How to Hold a Football When Place-Kicking in the NFL

Holders play a small but important role in the NFL. Their task is to take the snap from the center and place the ball quickly and accurately for a kicker to make field goals and extra points. The three players have to work together to make the process successful. Considering that NFL games often come down to a last-minute kick, success in the kicking game is critical to your team's overall success. Holders need fast hands and quick reflexes to give the kicker the best chance to put the ball between the uprights.

Instructions

    • 1

      Walk back 7 to 8 yards behind the center and kneel down, leaning forward. Kneel to the right side for a right-footed kicker, to the left for a left-footed kicker. Place your front foot in a spot where your toe directly points toward the goal post. Indicate to your kicker the spot where you will put the ball down. Place your back hand on the ground, and stretch your front arm out in front of you, pointing to the center. Try to keep the palm of the hand facing the center down.

    • 2

      Prepare to receive the snap. Staying in position, turn back and look towards the kicker. Make sure the kicker is ready; if so, take your back hand off the ground, with your palm up. Make the thumbs from both of your hands touch, forming a visible area for the center to snap the ball. This is a signal to the center that you and the kicker are ready to receive the snap.

    • 3

      Call signals and receive the snap. Using both hands, catch the football that the center sends towards you--be prepared to adjust your position in case the snap is off-target. In one fluid motion, place the tip of the ball on the ground. Direct the laces of the football directly towards the goal posts as quickly as possible by rotating the ball with the fingers of your front hand. Place the index finger of your back hand directly on the top of the football, and move you front hand out of direct line of the football. Adjust the ball to be as straight and tall as possible before the kicker gets to the football. Keep your finger on top of the ball until the kicker hits the ball.