Place Kicker in Football: Role & Rules

What Is a Place Kicker?

A place kicker, often simply called a “kicker,” is a specialist on a football team whose primary job is to score points by kicking the ball through the opponent’s goalposts or to start play with a kickoff. The term “place kick” refers to the act of kicking a ball that is held stationary on the ground, either by a tee, a holder, or a small mound of dirt or grass. This distinguishes it from a “punt,” where the ball is dropped and kicked before it hits the ground, and from a “drop kick,” where the ball is dropped and kicked as it bounces. In modern American football, the place kicker handles three main tasks: field goals, extra points (also called point-after-touchdown or PAT), and kickoffs. In Canadian football, the same role exists but with slightly different field dimensions and scoring rules. The term is standard across football codes, including American, Canadian, and even rugby league (where a place kick is used for conversions and penalty goals).

Where the Term Comes From

The word “place” in “place kick” comes from the old practice of placing the ball on the ground before kicking it. In the early days of football in the 19th century, players would literally set the ball on the ground, sometimes on a small pile of dirt or sand, and then kick it. The term “place kick” appears in the earliest written rules of rugby and gridiron football. For example, the 1863 rules of the Football Association (soccer) mention “place kick” as a method of restarting play. In American football, the place kick became the standard method for scoring points after a touchdown and for attempting field goals. The word “kicker” alone is used informally to refer to the place kicker, but that is standard shorthand in sports media and coaching. The phrase “place kicker” is the formal, position-specific term.

How the Place Kicker Works

The place kicker’s job breaks down into three distinct skills, each with its own technique and strategy.

Field goals: The kicker attempts to kick the ball through the uprights (the goalposts) from a spot on the field. The ball is snapped to a holder, who places it on the ground, laces facing the target, and holds it with one finger. The kicker takes a short approach (usually two or three steps) and strikes the ball with the instep of the foot. A successful field goal is worth three points.
Extra points: After a touchdown, the team has the option to kick a place kick from the opponent’s 15-yard line (in the NFL) or 25-yard line (in college and high school). A successful kick scores one point. The technique is identical to a field goal but from a shorter distance.
Kickoffs: The kicker starts each half and restarts play after scores by kicking the ball from a tee at the 35-yard line (NFL) or 40-yard line (college). The goal here is distance and hang time, not accuracy through goalposts. The ball is placed on a tee, not held by a holder.

In all three cases, the kicker must have strong leg strength, precise foot-eye coordination, and the mental composure to perform under pressure. The approach, plant foot placement, and follow-through are all critical to a clean strike.

How to Choose a Place Kicker

Choosing a place kicker for a team, whether in youth, high school, college, or professional football, involves evaluating several measurable and observable traits. Coaches and general managers look for:

Leg strength: The ability to kick the ball far enough for long field goals and deep kickoffs. This is often measured by the distance of a kicker’s longest field goal in practice.
Accuracy: The ability to consistently hit the ball through the uprights from various angles and distances. A kicker who is accurate from 40 yards is more valuable than one who is powerful but erratic.
Consistency: The kicker must perform reliably in practice and games, not just occasionally. Coaches track a kicker’s success rate over time.
Hang time on kickoffs: For kickoffs, a higher hang time gives the coverage team more time to get downfield, which is often more important than raw distance.
Mental toughness: Kickers face high-pressure moments. A kicker who can perform in a tied game with seconds left is more valuable than one who only excels in practice.

There is no single formula for choosing a kicker, but teams typically hold tryouts and evaluate each candidate on these criteria. In youth football, a player who can kick the ball consistently from 20 yards may be sufficient; at higher levels, the bar rises significantly.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One of the most common misconceptions is that a place kicker is the same as a punter. They are different positions with different skills. A punter kicks the ball after dropping it, aiming for distance and hang time to pin the opponent deep in their own territory. A place kicker kicks from a stationary ball, aiming for accuracy through goalposts or deep kickoffs. Some players do both, but at the professional level, teams usually have separate specialists.

Another misconception is that the place kicker only scores points. In reality, the kicker also performs kickoffs, which are a critical part of field position strategy. A kickoff that goes out of bounds or is short can give the opponent excellent field position.

A common problem for kickers is the “yips”—a sudden loss of accuracy or confidence. This is a psychological issue, not a physical one, and it can be difficult to overcome. Teams may bring in a sports psychologist or have the kicker simplify their routine to rebuild confidence.

Another issue is the snap and hold. The kicker relies on the long snapper and the holder to get the ball down quickly and correctly. A bad snap or a fumbled hold can ruin a kick, even if the kicker does everything right. This is why teams practice the timing of the snap, hold, and kick repeatedly.

Place Kicker vs. Punter vs. Drop Kicker

It helps to understand how the place kicker differs from other kicking roles:

Place kicker: Kicks a stationary ball, used for field goals, extra points, and kickoffs.
Punter: Drops the ball and kicks it before it hits the ground, used for punting to give the opponent poor field position.
Drop kicker: Drops the ball and kicks it as it bounces, a rare technique that is legal but almost never used in modern football.

In rugby, the place kick is used for conversions and penalty goals, and the same “place kick” term is used. In soccer, the term is not used because the ball is always place-kicked for free kicks and penalties, so it is just called a “kick.”

Safety and Equipment

Place kickers wear the same protective equipment as other players, including a helmet and shoulder pads, but they often wear special kicking shoes with a smooth, flat toe to maximize contact with the ball. They also may wear a specialized cleat on the plant foot for better traction. Safety concerns for kickers include being tackled on a kickoff return or a blocked field goal attempt. Kickers are generally not expected to make tackles, but they must be aware of their surroundings to avoid injury. Teams often instruct kickers to avoid contact and to get out of the way if a play breaks down.

There is no special safety rule for kickers, but the rules of football protect them from being hit while they are in the act of kicking. For example, it is illegal to rough the kicker on a field goal or extra point attempt, and the kicker is protected from contact after the ball is kicked. On kickoffs, the kicker is not protected after the ball is kicked, so they must be ready to avoid a block.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a place kicker and a kicker?

There is no difference. “Kicker” is the common short form of “place kicker.” Both terms refer to the same position. In a team roster, the position is listed as “K” (kicker), and the full term “place kicker” is used in rulebooks and formal descriptions.

Can a place kicker also punt?

Yes, some players do both, but it is rare at the professional level because the skills are different. A punter needs a different leg swing and ball drop, and the timing is different. At lower levels, a single player may handle both jobs to save a roster spot.

Why does a place kicker use a holder?

For field goals and extra points, the ball is placed on the ground and held by a teammate (usually the punter or a backup quarterback) with one finger. This allows the kicker to approach with a consistent stride and strike the ball cleanly. The holder also ensures the laces are turned away from the kicker’s foot, which helps with accuracy.

How far can a place kicker kick a field goal?

The maximum distance depends on leg strength. In the NFL, the longest successful field goal in history is 66 yards, but the average kicker’s range is around 50–55 yards. In college, the longest is 69 yards, but that is an outlier. Most kickers have a practical range of about 45–55 yards.

What happens if a field goal is blocked?

If the defense blocks the kick, the ball is dead at the spot of the block. The defense can pick up the ball and return it if they recover it before it goes out of bounds. If the ball is blocked but still crosses the line of scrimmage and lands in the field of play, it is a live ball, and either team can recover it.

Is a place kicker a good position for a beginner?

Yes, because it requires less running and physical contact than other positions. However, it requires consistent practice and strong leg mechanics. Many youth teams let players try kicking, and a player who shows accuracy can become a valuable asset even if they are not the fastest or strongest.

Sources: The IFAB Laws of the Game. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.