce into the air.

3. Allow the ball to travel at least 10 yards before attempting to recover it. A kicking team cannot recover an onside kick unless the ball travels this distance or more.

4. Block the opposing team. Each player should have an assigned position to block opposing players from making a play on the ball. One player should be designated to attempt recovery of the ball. If necessary, the kicker can shift and become a blocker after he has made the kick.

5. Practice this kick every week. The kicker and special teams players should know how to make an onside kick. Sometimes the hopes of winning the game rely on a perfect onside kick.

Tips & Warnings

• If the ball does not travel at least 10 yards but an opposing player touches it, make a play for the ball. The kicking team cannot recover an onside kick if it does not travel at least 10 yards, unless the opposing team touches it.

• The ball generally bounces higher when it ricochets off artificial turf as compared to grass turf.