Balance and Posture

There are many reasons why I teach the 'Set & Pull' technique, but one of the most important is that it eliminates the many 'moving parts' that come with punting the football at the amateur level. If we can simplify our 'stroke' and repeat it consistently, we'll have the best chance at having fun and performing at our highest level.

    One of the most over-looked aspects of punting the football is balance and posture. Similar to a golfer getting ready to start his/her swimg or a baseball player in the batter's box, one common denominator is the positioning of the feet and body. In order to create the most kinetic energy possible( foot speed, club head speed, bat speed, etc), our posture and balance must be solid. With solid balance, we'll be able to allow our body to unfold naturally, giving us the least resistance and maximum foot speed.

    

    Within the 'Set & Pull' technique, I teach an 'adjustment step', so my balanced 'ready position' is as follows:

      With feet shoulders width apart, take a balanced stance with the 'plant foot' forward.  The toe of the kicking foot aligns with the instep of the plant foot. The enables us to athletically move  laterally and vertically if the snap is off target. Since I teach our athletes to have a  'bounce in their step', I like the weight of the body slightly towards the toes.  With your chin up slightly, take a deep breathe, exhale and bend at the waist. (see photo). The shoulders, arms, hands, hips and feet are square to the target. Let your arms hang naturally in front of you with your thumbs gently opening outward. This will give your long snapper a good target.

      Energy is stored in both of our legs(plant and kicking). In true game conditions, the flight of the ball from the long  snapper will vary. Being in a relaxed  'football position' when the ball arrives helps us get into 'the  flow' of a smooth stepping pattern. This balance and posture will keep our feet 'under us' during the stepping pattern. In order to take advantage of all of the leverage and power of the 'Set & Pull', we must have patience and remain relaxed and balanced throughout the motion.

      One of the many benefits of keeping our feet 'under us' with a solid base is that the drop will have a better chance of being released into the 'hitting zone'. When we take long steps, lean back and 'come out of it' at impact, we 1) lose balance and power, 2) lengthen our kicking leg and 3) shorten our drop. This leads to the feeling of having a 'short drop', when in reality you've created a 'long leg'.  Work on keeping your feet 'behind you' during the stepping pattern and you'll feel the balance and control needed to 'rip it'.

Good Punting- GM