Is It Legal to Punt the Ball Out of a Field Goal Formation in American Football?
In American football, specifically during a field goal attempt, the general rule is that the offensive team must either kick the ball through the uprights or attempt a pass from that formation. Punting the ball out of a field goal formation is typically not allowed, as it does not conform to the standard rules governing field goal attempts. This article explores the nuances and exceptions to this rule, with a focus on the NFL and major college levels.
Rules and Legalities
The core principle is that during a field goal attempt, the offensive team's formation and expectation is to either kick the ball through the uprights or attempt a pass. If a team lines up in a field goal formation and snaps the ball, they must adhere to these intentions. Any attempt to punt from that position would generally be ruled as an illegal play because it disrupts the expected sequence of events and the defensive team has the right to react to a field goal attempt, making a successful punt unlikely.
However, teams can employ trick plays or unusual formations, provided they still conform to the fundamental rules of the game. For instance, the ball must be snapped according to specific rules, and the play must proceed in a way that does not alter the intended defensive response. Teams must always check the specific league rules, such as the NFL or NCAA, for any variations or updates.
Historical Context
A notable historical instance where punting from a field goal formation was rare but legal involved place kickers who often used squared-off-toe shoes or a square adapter. This footwear was not conducive to a good punt, and in one scenario, a ball might strike the corner of the squared-off toe, resulting in a poor kick. This situation was so rare that it became a joke in the NFL, often referred to as the "punt from the tee" joke.
Practice in Professional Football
While the legal and standard practice is to kick or pass from a field goal formation, teams in reality often use this setup for a rare trick play. The possible exceptions come from teams that do not have a specific backup punter. In the NFL, every team typically has their kicker as their back-up punter, with the Washington Redskins being a notable exception. Chris Cooley used to be the second-string punter for the Redskins, but the current status is unknown.
On the other side, some players serve as emergency kickers. For example, in the Detroit Lions, Ndamukong Suh is the emergency kicker, having missed an extra point in his rookie year after Jason Hanson was injured. This versatility in player roles highlights the importance of having multiple skilled players on the roster.
The punt attempt from a field goal position typically involves what is known as a pooch punt, where the ball is snapped directly to the kicker who holds it vertically and gives it backspin. The objective is to have the ball land around the 10-yard line, ideally close to the opponent’s goal line. While this technique is more commonly associated with the new style of punters from Australian Rules Football, it is gaining popularity as a more accurate and defensive-oriented approach.
Some predict that within a decade, this backspin and more accurate punt technique will replace the traditional 45-degree punt style, mirroring the shift from straight-on kicking to soccer-style kicking in soccer. The advantages include increased accuracy and a reduction in touchbacks, which can significantly impact the flow of the game.
Conclusion
The rules surrounding punting from a field goal formation, while generally not allowed, have room for exceptions and creative playmaking. Teams often use this setup for trickery and strategic advantage. Understanding these nuances can help both fans and those involved in the sport to better appreciate the intricacies of American football.