Field goals are a crucial aspect of American football, offering a reliable way to score points and potentially decide close games. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or an aspiring gridiron star, mastering the art of kicking field goals requires a combination of precise technique and unwavering mental fortitude. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essential elements involved in becoming a proficient field goal kicker, providing you with the knowledge and insights necessary to execute successful kicks with consistency and accuracy.
To kick a field goal effectively, it’s imperative to maintain proper form and technique throughout the process. The approach, stance, and swing are all interconnected elements that contribute to the overall trajectory and accuracy of the kick. The approach should be fluid and measured, with the kicker running at a steady pace and maintaining a consistent eye on the target. The stance involves planting the non-kicking foot firmly on the ground, while the kicking foot is positioned perpendicular to the ball, with the toe pointed towards the target. The swing should be smooth and controlled, with the knee rising parallel to the ground and the foot striking the ball with a solid connection.
In addition to physical technique, mental preparedness is equally crucial in field goal kicking. The pressure and intensity of the moment can often lead to anxiety and doubt, which can adversely affect performance. To counter this, it’s essential to develop a strong mental game and maintain unwavering confidence in your abilities. Visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and deep breathing exercises can help to alleviate stress and keep the mind focused on the task at hand. Furthermore, it’s crucial to maintain composure even in the face of setbacks and missed kicks. The ability to bounce back from adversity and stay mentally strong is a hallmark of successful field goal kickers.
Mastering the Art of Kickoff Technique
The kickoff is a pivotal play in field goal kicking, setting the stage for the accuracy and distance of the kick. Mastering the kickoff technique is crucial for ensuring a strong launch pad for your attempt.
1. Footwear and Stance
Proper footwear is essential. Football kicking shoes provide stability and traction on the ground. Wear shoes that fit snugly and offer support for your ankle and arch. Your stance should be balanced and comfortable, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Stand slightly bent at the knees and hips, with your toes pointed slightly outward.
2. Ball Placement
The placement of the ball on the tee is crucial for consistency and accuracy. Position the ball on the tee with its laces forming a “T” shape to your body. Ensure the ball is centered and sits at a height that allows you to make contact with the sweet spot when kicking.
3. Grip and Approach
Grip the ball firmly between your non-kicking hand and the tee. Approach the ball from a 45-degree angle to allow for the necessary momentum and power in your kick. Your approach should be smooth and coordinated, with your eyes focused on the target.
4. Kick Mechanics
As you make contact with the ball, ensure your ankle is locked and your foot slightly arched. Strike the ball with the top part of your instep (the “laces”) for maximum power and accuracy. Follow through with your kicking leg, bringing it up and to the side.
5. Follow-Up
Once you have made contact with the ball, maintain a balanced and stable position. Avoid falling back or losing your form, as this can affect the direction and accuracy of the kick. Stay focused and observe the flight of the ball, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments for your next attempt.
Pinpoint Accuracy: Kicking the Ball Straight and True
Precision is paramount when it comes to kicking field goals, as even a slight deviation can result in a missed attempt. To achieve pinpoint accuracy, focus on the following techniques:
Stance and Alignment
Start by standing with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart and your body facing the target. Your non-kicking foot should be slightly in front of the other, providing stability. Ensure that your kicking leg is perpendicular to the target and your foot is angled slightly inward.
Ball Placement
The correct placement of the ball on the tee is crucial. Position the ball so that the tip of the football faces slightly toward the target. Ensure that the ball is not set too high or too low, as this can affect your accuracy.
Leg Swing and Follow-Through
Initiate the kicking motion by swinging your leg backward, keeping your knee straight. As you swing forward, extend your leg fully and strike the ball with the toe of your foot. Follow through with your leg and ensure that your foot continues in the direction of the target after making contact with the ball.
To improve accuracy, practice kicking from various distances and angles. Experiment with different stance and alignment techniques to find what works best for you. Regular practice will enhance your muscle memory and enable you to kick the ball consistently straight and true.
Kicking with Power and Distance
To generate maximum power and distance on field goals, proper technique is crucial. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most important elements:
1. Plant Foot Positioning
Place your non-kicking foot approximately 12-18 inches behind the football, angled about 15-20 degrees out towards your kicking leg. This provides a stable base for power generation.
2. Backswing and Kick Leg Drive
Swing your kicking leg back smoothly, keeping your knee slightly bent. As you swing forward, drive your leg through the football, maintaining a straight trajectory. Focus on extending your ankle, toe, and knee fully to maximize impact.
3. Contact Point and Follow-Through
The contact point should be on the bottom half of the ball, slightly above the center. Make contact with your toes pointed downward and your ankle dorsiflexed. After contact, follow through by extending your leg and ankle fully. This ensures clean ball trajectory and maximum distance.
| Kick Type | Contact Point |
|---|---|
| Straight On | Center of the ball |
| Field Goal | Slightly above center |
| Touchback | Below center |
The Mechanics of Kicking: Leg Position and Swing
Leg Position
The leg position is critical for a successful field goal kick. The kicking leg should be straight and slightly pointed inward, with the heel off the ground and the toes pointed slightly upward. The non-kicking leg should be bent at the knee and used to provide balance and support.
