How to Punt in Football

Most casual football fans believe that the quarterback is the most important offensive position in football. In reality, the player responsible for the most yardage gained or lost on game day isn't the quarterback. The player who controls the outcome of nearly every football game based on his kicks is the punter. Every team needs a quality punter, so it's imperative that a coach trains his punter to play well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know the situation of the game. Before punting the football, the punter needs to know where the ball is going and what type of punt is required. Sometimes it's important to kick a long punt away from a punt returner, while other times it's important to hang the football up in the air to allow for the coverage players to make a tackle. The punter needs to understand every situation so he can adjust before the snap.

2. Align directly behind the long snapper about 10 yards deep. Some coaches require their punters to be closer or deeper depending on the ability of the long snapper and the punter. Before the snap, the punter holds his hands out in front of his body to serve as a target for the long snapper. Also, the punter's hands need to be up in order to be ready to catch a snap at any time.

3. Catch the football out in front of the body. Rotate the football so that the laces are upward and the ball is parallel with the ground. The football needs to be at arm's length ready to fall "off the table" when the player drops it to punt. Make sure the football stays parallel to the ground on its flight toward the kicking foot.

4. Approach the line of scrimmage ready to kick. Most coaches teach a one or three step punting approach. Quickly plant the non-kicking foot and be ready to drop the ball flat "off the table" in a straight line to the kicking foot.

5. Strike the football quickly with the top part of the kicking foot. Work to strike the football just inside of the fat part of the football as it falls flat to the foot. By kicking the ball in this manner, the ball spirals up into the air, which adds distance to the kick and makes it harder for the punt returner to catch.

6. Call out the direction of the punt to help the coverage players. The punter has the best view of the punt and needs to help the coverage unit to locate the ball effectively in order to make a tackle.

7. Watch each punt in practice and in games in order to correct any problems. Quickly fix any glitch in the technique in order to improve from punt to punt.

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