How to Be a Kick Returner in the NCAA

The kick returner is a specialized position in football. The player is among the fastest on the team with an ability to quickly change direction and make lateral movements. Becoming a kick returner in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requires a demonstration of athletic ability and a strong desire to out-perform other candidates for the job. The position is performance-based and the player must be consistent to maintain the position. Kick return specialists are often recruited by college teams out of high school but walk-on players are capable of filling the position at most schools.

Instructions

    • 1

      Develop speed by practicing sprints on a track and building muscle strength with Olympic lifts and plyometrics. Power cleans, box jumps and running stairs are excellent speed activities. Focus on short bursts ranging from 20 to 100 yards. Practice receiving punts and kickoffs to improve hand-eye coordination and work on different ways to return the ball after receiving the kick.

    • 2

      Demonstrate your speed by attending a high school combine. College scouts attend the combine and watch players perform speed and strength drills. Run a 40-yard dash under 4.4 seconds to be considered for a kick return position.

    • 3

      Gain a position as a starting kick returner at the high school level to demonstrate your skills in live competition. Record your return statistics and mail the results to your top college choices.

    • 4

      Enroll in a college and attend walk-on tryouts if you are not invited to immediately join the team. Train hard before the tryouts because, as the position is performance-based, you must distinguish yourself from other players.

    • 5

      Attempt to play multiple positions and contribute to the team. Tell the coaches you want to return kicks but be prepared to play other positions.