Find all the articles in our American football frequently asked questions on this link. Today, understand the role of special teams players in the NFL.
The third phase of this sport, special team games nevertheless have a crucial impact on matches. The eleven players have various roles: kicking the ball or running with it, blocking, tackling etc.
The three-point kick
When an attack is stopped before scoring a touchdown, two possibilities are available. The first is to attempt a kick worth three points.
A kicker must kick eight yards behind where the ball is located. For example, if the offense was stopped at the opponent's 30 yard line, then the kicker will kick from the 38 yard line. Knowing that the conversion posts are located 10 yards behind the goal line, this kick will therefore be from a distance of 48 yards.
The kicker's precision, as well as his nerves, represent the most important part of this phase of the game. But not the only one.
A line of nine players forms an arc on the line of engagement: the 30 yard line in our example. Those on the outside are responsible for blocking defenders who will try to overrun to counter the kicker. Those on the inside try to contain the defenders wanting to shorten the distance, to counter the kick by raising their arms.
An essential position: long snapper
The one in the center is responsible for throwing the ball eight yards back: his position is named long snapper. This player is a specialist doing just that in a game: kicking the ball for a field goal or a punt. Another player is responsible for throwing the ball to the quarterback.
Totally ignored by the media and fans, they must nevertheless be precise and regular like robots! With the Houston Texans, Jon Weeks is playing his 15th season in the NFL at this position. Its effectiveness is almost as lethal as that of its almost namesake: John Wick.
The ball he throws is received by the holder. With one knee on the ground, his role is to grab the leather then turn it over if necessary, so that the kicker does not hit the laces of the ball. Sometimes, this role is played by the backup quarterback, due to his manual skill. But more often than not, it's the punter who takes care of this task.
Clearances
Few coaches attempt a three-point kick when the distance is greater than 55 yards. The team then returns the ball to the opponents by breaking away with a punt.
The quality of a punter is measured by the number of times he manages to push back the opposing attack within his 20 yards. With the Las Vegas Raiders, AJ Cole (pictured above) is an expert in this genre. And if the attack has been stopped low in his field, the punter must also be able to clear the ball for at least 60 yards.
The punter receives the ball passed by the long snapper, standing between 12 and 15 yards behind. So that this player can hit the ball without being blocked, he is protected by eight players standing on the fourth attempt line.
Two other players stand near each sideline. These two outside players are preparing to attack the opposing returner: they are named gunner(s).
Return the kick
During a kick-off or during a clearance, the opposing team can attempt to bring the ball up as far as possible: this determines the starting position of their attack.
These players must receive a ball that has flown around fifty yards: this sometimes leads to balls being poorly caught and recovered by the clearing team!
But when the reception is made, then this player must know how to slalom between the defenders coming towards him to tackle him. He must therefore have qualities of speed and also liveliness (to dodge). His teammates must contain the defenders, to offer him a relatively free running zone.
Sometimes a player takes care of both types of returns for his team. But more often than not, one player is assigned to return faceoffs and another handles punts. This is the case with the Washington Commanders where receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is responsible for commitments, while runner Austin Ekeler takes care of punt returns.
But when one team tries to gain a good starting position, the other tries to prevent it!
Defend the kick
Aligned outside during this phase of play, the gunners Their mission is to chase and stop opposing returners. With the New England Patriots, Matthew Slater was able to make a name for himself in the NFL, despite this position being so little publicized. He now serves as an assistant coach on the staff of the Boston franchise.
If the gunner is the specialist in this task, he is obviously not the only one trying to stop the opposing returner as soon as possible. Having to have the qualities of speed, liveliness and at the same time the ability to tackle, many of the players used in this phase of play have linebacker or defensive back formations.
It is very common that when selecting in the 6th and 7th rounds of the draft, staff favor players who can already contribute on a special team. And more if you like!
