The onside kick is a strategic play in football that can provide the kicking team with an opportunity to regain possession of the ball. However, there are specific rules that govern the execution of an onside kick and the subsequent actions of the kicking team.
One of the key rules of an onside kick is that all players from the kicking team must stay behind the ball before it is kicked. This is known as staying onside and ensures that the kicking team does not gain an unfair advantage by being closer to the receiving team’s goal line. If any player from the kicking team crosses the ball’s position before it is kicked, it will result in a penalty.
Once the ball is kicked, it must travel a minimum of 10 yards before the kicking team can legally recover it. This rule ensures that the receiving team has a fair chance to defend against the onside kick and prevents the kicking team from simply recovering the ball immediately after the kick. If the ball travels less than 10 yards and is recovered by the kicking team, it is considered illegal touching and will result in a penalty against the kicking team.
In addition to the distance requirement, the ball must also cross the receiving team’s restraining line unless the receiving team touches the ball before that line. The restraining line is typically set 10 yards in front of the kicking team’s line. If the ball does not cross this line and the receiving team does not touch it, the onside kick is considered unsuccessful, and the receiving team will gain possession of the ball.
It is important to note that while the kicking team can recover the kicked ball, they are not allowed to advance it. This means that even if the kicking team successfully recovers the onside kick, they cannot run with the ball or make forward progress. The purpose of this rule is to prevent the kicking team from gaining an unfair advantage and to maintain the fairness and integrity of the game.
To execute an onside kick successfully, various kicking techniques can be employed. The high-bounce kick involves kicking the ball high and aiming for it to bounce off the ground, making it difficult for the receiving team to catch. The classic drive kick involves a low, powerful kick aimed at the ground, making it harder for the receiving team to control the ball. The drag kick is a technique where the ball is intentionally kicked along the ground, creating an unpredictable trajectory that can catch the receiving team off guard.
It is worth noting that the rules surrounding onside kicks have evolved over time, and the NFL recently implemented changes to make the play safer. The new rules prohibit the kicking team from blocking members of the receiving team until the ball is live. This ensures the safety of the hands team players who are waiting to touch the ball or until the ball has traveled 10 yards.
The onside kick is a high-risk, high-reward play in football that can provide the kicking team with an opportunity to regain possession of the ball. However, strict rules govern the execution of the onside kick, including staying onside before the kick, the ball traveling at least 10 yards, and the kicking team not being able to advance the ball upon recovery. These rules ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the game.
Why Can’t You Advance Onside Kicks?
In football, the reason why players cannot advance onside kicks is due to specific rules governing the play. Here’s a detailed explanation:
1. Onside Kick: An onside kick is a deliberate type of kick used by the kicking team to regain possession of the ball after a kickoff. It is typically attempted when the kicking team is trailing and wants to maintain possession or create a scoring opportunity.
2. Staying Onside: Before the ball is kicked, all players from the kicking team must stay onside, which means they must be positioned behind the ball. Being onside ensures that the kicking team has a fair chance to recover the ball.
3. 10-Yard Rule: Once the ball is kicked, it must travel at least 10 yards before it can be legally recovered by the kicking team. This rule is in place to prevent the kicking team from immediately recovering the ball without giving the receiving team a fair opportunity to defend and react.
4. Illegal Touching: If the ball is kicked and travels less than 10 yards, and a player from the kicking team recovers it, it is considered illegal touching. This results in a penalty against the kicking team. The receiving team is then awarded possession of the ball at the spot of the illegal touch.
By enforcing these rules, the game ensures fairness and equal opportunities for both teams during onside kick situations.
Can You Advance On An Onside Kick?
The kicking team cannot advance on an onside kick in football.
Here are some key points to understand:
1. Onside Kick: An onside kick is a type of kick used by the kicking team to retain possession of the ball after a kickoff. It is typically attempted when the kicking team is trailing in the game and wants to recover the ball immediately.
2. Restraining Line: The receiving team has a restraining line, which is usually set 10 yards in front of the kicking team’s line. The kick must cross this line, unless the receiving team touches the ball before it reaches the line.
