What does an onside kick mean in football? To put it simply, it’s a strategy used when a team is losing and needs to try and regain possession of the ball quickly. Essentially, the kicker will aim to kick the football high and short, with the hope that it will travel 10 yards before the other team has a chance to retrieve it. If the kicking team manages to recover the ball, they will get another chance to score, potentially turning the tide of the game in their favour.
But why is an onside kick such a risk? Well, for starters, the odds of successfully recovering the ball are relatively low. With ten players from the opposing team ready to pounce, it’s often tough to out-muscle the defence and claim the precious ball. Furthermore, if the kicking team fails to recover the ball, they’ve effectively handed their opponents a significant advantage. After all, the new team in possession will likely have a better field position, meaning that they’re better placed to score.
Despite this risk, the onside kick remains a popular tactic in football, particularly when a team is close to the end of the game and needs to make a comeback. It’s a move that takes skill, nerves of steel and a willingness to go all-in, but for those who can pull it off, the rewards can be immense. So the next time you’re watching football and you see an onside kick, remember that it’s not just a desperate move by a losing team; it’s a calculated risk that could pay off in a big way.
What is an onside kick?
An onside kick in football is a special kickoff play that is used by a team when they are behind in score and are running out of time. In a regular kickoff, the team that is kicking the ball mistakenly gives the ball to the other team, which then starts from their half of the field. On the other hand, in an onside kick, the kicking team tries to recover the ball after it has traveled at least ten yards, rather than kicking it as far as possible, giving the other team a chance to catch it.
Typically, the team that is behind in the game attempts an onside kick to regain possession of the ball and hopefully score to get back into the game. Since the success rate of this play is low, only 10 to 20% in recent years, the onside kick has become a high-risk, high-reward play, putting more pressure on the kicking team.
Reasons for performing an onside kick
Football teams will attempt an onside kick for strategic and tactical reasons. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Field Position: If a team is losing by a few points and there is not much time left in the game, an onside kick may be attempted to regain possession of the ball and give themselves a chance to score without running out of time.
- Momentum: An onside kick can shift the momentum of the game in the favor of the kicking team. If they are behind or struggling to gain traction, a successful onside kick can ignite a spark and turn the game around.
- Surprise: An onside kick may be used as a surprise tactic to catch the receiving team off guard and gain an unexpected advantage.
However, attempting an onside kick is not without risks. The receiving team has the first right to the ball after it has been kicked, meaning that if they recover the ball, they are in an excellent field position to score. Furthermore, if the kicking team does not recover the ball, the receiving team has possession of the ball at a good field position. For these reasons, coaches must decide carefully when and if to attempt an onside kick.
What happens if an onside kick attempt fails?
An onside kick attempt is a tricky play that can turn the game around quickly. Failure of an onside kick attempt means that the other team gains possession of the ball and starts their offensive drive from the spot where the ball was caught after the kick. However, there are a few important details to consider when it comes to what happens after a failed onside kick.
- If the kicking team touches the ball before it travels 10 yards, the receiving team gains possession of the ball at the spot where the ball was touched.
- If the ball goes out of bounds before traveling 10 yards, the receiving team gets the ball at the spot where it went out of bounds.
- If the ball is touched by a member of the receiving team and it goes out of bounds, the receiving team gets the ball at the spot where it went out of bounds.
It’s important to note that if the kicking team fails to recover the ball, the receiving team gains possession of the ball at the spot where it was caught, regardless of whether or not the ball has traveled 10 yards. This means that the receiving team can opt to have the ball spotted at that location and start their offensive drive from there. Alternatively, they can decline the penalty and start their offensive drive from the spot where the ball was caught after the kick.
In summary, while a failed onside kick attempt can be disappointing for the kicking team, it’s not the end of the world. There are still plenty of opportunities to make a comeback and win the game, even if possession of the ball is lost during an onside kick attempt. Knowing the rules and guidelines surrounding onside kicks can give coaches and teams a competitive advantage on the field, and perhaps even turn the tide of a game in their favor.
Famous Onside Kick Moments in Football History
Onside kicks have always been a risky but necessary strategy for football teams that are down in points late in a game. Teams that attempt onside kicks are hoping to create a turnover and regain possession of the ball before their opponent can score again. Throughout football history, there have been several onside kick moments that have changed the course of games, seasons, and even championship titles.
- Super Bowl XLIV (2010) – During the fourth quarter of the biggest game of the year, the New Orleans Saints surprised everyone by kicking an onside kick. The Saints successfully recovered the ball, leading to a game-winning drive, and ultimately became Super Bowl champions.
- Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants (2014) – With less than two minutes left on the clock and down by 3 points, the Dallas Cowboys decided to attempt an onside kick. The Giants were caught off guard, and the Cowboys recovered the ball and scored a game-winning touchdown.
- Auburn vs. Alabama (2013) – Known as the “Kick Six,” Auburn’s Chris Davis Jr. returned an onside kick 100 yards for a touchdown as time expired, defeating their bitter rival Alabama and likely securing a spot in the national championship game.
