During an NFL game, a team usually starts things off with a kickoff. A kickoff also takes place to mark the beginning of the second half. Now, usually, in case of a kickoff, the kicking team would want the ball as far as possible into the opponent’s half. The primary aim is to get a touchback. But sometimes, teams can often decide to change things up as far as a kickoff is concerned.
Teams might often want to restrict the dynamic returners from capitalizing on a significant yardage on a kick return. And this is where the concept of a Pooch Kick comes in. Here’s everything you would need to know about a ‘Pooch Kick.’
What Is A Pooch Kick?
A pooch kick is primarily aimed at conceding yardage. The goal is to mainly force one of the other players of the kickoff return team to pick up the ball. Thus, in simple words, when a pooch kick is made, it intends an ‘up men’ to be the receiver instead of the traditional deep receivers.
Now, hearing the explanation, one might think that a pooch kick and a squib kick are quite the same. Well, while they do appear to be quite similar, there are some differences between the two kicking methods.
What Is A Squib Kick?
When a team kicks the ball low into the receiving zone, the resulting play is known as a Squib kick. To give some perspective, this type of kick is quite similar to a line drive in baseball. After continuing to be in the air low to the ground, the kick is intended to hit the ground just in front of up men.
On the contrary, a pooch kick follows an entirely different trajectory. A team opting for a pooch kick will try to kick the ball as high into the air as possible. The ball usually lands beyond the 20-yard line of the opponent.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Also Read: What Is An Incomplete Pass And How Does It Impact An NFL Game?
On the contrary, a pooch kick follows an entirely different trajectory. A team opting for a pooch kick will try to kick the ball as high into the air as possible. The ball usually lands beyond the 20-yard line of the opponent.
How Does A Pooch Kick Work?
As the ball is kicked high into the air, the covering team will have a lot of time to settle themselves. Thus, once the receiver catches the ball, the defense can make a swift tackle, reclaim possession of the ball, and carry on with the play.
A pooch punt for 0 total yards is peak #MACtion pic.twitter.com/xClq15WOVV
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) November 7, 2018
This also prevents the risk of a long return. This is because the returner will find it very hard to react, as well as the blockers do not find enough time to set up their scheme.
Difference Between Deep Ball And Pooch Kick
In the case of a deep ball, a kicker will make contact with the ball below the middle. This will enable the player to get a lot of elevation and distance on the ball. However, in case of a pooch kick, the point of impact at kickoff is near the bottom of the ball. While the kicker will put significantly less power on the ball, the aim is to derive the maximum height possible than the depth.
On the contrary, while attempting a pooch kick, a kicker has to be very careful. In an attempt to gain maximum height, he must not overhit the ball so that it pops right up in the air. This way, the intended 20-yard line goal will not be fulfilled, and the ball will fall right in the middle. Another thing the kicker needs to keep in mind is to keep the ball in play. If by chance, the ball goes out of bounds, then the entire effort and energy will be wasted.
Thus, with a lot to keep in mind, a pooch kick is certainly a powerful weapon in a team’s arsenal. When used in a correct manner, it will become one of the biggest mastermind strategies in a game.
Also Read: What Is The Pass Interference Rule In The NFL? Find Out
