How to Become a Champion Punter

A punter could become a champion as a team member or individually by winning contests. In order to become a champion, he may have to surpass specific standards. For example, some high school punters average distances of 32 to 43 yards with hang times of 3.7 to 4.2 seconds. The NCAA reports the highest average yards per punt in a division one college season was 50.3 yards. The professional record for the highest average yards per punt in a season is 51.40.

Instructions

  1. Strengthen Your Body And Mind

    • 1
      Stronger muscles can do more work.

      Participate in a strength and conditioning program approved by a certified trainer. Certified trainers can design programs to help you safely improve performance. Such a program may include weight training, explosive movements, sprinting drills, flexibility, adequate rest and nutritional guidelines. Participating in a training program that includes a proper warm up may increase performance and decrease risk of injury.

    • 2
      Mental imagery can be practiced while resting.

      Develop a mentally tough attitude with regard to your training schedule. Maintaining your schedule despite unpleasant weather or low motivation can bolster your confidence. Practicing through poor conditions can prepare you to compete in wet, muddy or cold weather. One form of mental training is mental imagery. Mental imagery or visualization, involves imagining yourself achieving a goal. You can utilize mental imagery immediately before a punt or while resting. Athletes who practice mental imagery may perform better than those who do not.

    • 3
      Practice landing the ball on targets and bouncing the ball to specific areas.

      Practice punting technique drills two to six times per week. Use drills that isolate punting mechanics such as leg swing drills, receiving the snap, setting up the ball, approach steps, the drop, knee position on contact, foot orientation, point of impact on the ball, explosion and follow through. As mechanics improve, performance should improve. For example, if you can increase leg swing speed, then the velocity of the ball should increase, resulting in higher, longer punts. Play games that challenge you to refine accuracy such as punting the ball onto a target or bouncing the ball to a specific location. Practice with a partner so you can snap to each other and clock hang times.

    Study, Test and Adopt Techniques That Improve Your Performance

    • 4
      Analyze the techniques of champion punters.

      Analyze videos of champion punters. Find ways to meet champion punters, such as enrolling in punting camps or clinics. In addition to exposing you to expert punters, participating in punting camps and clinics can give you experience punting in competitive situations.

    • 5
      Record and chart your punts so you can see which techniques improve your performance.

      Test new techniques you encounter. NFL coach Steve Hoffman has taught punters to hold the ball with the fingertips of one hand, palm facing up, with the middle finger almost on the seam on the bottom side of the ball. Evaluate how different techniques affect your punts by measuring and charting distance, accuracy and hang time. Use a stop watch and a clipboard to help you chart in the field. It is almost impossible to punt exactly the same way as someone else, so learn what works best for you and perfect it.

    • 6
      Review video of your punts watching for areas you can improve.

      Review video recordings of your punts. Analyzing the video in slow motion may allow you to critique your mechanics and the effect they have on your punts.