Punters: Everything you need to know from tackling to kicking!

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  February 24 2023

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Punters are the only players who have a leeway to play the ball to kick. Punters are used to deceive the opponent in order to obtain a touchback, or to get the opponent as far as possible from their own end zone.

In this article I explain how that works.

What does a punt do

What is the difference between a kicker and a punt?

What is a kicker?

A kicker is a player used to score field goals and score extra points. Kickers use their strong leg to kick the ball as far into the field as possible. They are often the specialists who only see action a few times per match.

What is a punt?

A punter is a player used to kick the ball as far into the field as possible. They are used only if the attacking team has not achieved a result after the third attempt or if a field goal is out of reach. The punter receives the ball from the long snapper and must kick the ball as far down the field as possible, but not so far that the ball reaches the end zone.

How do kickers and punts differ?

Kickers and punters differ in several ways. Kickers are used to score field goals and score extra points, while punters are used to kick the ball as far into the field as possible. In addition, kickers are usually used more often than punts during a game.

Can a punt tackle?

Can a Punter Tackle?

While punts do not have a traditional tackling function, they may be called upon to tackle in certain situations. If a ball carrier approaches the end zone, the punter may be asked to tackle the ball carrier to avoid a touchdown. Also, if the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage, the punter may be asked to tackle the ball carrier. In these situations, the punter will usually make a tackle to stop the ball carrier.

Can a punter catch the ball?

Can a Punter Catch the Ball?

Punters are allowed to catch the ball, but this is usually not the intention. If a punter catches the ball, it is usually a foul because the punter did not shoot the ball far enough. However, if the ball is thrown in the air, the punter may catch the ball and try to run as far as possible.

What qualities should a punter have?

Physical qualities of a punter

A punt American Football needs some physical qualities to be successful. These qualities include:

  • Power and explosiveness: A punt must be powerful enough to kick the ball far, but also explosive enough to kick the ball far.
  • Stamina: A punter must be able to play the entire game without a drop in performance.
  • Speed: A punter must be fast enough to kick the ball in time.
  • Precision: A punter must be able to kick the ball exactly in the right spot.

Technical qualities of a punter

In addition to the physical qualities that a punter needs, he also needs a number of technical qualities. These qualities include:

  • Good ball control: A punter must be able to control the ball well and give it the right direction.
  • Good Timing: A punter must be able to kick the ball at the right time.
  • Good Technique: A punter must be able to use proper technique to kick the ball far.

Mental qualities of a punter

In addition to the physical and technical qualities that a punter needs, he also needs a number of mental qualities. These qualities include:

  • Focus: A punter must be able to focus on kicking the ball.
  • Stress resistance: A punter must be able to perform under pressure.
  • Decisiveness: A punter must be able to quickly decide how to kick the ball.
  • Confidence: A punter must be able to feel confident in his ability to kick the ball far.

How do punters kick the ball?

How do punters kick the ball?

  • When kicking, punters drop the ball from their hands and hit the ball on the long side with the points on the side.
  • The punter must kick the ball as far as possible, but not so far that the ball reaches the end zone.
  • The punter must also kick the ball high into the air, keeping the opposing team farther away from the end zone.

Do punters ever get drafted?

What is a Draft?

A draft is a process by which teams select players from a pool of available players. It's an important part of NFL competition, with teams selecting players to add to their squad. Teams are given a certain order of selection depending on their performance in the previous season.

Can punts be drafted?

Punters can be drafted by teams, although it is not very common. Few punters are drafted, as teams usually prefer to select a player who has more general skills, such as a quarterback or wide receiver. If a team needs a punt, they can choose a player from a group of available players available as free agents.

How are punters selected?

Punters are selected based on their skills and performance. Teams will look at the distance and precision with which the punter can kick the ball, as well as how he can position the ball to prevent the opponent from catching it. Teams will also look at the punter's strength, his physical attributes and his ability to perform under pressure.

Can a punter score twice?

The punter may only score again if the ball has not passed the line of scrimmage. A punter can only score by kicking the ball as far down the field as possible, but not far enough to reach the end zone. If the ball reaches the end zone, it becomes a touchback and the offensive team gets a point.

Is the punter on a special team?

Punters belong to the special team that is deployed during specific game moments. They get the ball from the long snapper and must kick the ball as far down the field as possible, but not far enough to reach the end zone.

How is a Punter used?

Punters are used to increase the bridgeable distance, requiring the opponent to gain more ground to get to the opponent's end zone. When kicking, punters drop the ball from their hands and hit the ball on the long side with the points on the side.

Conclusion

As you now know, punters play an important role in American Football. With their actions they can keep the opponent off the game and take the defense out of their comfort zone. 

Punters are therefore an important factor in the game and it is therefore good to find out how best to score points.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of referees.eu is a content marketer, father and loves to write about all kinds of sports, and has also played a lot of sports himself for most of his life. Now since 2016, he and his team have been creating helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with their sports activities.