1. Proper Drop
Dropping the ball properly to the foot is probably the most overlooked and important aspect of punting in football. Always start the drop at your waist, because if the drop begins below the waist, the punt will be low as well. Conversely, if you drop the ball above the waist, it will sail high but not far. This applies to ordinary punts. There are some cases in the game where you want to punt the ball high or low. For example, if there are onrushing defenders, you may have to change the level of the drop to safely punt the football. In addition, the angle of the ball is important on the drop. Point the nose of the ball downward slightly as you drop it.
2. Steps to the Punt
There are two main stepping motions to lead into the punt. There is the two-step motion and the three-step motion. A punter uses the two-step motion when he needs to punt quickly due to field position, oncoming defenders or a bad snap. The three-step motion is the most common technique. The first step is 4 to 6 feet in length, the second is a bit longer and on the third step, you plant your off-leg and kick the football. Be sure to bend the knees and then extend the kicking leg into the descending football.
3. Laces, Panel and Seam
The possible contact point for a punters foot with the football include the laces, panel and seam. You never want to contact the laces on the punt, so be sure to rotate the laces away from your kicking foot when you catch the snap. Most punters prefer to contact the seams on the opposite side of the laces. Using the panels on the football as the contact can cause you to lose punting control.
4. Body Position on the Punt
The position of the body also makes a difference in the distance and accuracy of the punt. Your head should be bent forward slightly and always be looking at the football. The hips stay up and lead into the punt. Your shoulders should be back, straight and point down the field in the direction of the punt. Once you make contact with the football, bring the kicking leg straight up toward the eye on the kicking leg side. Also, keep your hands out to the side for proper balance.
5. Look Out for Others
After you have finished the punt, you are eligible for another player to block. Too many times punters think only of the punt and do not pay attention to their surroundings. This is when an often bigger and faster player injures the punter with a vicious block. Stay alert and remember there is danger lurking after the punt is gone.
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