libterm.com A normal kickoff in football initiates the game's start or restarts play after a score by sending the ball from the kicking team's 35-yard line toward the opposing team. The kickoff requires strategic positioning and timing to maximize field advantage and potentially force a turnover or favorable field position. Explore the rest of the article to understand the nuances and key rules of a normal kickoff.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Normal Kickoff | Squib Kick |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Drive kickoff deep into opponent territory to gain field position | Short, low kick to limit return yardage and avoid long returns |
| Kick Distance | 50-70 yards | 10-30 yards |
| Ball Trajectory | High, deep kick with hang time | Low, bouncing kick with unpredictable bounces |
| Return Risk | Higher - allows longer returns | Lower - reduces possibility of long returns |
| Usage | Standard kickoff at start or after scoring | Strategic kick to disrupt return formation or late-game situations |
| Field Position Impact | Usually pins opponent deep, increasing defensive advantage | Often results in shorter returns, but may give opponent better starting position |
Introduction to Football Kickoff Strategies
Normal kickoffs in football aim to send the ball deep into the opponent's territory, maximizing field position while allowing the kicking team to organize a strategic coverage. Squib kicks, by contrast, use a low, bouncing trajectory that limits long returns and disrupts the receiving team's advance, often employed in close scores or to avoid dangerous returners. Understanding these kickoff strategies highlights the balance between field position control and minimizing big-play risks in game planning.
What is a Normal Kickoff?
A normal kickoff in football involves the kicking team kicking the ball deep downfield, typically from the 35-yard line, aiming to give the receiving team a long field to cover. The goal of a normal kickoff is to maximize the distance the ball travels, reducing the chance of a return and potentially forcing a touchback, which places the ball at the 25-yard line. This strategy contrasts with a squib kick, which is a low, bouncing kick designed to limit return yardage and disrupt the timing of the receiving team's return unit.
What is a Squib Kick?
A squib kick is a type of kickoff in American football designed to travel a short distance with a low, bouncing trajectory, making it difficult for the receiving team to field cleanly. Unlike a normal kickoff, which is typically a deep, high kick intended to give the kicking team good field position, the squib kick aims to prevent a long return by forcing the ball into the hands of up-backs or less-skilled returners. This strategy is often used late in games to run down the clock or disrupt a strong return team's rhythm.
Key Differences: Normal Kickoff vs Squib Kick
A normal kickoff typically aims for maximum distance and hang time, allowing the kicking team to execute a strategic coverage to contain the return. In contrast, a squib kick is a low, short kick designed to limit the receiving team's ability to execute a long return by forcing a hurried or less coordinated response. Key differences include trajectory, distance, and tactical intent, with normal kickoffs favoring field position control and squib kicks emphasizing disruption of return setups.
Situational Uses of Normal Kickoffs
Normal kickoffs are typically used at the start of each half or following a scoring play to maximize field position and allow the kicking team to execute standard coverage formations. They are most effective when the kicking team aims to pin the receiving team deep in their own territory while maintaining the possibility of a kickoff return for significant yardage. Normal kickoffs are favored in situations where control over ball placement and predictable player alignment on both sides of the ball are crucial.
Situational Uses of Squib Kicks
Squib kicks are strategically deployed in football to minimize the chance of a significant return by forcing a short, low, bouncing kick that is difficult to handle, especially against teams with dangerous return specialists. They are commonly used late in games when the kicking team aims to run down the clock or reduce the likelihood of a big-play touchdown on a kickoff. Normal kickoffs, in contrast, prioritize distance and hang time to maximize coverage and starting field position but can be vulnerable to long returns if the coverage is not well-executed.
Advantages of Normal Kickoff
A normal kickoff in football allows the kicking team to send the ball deep into the opponent's territory, increasing the chance of forcing a longer return or a touchback that starts the opponent at the 25-yard line. This type of kickoff often results in better field position for the kicking team by limiting the opponent's return options and enabling coverage players to tackle the returner quickly. Teams favor normal kickoffs for their potential to maximize territorial advantage and disrupt the opponent's offensive rhythm early in the drive.
Advantages of Squib Kick
A squib kick reduces the likelihood of long returns by forcing the receiving team to field a low, bouncing ball, disrupting their timing and formation. It increases the chances of kicking the ball into less skilled returners, minimizing the risk of a big play. Squib kicks also consume valuable game clock time, which is strategic in close, late-game situations.
Potential Risks and Disadvantages
A normal kickoff typically allows for greater kickoff distance and better field position but carries higher risks of long returns and potential injuries due to high-speed coverage. Squib kicks reduce the chance of a long return and can disrupt the receiving team's formation but often result in shorter field position and more control over ball placement by the receiving team. Teams must weigh the increased risk of kickoff returns against the strategic disadvantage of limited field position when choosing between normal and squib kicks.
Impact on Game Outcomes
Normal kickoffs typically generate higher hang times and deeper ball travel, increasing the likelihood of a return that can shift field position significantly and create scoring opportunities. Squib kicks, often executed to reduce the risk of long returns, result in short, low trajectory kicks that lead to unpredictable bounces and quicker ball recovery but usually grant the receiving team better starting field position. The choice between a normal kickoff and a squib kick impacts game outcomes by influencing momentum swings, field position battles, and special teams' strategic advantages.
Normal kickoff Infographic