These are just a few of the famous onside kick moments that have made football history. While the onside kick may not always work out in a team’s favor, taking that risk can lead to some of the most exciting moments in the sport.
Successful Onside Kick Strategies
Executing an onside kick successfully requires precise planning and execution. Here are some strategies that can help your team recover the ball:
- Surprise the kicking team: One of the most effective onside kick strategies is catching the receiving team off-guard. Instead of a traditional kickoff, use a different formation or motion to throw them off balance.
- Variety: It is best to have multiple onside kick strategies in your arsenal. This will keep the receiving team guessing and make it harder for them to predict which strategy you will use next.
- Proper angle and speed: The ball should be kicked at an angle to reduce its flight time and ensure that it lands in an area where your team has the best chance of recovering the ball. The ball should also be kicked with enough speed to make it difficult for the receiving team to control.
Here is some additional information about successful onside kick strategies:
First, it is essential to understand the onside kick rules and regulations. For instance, the kicking team must have at least four players on either side of the ball. Also, the ball must travel ten yards before the kicking team can touch it, and the receiving team must wait until the ball goes ten yards before they can try to recover it.
Another important factor is to select the right player to kick the ball. Ideally, this should be a player who can kick with accuracy and provides enough distance to achieve the desired result. However, you should also note that onside kicks are relatively high-risk plays, and a failed attempt can give the receiving team advantageous field position.
| Year | Team | Successful Onside Kick Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Kansas City Chiefs | 71% |
| 2017 | Atlanta Falcons | 61% |
| 2018 | To be updated | To be updated |
Lastly, incorporating fake onside kicks in your playbook can also be a useful strategy. This involves faking an onside kick to trick the receiving team into letting their guard down, allowing for an easier recovery of the ball. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your team practices these plays thoroughly, as they require precise timing and execution to be effective.
In summary, successful onside kick strategies require proper planning, execution, and practice. By incorporating multiple strategies into your playbook, selecting the right player for the kick, and utilizing surprise and misdirection, your team can increase its chances of successfully recovering the ball and turning the tide of the game.
Controversies surrounding onside kicks in professional football
The onside kick is one of the most exciting and risky plays in football. It involves the kicking team attempting to recover the ball after it travels 10 yards from the point of the kick. If the kicking team recovers the ball, they retain possession and continue their drive. However, if the receiving team recovers the ball, they gain possession and can immediately start their own drive.
Over the years, the onside kick has been the subject of controversy in professional football. Here are some of the controversies:
- High injury risk: Onside kicks are known to be high-risk plays for both the kicking and receiving teams. Players go full speed towards the ball, which can result in collisions and injuries. In 2018, the NFL implemented a new rule that prohibits the kicking team from running and creating a wedge before the ball is kicked, in an effort to reduce the risk of injuries.
- Difficulty of execution: Onside kicks are difficult to execute successfully. With recent rule changes that make it more difficult for the kicking team to surprise the receiving team, successful onside kicks have become rarer. In fact, the success rate for onside kicks in the NFL from 2015-2019 was only 12.5%.
- Unfair advantage to the kicking team: Some argue that the rules surrounding onside kicks give an unfair advantage to the kicking team. For example, the receiving team is not allowed to block the kicking team until the ball has traveled 10 yards, even if the ball is bouncing on the ground. Also, the kicking team is able to choose when to attempt an onside kick, providing them with the element of surprise.
Despite the controversies, the onside kick remains an exciting part of football. Fans love the high drama and the risk-taking involved, and it can be a game-changer in close matches.
Overall, while there are valid critiques of the onside kick, it is still an important part of the game that should continue to be a viable option for teams looking to swing momentum in their favor.
FAQs: What Does an Onside Kick Mean in Football?
1. What is an onside kick in football?
An onside kick is a special type of kick during a kickoff in football where the team kicking the ball tries to recover the ball themselves instead of kicking it deep to the other team.
2. When is an onside kick usually attempted?
An onside kick is usually attempted when the kicking team is trailing near the end of the game and needs to regain possession quickly to score.
3. How does an onside kick work?
During an onside kick, the ball is kicked shorter and bounces a few times before it is recovered by a member of the kicking team. If the ball travels at least 10 yards and is touched by a member of the receiving team, both teams can recover the ball.
4. Can the kicking team recover the ball even if they didn’t touch the ball before it went 10 yards?
No, the kicking team cannot recover the ball until it has traveled at least 10 yards and been touched by a member of the receiving team.
5. What happens if the ball doesn’t travel 10 yards during an onside kick?
If the ball doesn’t travel 10 yards during an onside kick, the receiving team gains possession of the ball where it was touched or goes out of bounds.
6. How often is an onside kick successful?
Onside kicks have a low success rate, usually between 10-20%, but they can be a game-changer in certain situations.
Thanks for Learning about Onside Kicks in Football!
Now you know what an onside kick is, when teams attempt it, and how it works. Although they don’t always work, onside kicks can be an exciting play to watch during a football game. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again for more interesting articles about football and other sports.