In the realm of the NFL, most of the rules are quite distinctive from one another. While there are some significantly unique plays, such as the Hail Mary, there are some simple terms like a pass or a down. But sometimes, NFL fans become confused with plays having almost identical names. A stark example of the same is a Kick and a Punt. While both do sound the same, they are quite different from each other.
Here are all the details that you would want to know about how to distinguish a punt from a kick.
What Is A Punt In The NFL?
A punt is a move performed by holding the football with both hands. The punter would let go of the ball and kick it immediately before the ball touches the ground. In such a situation, the primary aim of the punting team is to throw the ball as far as possible in order to change the positioning in the field. Thus, a punt usually takes place on fourth down when the attacking team does not want to give a turnover on down.
What Is A Kick In The NFL?
A kick, also known as a place kick, is made from the ground. Unlike a punt, there are no restrictions for a kick to be executed before the ball touches the ground. Place kicks are usually familiar when a team attempts to score a field goal. Here, the team on the offense would set the ball on the ground or on the tee and try to score three points. Another form of kick in the NFL is the safety kick. This is common after the ball is put back into the play after a safety.
How To Execute A Perfect Punt?
Ideally, there are no set rules to describe how exactly a punt must be scored. In simple words, the punter must not let the ball drop to the ground and must position the ball perfectly to gain optimum distance.
Tylan Wallace takes it all the way for a walk-off punt return TD! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VWBqUd82VN
— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
He should also make a good point of contact, which would allow the ball to sail over the opposing team’s line of scrimmage. Thus, a player with strong legs is usually the best choice for a team to make a punt.
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Also Read: What Is The NFL Redzone? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
What Is A ‘Blocked Kick’ And A ‘Shank’?
Sometimes, in order to make a successful punt, the punter often makes a mistake and botches the kick. This can happen when the opposing team blocks a punt or the ball fails to get enough distance. These two cases are usually described as a ‘Blocked kick’ and a ‘Shank.’ In case of a blocked kick, the defenders of the opposing team will come in the line of the punt. If the ball hits any of them and falls to the ground, it is considered free play, and either team can capitalize.
Also Read: What Is The NFL Redzone? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Likewise, in the case of a ‘Shank,’ the punter himself makes a weak kick. This results in the ball not crossing the line of the scrimmage. Once again, either of the teams can swoop up the ball, and a fresh attack can start from scratch.
What Is A Fake Punt?
While a punt is an effective way to impact the game, sometimes, teams decide to confuse their opponents. Thus, they usually ‘fake’ their punt kick. In such a situation, the team will assemble in a punt formation as usual. However, just when their opponent would anticipate a kick, the punter would choose to run with the ball instead of trying to kick it over the line of scrimmage line.
FAKE PUNT 🚨 @Raiders convert!
— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
📺: #DENvsLV on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/KezuoMgTkd
There are also other ways to play a fake punt. A punter can choose to snap the ball to an up-back, who would then make a run. Or, a team can also decide to pass the ball to a receiver, who would then make a forward run. However, while the idea seems interesting, a fake punt is seldom seen in an NFL game. A team would only attempt such a play under dire situations. When they are lagging significantly behind the time is less to make a comeback from typical field play.
Also Read: What Is A Fair Catch? Everything You Need To Know