Swing
The swing is the motion that generates the power and accuracy of the kick. The swing should start with the kicking leg bent at the knee and the foot behind the ball. The leg should then be swung forward in a pendulum motion, contacting the ball with the instep of the foot.
Foot Placement
The foot placement is crucial for a clean and accurate kick. The ball should be placed slightly to the side of the kicking foot, with the laces of the ball facing toward the goalposts. The toe of the kicking foot should be placed just behind the laces of the ball, with the instep of the foot angled slightly downward.
| Foot Placement |
|---|
| – Ball placed to the side of the kicking foot |
| – Laces of the ball facing the goalposts |
| – Toe of the kicking foot placed just behind the laces |
| – Instep of the foot angled slightly downward |
Holding and Placing the Football Properly
Step 1: Grip the Football
Hold the football with your feet shoulder-width apart, laces facing up. Place your non-kicking hand on the top of the ball, with your thumb on the laces. Wrap your fingers around the ball, with your middle finger resting under the laces.
Step 2: Set the Football
Place the football on the ground, with the laces at a right angle to your kicking foot. The nose of the ball should be pointed slightly upward, so that the top of the ball is about 1 inch higher than the bottom.
Step 3: Align the Ball with Your Toe
Align the ball so that the laces are directly under the point where your kicking foot will strike. The ball should be positioned about 6 inches in front of your kicking toe.
Step 4: Keep Your Body Straight
Stand up straight with your shoulders square to the target. Keep your head up and your eyes focused on the ball. Your kicking leg should be slightly bent, and your non-kicking leg should be straight.
Step 5: Drive Through the Ball
Take a deep breath and swing your kicking leg forward. Drive your knee up towards your chest, and extend your leg towards the ball. Strike the ball with the top of your foot, just under the laces. Keep your foot extended through the ball, and follow through with your kicking motion.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Grip the Football |
| 2 | Set the Football |
| 3 | Align the Ball with Your Toe |
| 4 | Keep Your Body Straight |
| 5 | Drive Through the Ball |
Mental Preparation: Staying Focused and Confident
Mental preparation is crucial for successful field goal kicking. Here are key strategies to maintain focus and confidence:
**1. Visualization:** Picture yourself completing the perfect field goal multiple times before the game.
**2. Positive Self-Talk:** Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations that boost your confidence.
**3. Controlled Breathing:** Practice deep breathing exercises to calm nerves and improve focus.
**4. Relaxation Techniques:** Engage in activities like yoga or meditation to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
**5. Routine:** Establish a consistent routine before and during the game to minimize distractions.
**6. Specific Goal Setting:** Set realistic and specific goals for your field goals. This can involve establishing a target range or aiming for a certain number of consecutive makes.
| Goal Setting for Field Goals | |
|---|---|
| Range | Consecutive Makes |
| 20-29 yards | 3 |
| 30-39 yards | 2 |
| 40-49 yards | 1 |
By breaking down goals into smaller chunks, you can build confidence and improve your performance.
Reading the Weather: Adjusting for Wind and Other Factors
Wind: Wind can significantly affect the trajectory of a field goal, so it’s crucial to read the wind conditions accurately. A tailwind (wind blowing in the same direction as the kick) will assist the kick, while a headwind (wind blowing against the kick) will hinder it. Kickers should adjust their kick angle and velocity to compensate for wind conditions.
Temperature: Temperature can also affect the distance and elevation of a field goal. Warmer air is less dense than cold air, so the ball will travel farther and with a lower trajectory in warmer conditions. Conversely, in colder conditions, the ball will travel shorter and with a higher trajectory.
Altitude: Altitude affects the air density, which in turn affects the ball’s flight. At higher altitudes, the air is less dense, so the ball will travel farther and with a lower trajectory. Kickers need to adjust their kick power and angle accordingly.
Meteorological Information: To accurately adjust for these weather factors, kickers should have access to meteorological information such as wind speed, direction, temperature, and humidity. This information can be obtained from weather apps, websites, or dedicated weather stations.
Table 1: Effect of Weather Conditions on Field Goals
| Condition | Effect |
|---|---|
| Tailwind | Assists kick, longer distance |
| Headwind | Hinders kick, shorter distance |
| Warm air | Farther distance, lower trajectory |
| Cold air | Shorter distance, higher trajectory |
| High altitude | Farther distance, lower trajectory |
Field Goal Protection: Blocking and Tackling
Preventing the opposing team from kicking a field goal requires a combination of blocking and tackling. Blocking involves preventing the long snapper from snapping the ball cleanly, while tackling focuses on neutralizing the holder and kicker.
Blocking the Snap
The center is responsible for snapping the ball between their legs to the holder. To block the snap, defensive players may attempt to push the center or jump over them to block the path of the ball.
