How to Kick a Football

A good, hard kickoff or punt gives your team the chance to bury the opposition deep on its side of the field, while a field goal can win the game. Learning the proper kicking techniques is only part of the job, though. You have to be able to handle distractions and developed great mental strength to be a successful as a kicker, but this article will only teach you the proper kicking techniques.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Footballs
• Footballs

Perform a Kickoff or Kick a Field Goal

1. Set up the football for a kickoff. Position the football on the tee almost perpendicular to the ground, but angled slightly toward you.

2. Set up a field goal attempt, if you are looking to score. Have the holder kneel on the opposite side of the ball from where you'll be running, and place the football with the laces forward (away from you) and the ball almost perpendicular to the ground, but angled slightly toward you, the kicker. The holder should place either his palm or the tips of his index and middle fingers on top of the ball, gently applying pressure to hold it in place.

3. Take three steps back. If you kick with your left foot, take two and a half steps to the right. If you kick with your right foot, take two and a half steps to the left.

4. Run toward the ball, starting with the foot you won't be kicking with.

5. Plant your nonkicking leg firmly about 1 foot to the side of the ball, your foot pointing in the direction in which you want the ball to go (between the goal posts, for example, or straight down the field for a kickoff).

6. Power through the ball with your kicking foot, making contact about one-third of the way above the ball's lower tip. For maximum distance, kick with the top two inner shoelace holes of your shoe.

7. Follow through as much as your flexibility will allow.

Punt a Football

8. Stand 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

9. Catch the ball when the center snaps it to you.

10. Hold the ball out in front of you horizontally with the laces pointing up.

11. Take two steps forward, beginning with your kicking foot.

12. Drop the ball toward your kicking foot and kick the ball hard with the top of your foot.

13. Follow through with your kicking leg as high as your flexibility will allow. Some punters practically kiss their knee.

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[kickingworld]

on 10/25/2007 That was a very generic description of how to kick a field goal. If you would like to learn how to kick a field goal or how to punt check out my website at www.kickingworld.com I help young athletes and high school kickers make it into college or the nfl. We have videos, books, and one-on-one instruction in California.

[kickingworld]

on 10/25/2007 if you really want to learn how to kick a field goal or punt like a pro check out my website at www.kickingworld.com we have a nice video and book you can buy too.

[foshofosho]

on 8/9/2007 alright that didnt really tell you anything. a proper kick begins with your step. the norm is 3 back 2 to side, but do whatever feels comfortable. always keep your eyes on the ball. once you reach your final stance put your arms out loosly and get comfortable. when your ready nod to the holder who will then yell "ready!", letting the LS know to snap the ball. when the balls set (to hit the power spot on the ball, tell holder before hand to lean the ball slightly at an angle to its side) run into the ball planting your place football even with the back of the block or ball about a foot to the right/left. cock your leg back and keep your other arm out to the side for balance. come in on the ball with a strait foot and hit the ball 1/3 of the way up with the side of your foot. keep the leg strait and follow through as high as you can go in the direction you want the ball to go. im allstate

on 8/24/2006 Hold the ball at a diagonal angle with laces up, hold at waist level, swing your leg with force while keeping your toe down (so it is flat) and follow through with the kick.

on 6/30/2006 Consistency, as most kickers collegiate and professional would agree, is key to great punts and/or field goals. The best thing to do is find a form that is you. This doesn't mean punt a football like you would a soccer ball, it means be comfortable. You don't have to look exactly like an NFL kicker to be good. And example is watch Matt Stover (Baltimore Ravens) and Gary Anderson (Ex-Titan). They don't look exactly the same, but both are great. Be your own person when it come to kicking. Form and consistency will turn you into a great kicker.