New Football Kickoff Rules For 2018

football kickoff rules

Football kickoff rules are in place to make the game safer for both players and coaches. This is an attempt to reduce the number of injuries and make kickoffs more exciting, but it’s too early to know if these changes are having the desired effect.

The kickoff is an important part of the game because it allows the kicking team to start the first half of play or restart play after a goal is scored. In addition, it gives the kicking team possession of the ball before it goes out of bounds and can force the receiving team to punt or kick the ball back.

To get ready to kick the ball, wait until a whistle blows and then place your hand up. This tells your teammates that you’re ready to go. They will then follow your lead and begin their approach to the ball as well.

Once you are positioned, the kicker will place the ball on the kickoff tee. The tee must be one inch in height and approved by the League. It is best to use a tee that is not too heavy as it may become damaged during the kickoff.

Before the kickoff, the kicking team will line up within 1 yard of the restraining line and between the inbounds lines. This eliminates the running start that many teams use and helps to reduce the chance of a collision.

The kicking team must also make sure that the kickoff is not touched by an opponent before it goes out of bounds. If the kicking team does not take this precaution, it could result in a penalty.

Another key change is that the kicking team must use a manufactured tee that has been approved by the League. Once the tee is in place, it cannot be moved and must remain in the same position throughout the kickoff. If the tee moves, the ball can fall off and the covering officials will need to stop the kickoff.

If the kicking team is not sure of where to kick the ball, they can try a placekick instead. This is more common in the NFL than the college game, but it’s still a good option for teams that are struggling to kick the ball.

There is an added rule that will affect kickoffs in 2018. The kicking team must not touch the ball before it is in flight, except in the case of a fair catch. This is because it can give the returner a chance to score if they run the ball all the way to the end zone without being tackled.

The new rules for kickoffs should help to increase the number of touchbacks and reduce the number of kickoff returns, which are more injury-prone than they were in the past. However, this data only covers FBS teams, so it is too early to know how these changes are having an impact.