Field Goal Kicking Directions

"It's up . . . and it's good." This all-too-familiar phrase can be accredited to the sport of football -- specifically a play called kicking a field goal. This occurs when a team isn't quite close enough to the end zone to score a touchdown (worth 6 points), but is close enough to kick the ball through the yellow goal posts in the end zone, for 3 points. Three essential players are required for kicking a field goal: the center (the one who hikes the ball), the holder and the kicker.

Things You'll Need

  • Kicking tee
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the ball on the ground and have the center position himself directly behind it. Have the center bend over, with his arms stretched out, and put his hands on top of the ball.

    • 2

      Set a kicking tee seven yards behind the center. Have the ball holder kneel down on one knee next to the kicking tee.

    • 3

      Get the kicker in position by having him line his kicking foot up with the kicking tee. From this position, he will take one long step backward and one long sidestep in the direction opposite his kicking leg. For instance, if he is right-footed, he will take a sidestep to the left.

    • 4

      Have the ball holder yell "hike" or "ready" to cue the center to snap the ball. The center should then hike the ball to the ball holder in a fast, tight, spiral fashion. The ball holder's duty now is to quickly set the football on the kicking tee, with the laces facing the goal post. He also should be holding the top of the ball with his fingers.

    • 5

      Have the kicker aim for the bottom third of the ball while he steps in to kick it. This will help ensure that the ball gets up into the air. He must also aim for the spot in between the two goal posts, as this is where the ball must travel in order to score the points.

    • 6

      Have the kicker step in to kick the ball. He needs to plant his his non-kicking foot next to the kicking tee and swing his kicking leg into the ball, remembering to follow through with the motion to ensure more power behind the kick. If the ball travels in between the two goal posts and above the bottom goal post, it's considered good, and worth 3 points.