Chapter 12 - How To Use The Kicking Game

The records will indicate that this is one phase of football where our teams usually excelled. It was with satisfaction that I came across this excellent statement on offensive kicking from Leroy N. Mills' book, Kicking the American Football: *

The kick—Greatest offensive play in football. The best passer in the game with the best receiver can be stopped, the best running play can be stopped, but a kick out of bounds cannot be stopped short of the point where it goes out.

Probably the first rules a quarterback should learn are when to punt and why he should punt. It is almost impossible to list specific rules for the field general to memorize and execute in a game; different and numerous factors will occur and cause varied decisions. However, there are four sound basic rules which can be followed by the quarterback under most circumstances.

Four Rules Of When To Punt

1. Inside of your own 10-yard line

Kick on first down. With short yardage to go, you might use a safe play and then kick on second down. A safe play that has been effective is the "T" formation punt with the quarterback sneak.

2. Inside of your own 20-yard line and outside of your 10-yard line

Kick on third down. Use sure ball handling plays. With short yardage, depending upon circumstances, you might kick on third down.

3. Inside of your own 40-yard line and outside of your 20-yard line

Kick on either third or fourth down, again, depending upon circumstances.

4. Outside of your own 40-yard line

Kick on fourth down, unless otherwise instructed from the bench.

* G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1936.

The four basic rules above for punting are to be followed under most conditions. Additional factors that will affect his decision to punt are as follows:

1. The wind.
   
   
2. The score.
   
   
3. The time remaining.
   
   
4. Difference in punting abilities of the two opposing punters.
   
   
5. The strength of opponent's offense.
   
   
6. The weakness of opponent's offense.
   
   
7. The strength of opponent's defense.
   
   
8. The weakness of opponent's defense.
   
   
9. The strength of your offense.
   
   
10. The weakness of your offense.
    
    
11. The strength of your defense.
    
    
12. The weakness of your defense.
    
    
13. The ability of the opposing safety to return punts.
    
    
14. The ability of your safety to return punts.
    
    
15. The ability of opponents to cover kicks.
    
    
16. The ability of your team to cover kicks.
    
    
17. The condition of the field.
    
    
18. The elements—rain, fog, etc.
    
    
19. The position of the sun is important.
    
    
20. Your position on the field.

Position In The Field

There are four situations where and when to punt. The position on the field is also important. They are as follows:

1. When the ball is inside your 5-yard line you should punt on first down, unless otherwise directed from the bench.
   
   
2. When you have fourth down and 3 yards to go on your opponent's 30-yard line.
   
   
3. You have the ball on the left hash-mark and the score is tied late in the game—be sure your third down play leaves you in the center of the field so that your field goal kicker is not at a disadvantage.
   
   
4. You have the ball in the right hash-mark and you are kicking to a safetyman who is dangerous on returns—your team is rather slow on covering kicks. It might be wise to use a position play to the middle of the field so that your kicker has a better chance to kick away from this one clever safetyman.
   

Special Hints On How To Use The Kicking Game

1. When your team is behind do not punt on any down, except fourth.
   
   
2. When deep in your own territory, the quarterback should always check his punt protection.
   
   
3. On a muddy field, it is wise to kick often and let your opponents handle the ball and do the fumbling. A recovered fumbled punt may gain 50 yards. What play do you have in the offense that is any better?
   
   
4. You should use the wind to your advantage by speeding up your plays and kicking with the wind. Slow down your plays and hold the ball when going against the wind.
   
   
5. Mention to your punter to kick low into the wind, and high, if the wind is with him.
   
   
6. Don't forget to kick before losing the wind at the end of the first and third quarters.
   
   
7. If possible, do not have your ends go downfield on long passes just prior to a punt.
   
   
8. Advise your punter to kick high to a receiver who has a tendency to fumble.
   
   
9. Early in the season, if you are ahead enough so that a touchdown or two will not hurt you, fake a kick on fourth down for the benefit of your future opponents. Word will get around and in later games your fourth down kick will not be rushed so hard.
   
   
10. If you are behind late in the game, fake a kick on fourth down from punt formation.
    
    
11. With a strong wind behind you, do not hesitate to quick-kick on second or third down from anywhere behind the 50-yard line.
    
    
12. Remember, the probability of a quick-kick being blocked increases with each succeeding down.
    
    
13. Never quick-kick on fourth down, or against the wind.
    
    
14. When in doubt, you should punt.
    
    
15. Never lose the ball on downs outside of your opponents 30-yard line. Kick it down the field. If you are as good as your opponent, you will soon have it back again with a first down.
    
