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The Ideal Kickoff -- What do You Choose?
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:04 am
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:04 am
So, you have a choice between two guys to handle kickoff duties for your team:
1. The guy with the unbelievably-strong leg. He kicks the ball between the goalposts EVERY time, as the (helpless) return men watch it sail over their heads. He guarantees that nothing bad will happen on a kickoff return, but also guarantees that your opponent will always get decent field position out on the 25-yard-line. Essentially, this kicker renders the entire "kickoff process" rather moot.
2. The guy who consistently drops the ball between the two-yard-line and two-yards-deep in the end zone. There is the chance that the opponent will return the kick for a TD or for really great field position. There is also the possibility that your coverage guys will either cause a fumble or stuff the returner well-inside the 20-yard-line, giving you the chance at much better field position on your next possession. My personal favorite is that one-second pause a yard inside the end zone, as the returner struggles with the decision as to whether he will attempt a return. This kicker keeps the game exciting, but he has both a big upside and a big downside.
Who do you choose?
1. The guy with the unbelievably-strong leg. He kicks the ball between the goalposts EVERY time, as the (helpless) return men watch it sail over their heads. He guarantees that nothing bad will happen on a kickoff return, but also guarantees that your opponent will always get decent field position out on the 25-yard-line. Essentially, this kicker renders the entire "kickoff process" rather moot.
2. The guy who consistently drops the ball between the two-yard-line and two-yards-deep in the end zone. There is the chance that the opponent will return the kick for a TD or for really great field position. There is also the possibility that your coverage guys will either cause a fumble or stuff the returner well-inside the 20-yard-line, giving you the chance at much better field position on your next possession. My personal favorite is that one-second pause a yard inside the end zone, as the returner struggles with the decision as to whether he will attempt a return. This kicker keeps the game exciting, but he has both a big upside and a big downside.
Who do you choose?
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Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:06 am to AggieHank86
Although option 2 usually equates to worse field position more often than not, the possibility still exist for giving up 6 points.
I prefer option 1. Eliminate the return game in it's entirety
I prefer option 1. Eliminate the return game in it's entirety
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:08 am to AggieHank86
1 easily. Starting at your own 25 is not "decent" field position.
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:17 am to AggieHank86
Option 1...every time.
I know many coaches seem to prefer the kick to the 5 yard line so they can stop teams before the 25. However, I don't see the reward being worth the risk.
Saban claims that he wants kickers to kick it through the endzone, but I don't believe him because every kicker we've had puts the kick right in between the goal and the 5 yard line.
I know many coaches seem to prefer the kick to the 5 yard line so they can stop teams before the 25. However, I don't see the reward being worth the risk.
Saban claims that he wants kickers to kick it through the endzone, but I don't believe him because every kicker we've had puts the kick right in between the goal and the 5 yard line.
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:30 am to AggieHank86
It's been years since we've had a consistent touchback kicker, and this normally bites us in the arse once or twice a year when we give up a return for a TD. Our coverage team has done well so far this year though, often stopping the returners inside the 25, and once forcing a fumble, which we recovered and punched in for a TD the next play. So far this year, I am perfectly fine with kicking it right to the goal line and seeing what happens, although this may change.
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:32 am to AggieHank86
Gimme option 1 every time.
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:35 am to AggieHank86
I would usually prefer #1, but don't underestimate how much a huge hit by the kick-off team pumps up the defense.
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:41 am to AggieHank86
1. We finally found a use for Bertolet.
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:55 am to AggieHank86
For me, it very much depends upon the rest of your team and the teams that you will be facing all season.
I like the guys on the TAMU coverage team, and I want to see them make a few more good hits.
I take option 2 in most games. There are three games this season that I would just kick it into the grandstands.
I like the guys on the TAMU coverage team, and I want to see them make a few more good hits.
I take option 2 in most games. There are three games this season that I would just kick it into the grandstands.
Posted on 9/15/14 at 9:58 am to AggieHank86
Les Miles has had a change in philosophy this year. We used to try and hang it high, land the ball around the 5 yard line or goal line, and let our athletes go run them down inside the 20 yard line. This year we are getting touchbacks on about 3/4 kicks.
Actually, the change started on the back end of last season after we gave up a couple of decent returns. We started kicking for touchbacks then.
Actually, the change started on the back end of last season after we gave up a couple of decent returns. We started kicking for touchbacks then.
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