ANATOMY OF A KICK

Football has fairly unique scoring rules. No one point for a goal or trip around the bases. For football, the big opportunity is the touchdown worth 6 points. The icing on the cake is the extra point, or a much harder 2-point conversion. Then there is a 3-point field goal, a consolation prize for failing to get the touchdown. Throw in a 2-point safety into the mix and you have a lot of scoring combinations. It is no wonder that the extra point and the field goal are so important and frequently make the difference in the outcome.

Anyone who watches much football know that the extra point is almost a given – almost. Most are made. Field goals can be more difficult because the distance can vary and start from one side or the other of the middle. Most of the pressure and attention go to the kicker, as well as the blame for a miss. But an often overlooked aspect of a successful kick is how well the kicking team works together in a matter of mere seconds.

The holder is the cornerstone. He picks the spot for the hold at just the right distance behind the center.  Once the ball is snapped back to him, he needs to catch it and quickly place and position the ball on the ground in a manner that gives the kicker the best chance for success. The laces need to be facing away from the kicker. The ball has to be held straight because a tilt one way or the other may send it off to the side. The holder's hand has to be positioned so it doesn't interfere with the kick. All this must be done while the kicker is rapidly approaching. Just a minor error and it all goes bad. Here is a series of photos showing the anatomy of a good hold.

Waiting for the snap

Dropping the ball to the ground. (Notice that the white strips are facing in the wrong direction. They need to be facing away from the kicker.)

Spinning the ball to face the right direction.

The ball is on the ground but is still being turned. The kicker is approaching.

The holder has turned to ball and put it in perfect position as the kicker is about to plant his foot. Gotta move that left hand quickly!

The kicker’s leg is in motion as the holder keeps only one finger on the ball.

And away it goes! A successful extra point!!