Sky kick
A “sky kick” is a kind of kickoff in American football intended to take off very high in the air and not move very far down the field. Using a sky kick, the kicking team can give their coverage unit more time to close in on the returner and tackle him as soon as he collects the ball. If this pins them back in their area, the receiving side may find it more difficult to begin their offensive drive with favorable field position.
The kicking team may also use the sky kick to attempt an onside kick unconventionally by making the ball travel high and hoping for a favorable bounce or an error by the receiving team or to prevent a deep return by a hazardous return specialist.