In football, the difference between punting and kicking involves the when, how and by whom aspects of the kicking process. For instance, a punted ball is done by a player who catches, holds and kicks the ball by himself, while a kicked ball is done by a player with the aid of a kicking tee or another player.
Punting
During a football game, punting is used in a fourth-down situation in which a team’s offensive unit is unable to gain a first down. This tactic attempts to give the opposing team possession of the ball as far as possible from the scoring end zone. The player given the responsibility of punting, usually his sole responsibility, lines up about 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Once the center snaps the ball to him, the punter holds the ball in front of him while taking a step. The punter releases his grip on the ball shortly before his foot makes contact with the ball. Punts normally have a high-arching trajectory, allowing the punting team’s players to run downfield to tackle the player on the other team who catches the punt.
Kicking Off
At the start of each half of a football game and after each score, a kickoff takes place. Kickoffs that follow a score are done by the scoring team, while kickoffs that take place at the start of the first and third quarters are determined by a coin flip prior to the start of the game. A kickoff is done using a tee that has two claw-like appendages that extend upward when placed flat on the field. The claws hold the ball in an upright position while the kicker lines up about 10 yards behind the ball. When a game official signals for play to begin, the kicker approaches the ball at a slow trot, then kicks the ball far and deep with the intent of pinning the opposing team deep in its own territory.
Placekicking
Placekicking is the process that follows a touchdown or involves the attempt of a field goal. A placekick following a touchdown is known as the extra point or point after touchdown. The PAT involves a placeholder who takes the snap from center at about seven yards behind the line of scrimmage, places the ball on the ground in an upright position and holds it in place for the placekicker to kick. The placekicker, who lines up about 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage, times his kick with the snap and placement of the ball. Field goals, which are normally attempted from longer distances than PATs, are also done in this manner. Depending on the kicker's preferences, the placeholder may use a kicking tee that is similar to the kickoff tee, but minus the upright claws, to place the ball slightly higher for the kicker.
Considerations
While punting and kicking are the only responsibilities of the players who perform these types of kicks at the college and professional levels, it’s not uncommon to see players who play other positions perform them at the high school level. In rare occasions and at all levels, quarterbacks may be called on to punt a ball in a move that’s known as a “quick kick.” Also, when a team scores a safety, the non-scoring team performs a punt that’s known as a “free kick,” which is a kickoff-punt hybrid that involves a kickoff formation, but is conducted as a punt.
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