How to Catch a Kickoff Punt

The kickoff punt occurs at the beginning of each half, as well as after a touchdown or field goal. There are three basic choices for the player catching the ball. If you don't believe you can run the ball down the field, you can implement the fair catch rule; you may try to run the ball down the field; or if the football is kicked into your end zone, you have the option of using the touchback rule where the first play will begin at your 20-yard line. Of course, all three of these choices require successfully catching the kickoff punt.

Things You'll Need

  • Football
  • Football gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position your body to receive the kickoff punt. Kickoff punts are not caught with the hands, but instead with your entire upper body. Bend your arms in front of your chest, and place your hands next to each other, to create a pocket that will receive the ball.

    • 2

      Catch the kickoff punt. Trap the ball in the pocket you've made with your upper body. As the ball hits your body, bend your knees to not only absorb the energy from the kick, but also to be in a better position to recover the ball if it is dislodged from your pocket and falls to the ground. Once the ball is in your upper body pocket, pull your arms in to secure control.

    • 3

      Transfer the ball from your pocket to your hands. Once you have full control of the football in your upper body pocket, transfer the ball to your hands.