3. No Advance: Unlike regular kickoffs, where the receiving team can advance the ball after catching it, the kicking team is not allowed to advance the ball on an onside kick. The objective is to recover the ball, not gain yards or score points.
4. Recovery and Possession: The kicking team’s goal is to recover the onside kick and gain possession of the ball. If a player from the kicking team successfully catches or recovers the ball after it has traveled the required distance, the kicking team will gain possession at that spot.
5. Retaining Possession: Once the kicking team recovers the onside kick, they cannot advance the ball any further. The play is dead, and the team will start their offensive drive from the spot where the ball was recovered.
The kicking team cannot advance on an onside kick. Their objective is to recover the ball and gain possession, not to advance it for yards or points.
What Is The Rule For An Onside Kick?
The rule for an onside kick in football is that the kicking team must kick the ball at least 10 yards, allowing them the opportunity to recover the kick and gain possession of the ball. There are different types of kicks that can be used for onside kicks, including:
1. High-bounce kick: This type of kick is aimed at getting the ball to bounce high in the air, making it difficult for the receiving team to catch it cleanly. The kicking team can then try to recover the bouncing ball before the receiving team can secure possession.
2. Classic drive kick: This kick is executed by driving the ball low and hard, usually along the ground. The aim is to make the ball travel a short distance quickly, increasing the chances of the kicking team recovering it before the receiving team can react.
3. Drag kick: The drag kick involves intentionally kicking the ball along the ground with a lot of spin. The spinning motion causes the ball to bounce and move unpredictably, making it challenging for the receiving team to handle. This gives the kicking team a better opportunity to recover the kick.
It is important to note that for an onside kick to be legal, the ball must travel at least 10 yards before being touched by either team. If the kicking team touches the ball before it reaches the 10-yard mark or if the ball goes out of bounds before traveling 10 yards, it is considered an illegal onside kick and the receiving team will be awarded possession of the ball at the spot where the violation occurred.
An onside kick is a strategic play used by the kicking team to regain possession of the ball. It requires the ball to travel at least 10 yards and provides the kicking team an opportunity to recover the kick before the receiving team can secure possession. Different types of kicks, such as the high-bounce kick, classic drive kick, and drag kick, can be employed to increase the chances of a successful onside kick.
Can You Block On An Onside Kick Before The Ball Goes 10 Yards?
It is not permissible to block members of the receiving team (known as the hands team) on an onside kick until the ball has gone 10 yards or until a teammate touches it. The hands team players are considered safe from contact until either of these conditions are met. Blocking is only allowed once the ball is live and has traveled the required distance. This rule is in place to ensure a fair opportunity for both the kicking team and the receiving team to compete for possession of the ball.
Conclusion
The onside kick is a strategic play used in football to regain possession of the ball after a kickoff. It requires careful execution and adherence to specific rules to be successful. All players on the kicking team must stay behind the ball until it is kicked, ensuring that they remain onside. The ball must travel at least 10 yards before the kicking team can legally recover it, and it must also cross the receiving team’s restraining line unless touched by the receiving team first.
The onside kick provides the kicking team an opportunity to regain possession of the ball and potentially turn the tide of the game. It can be a risky play, as failing to meet the requirements can result in penalties or the opposing team gaining possession. However, when executed properly, it can catch the receiving team off guard and provide an advantage to the kicking team.
Different types of kicks, such as the high-bounce kick, the classic drive kick, and the drag kick, can be used for onside kicks. These kicks aim to create a situation where the ball travels at least 10 yards and allows the kicking team to recover it. It is important to note that the kicking team can only recover and retain possession of the kicked ball, but they cannot advance it.
During an onside kick, the receiving team’s hands team is protected from contact until the ball goes 10 yards or is touched by a teammate. This rule ensures fair play and prevents the kicking team from interfering with the receiving team’s attempt to secure the ball.
The onside kick is a strategic and exciting play in football that can change the course of a game. It requires precision, timing, and knowledge of the rules to be executed effectively. When successful, it can provide a momentum shift and create scoring opportunities for the kicking team.
