How to Return a Punt in Football

During a football game, whenever the offense fails to make a first down, they can try to risk a conversion on the fourth down or they can play it safe and punt the ball away. Punting places the ball that much farther from the end zone for the defense. That is, of course, unless you return the punt for a touchdown!

Things You'll Need

  • Football team
  • Football
  • Football field
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Instructions

    • 1

      Discuss the type of punt return play you wish to do. This is usually done with the coaches' input, telling you which direction to proceed as you head up the field.

    • 2

      Take your position when it comes time to handle a punt play. This is most common after a failure on the offense's part to convert a third down. The punt return usually requires players to take positions between your own goal line and roughly the 20-yard line.

    • 3

      Get ready for the snap. Once the ball is snapped, the punt return is only seconds away! It's important to remember to keep your eyes open for trick plays like the on-side kick or the punt fake. In this case you won't need to worry about the punt return, but you will have to shift back to a defensive posture.

    • 4

      Get under the ball and be prepared to catch it. It's important to be aware of where potential tackles are so that you can prepare to run.

    • 5

      Get behind your defenders once you have caught the ball. Your wall of defenders are meant to protect you long enough to make a break for the end zone. Common punt return defense has defenders forming a running line in front of a returner.

    • 6

      Run! Improvise once you have broken free of your blockers and find a gap in the defensive line you can exploit.