Kick return
The kick return is when the receiving team can return the ball toward the opposing team’s end zone. If the returner catches the ball, it can advance the ball back till the kicking team tackles it, the returner scores a touchdown or comes out of bounds.
This play happens regularly when the team executes the kickoff, field goal or any other kick. In this case, the offence becomes the kicking team, and the defense transforms into the receiving or returning team. The positions and responsibilities of the players change too:
- Kicker provides most of the kicks. This special teams unit performs kickoffs, field goals, and onside kicks.
- Punter. As understood from the name, it releases the punts.
- Holder. Its task is to prepare the ball for the kicker. That is to put the shield in the right place.
- Long snapper delivers the ball to the holder or punter to perform the kick.
- Kick returner and punt returner are the opponents of kicker or punter correspondingly. They attempt to catch the ball after kick and return it deeply to the kicking team’s end zone.
- Gunner is responsible for tackling the returner. Its position is close to the sideline. The player tackles the returner to prevent it from its aim. Usually, they force the opponent out of bounds or lose possession.
The success of this type of play is tightly connected with proper timing and patience. As with other plays, it has the objective of scoring a touchdown. So, the kickers want to establish a good position for the offense. The returners expect to score at least the touchback or signal the fair catch.
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The play has three outcomes. If the returner legally catches the ball, it can advance it until scoring. But there is always a risk to contact with the gunner or other defensive lineman from the kicking team. Besides, such factors as kick power, wind or interference may lead to bouncing or falling the ball in the end zone. That is a touchback. The third outcome is out of bounds.