How to Kickoff in Football

A football game can't begin until there has been a successful kickoff. That's when one team's kicker sends the ball down to the other team's return man, who then attempts to carrying the ball as far as possible towards his opponent's end zone. A good kickoff should contain both distance and height, allowing the kicker's teammates to get down to the other end of the field and tackle the ball carrier as soon as possible. Kicking off can be a daunting task for the novice, but like with all football skills it can be honed with time and practice. Read on to learn how to kickoff in football.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Football
• Football tee
• Cleats

1. Place the football on the tee. The laces should be facing away from the kicker, and the ball should be perpendicular to the ground, tilting slightly toward the kicker. If you are you going to kick with your left foot you should also tilt the ball slightly to the left. Tilt the ball slightly to the right if you are a right footed kicker.

2. Stand back from the ball about ten yards so you can get a good running kick at it. Your teammates should be lined up with you, and will begin running just after you do.

3. Run up to the ball, coming up from the side a bit, your dominant foot heading towards it.

4. Plant your non-kicking foot approximately one foot from the ball, your toe pointing straight down the field. Make sure to plant your foot firmly.

5. Kick through the ball with your kicking foot as powerfully as you can. Try to kit the ball about a third of the way above the ball's lower point.

6. Follow through as much as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Approach the ball with good posture, making sure you are not leaned too far back or too far forward as you kick the ball.

Resources

• Video tutorial from expert village

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