Blocking the Kick
Once the ball is snapped, the linemen will attempt to block the kick. This involves rushing the kicker and using their bodies to prevent them from making contact with the ball.
Tackling the Holder
The holder is responsible for holding the ball in place while the kicker kicks it. Defenders may attempt to tackle the holder before they can secure the ball or after the kick has been made.
Tackling the Kicker
The kicker is the most important player in a field goal attempt. Defensive players will try to tackle the kicker before they can kick the ball or immediately after their attempt.
Special Teams Personnel Involved
| Position | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Defensive Line | Blocking the snap and blocking the kick |
| Linebackers | Tackling the holder and kicker |
| Defensive Backs | Coverage and providing support |
Practice and Repetition: Key to Kicking Success
To become a successful field goal kicker, consistent practice and repetition are essential. Practice sessions should focus on developing proper techniques and ensuring accuracy and power. The more you practice, the more muscle memory and consistency you’ll develop, resulting in improved performance on the field.
Mental Preparation
In addition to physical practice, mental preparation is crucial. Visualize yourself successfully kicking field goals. Imagine the ball soaring through the uprights, and feel the rush of accomplishment. Positive self-talk and a strong belief in your abilities can boost your confidence and improve your chances of success.
Kick Types
There are various types of kick styles, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Experiment with different styles to find what works best for you. Some common kick types include:
| Kick Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Straight On | Kicker stands facing the goalposts without any angle. |
| Hook | Kicker aims slightly to one side of the goalposts, creating a parabolic trajectory. |
| Draw | Similar to the hook, but the ball curves more sharply, making it harder for opponents to block. |
| Push | Kicker rotates their hips and pushes the ball to the side, creating a straight trajectory. |
Follow Through
Proper follow through is critical for accuracy and power. After striking the ball, extend your leg fully and swing your kicking leg through, keeping your ankle locked. This will provide stability and ensure maximum power transfer to the ball.
Coaching and Mentorship for Optimal Performance
Professional coaching and mentorship play a vital role in enhancing field goal performance. Mentors and coaches provide valuable guidance on:
1. Technique Refinement
Coaches analyze an individual’s technique, identify areas for improvement, and provide tailored drills to enhance ball striking, timing, and consistency.
2. Mindset Training
Mentors instill a positive mindset, managing performance anxiety, and fostering resilience. They teach mental strategies to maintain focus, handle pressure, and visualize success.
3. Visualization and Imagery
Coaches guide players in visualizing successful kicks, creating vivid mental pictures of the ball trajectory and optimal mechanics.
4. Nutrition and Recovery
Mentors emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and adequate recovery. They provide guidance on nutrition plans, hydration strategies, and rest protocols to optimize physical performance.
5. Strength and Conditioning
Coaches collaborate with strength and conditioning specialists to develop exercises that enhance leg strength, flexibility, and core stability, which are crucial for field goal kicking.
6. Game Day Preparation
Mentors help players develop a comprehensive game day routine, including warm-up exercises, mental preparation techniques, and strategies for managing in-game distractions.
7. Confidence Building
Coaches and mentors provide positive reinforcement, praise successful attempts, and offer constructive feedback to build confidence and foster a growth mindset.
8. Video Analysis
Mentors use video footage to analyze kicking form, identify areas for improvement, and provide personalized feedback.
9. Injury Prevention
Mentors and coaches educate players on injury prevention techniques, recognizing potential risks and providing guidance on proper recovery protocols.
10. Player Development Plan
Coaches develop comprehensive player development plans tailored to the individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and long-term goals. These plans outline specific training regimens, mentorship sessions, and performance targets to guide the player’s progress and optimize their field goal kicking performance.
How To Kick Field Goals
Field goals are a vital part of football, and can make or break a game. They are typically attempted when a team is close to the end zone but can’t quite reach it, and are worth three points. To kick a field goal, the kicker must first take a running start. Once they reach the line of scrimmage, they must plant their non-kicking foot on the ground and kick the ball through the goal posts. The kick is successful if the ball goes through the posts without hitting the ground or any other obstacles.
There are several factors that can affect the success of a field goal kick, including the weather, the distance of the kick, and the skill of the kicker. Kickers must be able to control their power and accuracy in order to make field goals consistently. They must also be able to withstand the pressure of making a kick that could potentially win or lose a game.
People Also Ask About How To Kick Field Goals
What are the steps to kick a field goal?
1. Take a running start.
2. Plant your non-kicking foot on the ground at the line of scrimmage.
3. Kick the ball through the goal posts.
What are the common mistakes that kickers make?
1. Not taking a proper running start.
2. Not planting their non-kicking foot properly.
3. Kicking the ball too hard or too softly.
4. Not keeping their head down through the kick.
What are the tips for kicking a successful field goal?
1. Practice regularly.
2. Focus on your form and technique.
3. Stay calm and confident under pressure.
4. Don’t be afraid to miss.
