The Art of Punting

    

                  

                  When it comes to player analysis, the most important(and most difficult) thing to do is understand each players 'stroke' and know how to diagnose the inconsistencies. The exact  mechanics of the punting motion and leg action has to be defined to each and every punter. If the proper posture(neutral hips) is maintained throughout the entire punting motion(catch to kick), the steps, drop and leg snap will follow in harmony.

                  While working with Cincinnati Bengals punter, Kevin Huber, we really focused on proper posture, neutral hips, a consistent drop to Kevin's impact zone and accelerating 'through' the ball vs. 'at' the ball.

THE ART OF PUNTING

        Rhythm, timing and patience are the key elements required to execute an effective punt. From catch to kick, punting is one fluid motion. After all the work, after all the repetitions, after the mental  preparation, we must trust the process while in the heat of battle. A great punt is the product of trusting the process. An 11 yard block point is a product of trusting the process. A 1.2 second “catch to kick” is the product of trusting the process. A punt with 5.0 second hang time is a product of trusting the process. As in all aspects of life, we have to let go in order to gain control. We can’t squeeze it, white knuckle it or force it to happen. We have to let it happen. Less is More - Once a consistent rhythm is minimal physical effort by allowing your lower leg to properly release which will violently snap your foot through the hitting zone established, less effort actually produces better results.  We need to take a deep breath, relax, trust the process, and finish.

                                              INTRODUCTION

             

              Field position is one of the key ingredients to winning in the game of football.  An effective punter that can change field position is a priceless commodity. The process of punting has four major elements: 1) The Posture/ Body Angle, 2) The Footwork, 3) The Drop and 4) The Leg Snap. Mastering each element will be only made possible by being mentally and physically prepared to compete every time you step on the field. By following faithful daily routines of drill work and conditioning, the punter will be able to repeat the one fluid motion needed to achieve effective hang time, distance and placement.

        Maintaining the proper body angle, “letting your hands work” on the grip, “letting your get feet into the ground” on the approach, "floating the drop" to the hitting zone, the patience of  "waiting” on the leg snap and ”finishing” the kick will give you the best chance of becoming an efficient punter.

       Due to the aggressive nature of the game of football, patience and timing are skills that are only mastered through mental preparation, repetition and muscle memory. The philosophy of the “Set and Pull ” technique is to maximize foot speed with minimal physical effort by allowing your lower leg to properly release which will violently snap your foot through the hitting zone.