    
16. Ask your punter about protection. If anyone is getting through, be sure and check your lineman before it is too late. If you see an overloaded gun, call it out. You may want to call time out.
    
    
17. Remind your kicker to get the proper depth. Many kicks have been blocked because of this mistake. It is always better to be too deep than too shallow. This is essential when kicking from around your goal line.
    
    
18. Try to remind the punter of the down. This is especially true when kicking on second or third down.
    
    
19. Urge your line to hold their blocks and let no one through when kicking from deep in your territory.
    
    
20. It sometimes is helpful for your center if you call a punt on a quick or long snap. On the quick snap, the defense does not have time to get set and organized; whereas on the long count, it is possible for the offense to view the alignment of the defense.
    
    
21. If the defense is putting a big rush on your kicker, use your "T" punt formation plays. This is essential if they are ganging up on third down.
    
    
22. You might consider calling a time out, if your ends have run several long patterns and when you punt—a penalty is called. This would provide your ends with a brief rest to cover the succeeding punt.

When to quick kick

The records will show that probably no college team in the nation, from 1948 to 1956, employed the quick kick and its companion plays more often than our teams.

1. With a strong wind behind you, do not hesitate to quick-kick on first, second or third down from anywhere behind the 50-yard line.
   
   
2. When your defense can contain your opponents, it is advantageous to quick kick often.
   
   
3. When your opponents' safetyman is crowding up close.
   
   
4. From your goal line to your side of the 50-yard line is quick kicking territory.
   
   
5. When inside of your 20-yard line and your offense is sputtering, it is an excellent surprise play on second down.
   
   
6. When playing against a powerful defensive team, use the quick kick.
   
   
7. To keep the defensive secondary loose so that your passing game will be more effective.
   
   
8. As a psychological weapon, since many teams do not know how to handle a quick kick.

When not to quick kick

1. Do not quick kick unless you have a player on the squad who is consistently proficient at quick kicking. It can be a dangerous play.
   
   
2. Do not always wait until third down to quick kick. Your opponent will be sure to block one, thus resulting in a score.
   
   
3. Never quick kick on fourth down.
   
   
4. Usually it is not sound to quick kick against the wind.
   
   
5. Do not quick kick when playing a great offensive team.
   
   
6. Do not quick kick when behind. You must keep the ball and score. It is disheartening to your teammates to give the ball away.

When to use the field goal

Without question, this maneuver has not been exploited enough at all levels except the professional. Ohio State, under Woody Hayes, has utilized field goal strategy to the utmost. Several hints on when to use the field goal are:

1. Remember that the value of a field goal is three points and that will win many games.
   
   
2. Whenever you get inside the 20-yard line, register at least three points.
   
   
3. Whenever you are in field goal range, regardless of the quarter and time, strongly consider the field goal. Of course, late in the game when behind by more than three points, you would go for the touchdown.
   
   
4. Always consider field position on third down with field goal attempt in mind. Don't give your kicker a difficult angle.
   
   
5. When three points will win be cautious of the third down play. If you use a forward pass, make it a safe one and consider position.
   

Conversion Strategy

At the present, nobody knows just how the new rule change will work. There have been as many different opinions expressed as there are coaches on this topic. The strategy involved will be exceedingly interesting and much "second guessing" by spectators and writers will result. No doubt, the coach will "second guess" himself, because it is just that type of a rule.

When to kick a conversion

1. If your team scores first, try for the conversion by place-kicking. If you attempt a pass or run and fail, your opponents could score and then whip you by an almost sure place kick. To some extent this will allow you to dictate what your opponents must do, if, and when, they score.
   
   
2. If your team is ahead by thirteen points, try for the two point conversion by running or passing. If successful, you would force your opponents to score two touchdowns and you would know their plan of conversion and could set your defense accordingly.
   
   
3. Your general rule is to use the sure kick for the extra point as long as you are ahead, unless otherwise instructed.
   

When to pass or run for conversion

1. Whenever you need two points to tie or go ahead, use the pass or run.
   
   
2. Whenever you have a lead of 13 points, you should try for the extra two. This will make it difficult for your opponents to whip you.
   
   
3. Whenever your opponents are ganging up to rush or block the conversion, use a fake kick, then run or pass.
   
   
4. Your general rule is to favor the forward pass whenever you need the points for victory, unless your opponents "give" you the run by their defensive alignment.

Summary
The most important play in football is the kick* The value of a good and reliable kicker to a team cannot be overestimated. The difference that gives one team the victory over another is often the difference in the abilities of the kickers. *For an excellent detailed treatment of the kicking game, the reader is referred to The Complete Kicking Game: Mechanics and Strategy, by Don Fuoss, published by Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N. J.

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