In the dynamic landscape of American football, certain plays carry historical significance, and the drop kick is one such relic of the sport’s past.
Once a common method for scoring field goals and extra points, the drop kick has become a rare and elusive technique in the modern game.
This blog post delves into the origins of the dropkick, its evolution over time, and the factors contributing to its diminished role on the gridiron.
From the skillful execution of dropkicks in bygone eras to the specialized kicking techniques prevalent today, we explore the intriguing journey of this unconventional play in American football.
What Is American Football Drop Kick?
In American football, a drop kick is a rare and unconventional play where the ball is kicked as it touches the ground, usually attempted for field goals or extra points.
The kicker intentionally drops the ball and kicks it after it bounces, aiming to score points. However, the drop kick has largely faded from the modern game, as teams typically opt for placekicks or punts.
The last successful drop-kick in the NFL occurred in 1941. While still recognized in the rulebook, the drop kick is considered an unusual and challenging technique in contemporary American football.
That makes it a historic relic rather than a regularly employed sports strategy.
The Technique Behind the Drop Kick
The drop kick in American football involves a distinct technique, combining elements of both punting and placekicking. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the technique:
Hold and Drop
The kicker holds the football vertically, with the nose of the ball pointing downward. Instead of using a tee, as in a traditional placekick, the ball is dropped from the kicker’s hands.
Contact Timing
As the ball descends, the kicker times the drop to hit the ground at the right angle. The objective is to have the ball make contact with the ground just before the kicker’s foot swings through to make contact.
Kick Motion
The kicker executes a kicking motion similar to a traditional drop kick. The foot makes contact with the bottom half of the ball, propelling it forward with a combination of accuracy and force.
Trajectory and Aim
The kicker aims to launch the ball through the uprights for a field goal or extra point. Achieving the right trajectory and accuracy is crucial for success.
Skill and Precision
Mastering the drop kick requires unique skills, including precise timing, foot-eye coordination, and a thorough understanding of the ball’s behavior upon impact with the ground.
While the drop kick is a challenging and unconventional technique, it’s now seldom used in modern American football, replaced by more reliable and specialized kicking methods.
When to Use the Drop Kick in American Football?
The drop kick in American football is a rare and unconventional play, and its usage has diminished significantly over the years.
However, there are certain situations where a team might consider employing a drop kick:
Extra Points
Historically, drop kicks were used for point-after-touchdown attempts (PATs or extra points). Before the modern era of specialized kickers and tee-based kicks, drop kicks were a common method for scoring after a touchdown.
Field Goals
In very specific situations, a team might opt for a drop kick for a field goal attempt. This could be when the holder has difficulty placing the ball on the tee, or if the defense is not expecting a drop kick, potentially creating a surprise element.
Onside Kicks
While extremely rare, some teams might consider a drop kick for an onside kick attempt. The bouncing nature of the drop kick could add an unpredictable element when trying to recover the ball.
Unpredictability
The drop kick is rarely used in contemporary football, and this element of surprise can make it a strategic choice in certain situations. If the opposing team is unprepared for a drop kick, it may catch them off guard.
It’s important to note that due to the specialized nature of modern kicking techniques, drop kicks are not commonly used in regular game situations.
Successful execution requires high skill and precision, making it a less favorable option than traditional placekicks or punts.
Drop Kicks Vs. Punts
Here are the basic differences between the drop kicks and punts in American Football:
Initiation
- Drop Kick: The ball is dropped to the ground by a player and kicked as it bounces.
- Punt: The ball is kicked before it touches the ground, usually dropped from the punter’s hands.
Usage
- Drop Kick: Historically used for field goals and extra points, but rare in modern American football.
- Punt: Primarily used for kicking the ball to the opposing team on fourth down or as a strategic play to change field position.
Scenarios
- Drop Kick: Occasionally used in contemporary play for surprise onside kicks or unconventional situations.
- Punt: Regularly employed to relinquish possession while aiming to pin the opposing team deep in their territory.
Technique
- Drop Kick: Involves dropping the ball and timing the kick as it bounces, requiring precision and skill.
- Punt: Involves kicking the ball directly from the hands, emphasizing hang time and distance.
Specialization
- Drop Kick: Requires a unique skill set and is not a standard part of a kicker’s repertoire in modern football.
- Punt: Specialized punters are designated for this specific kicking role, often trained for directional accuracy and maximizing hang time.
Outcome
- Drop Kick: Typically used for scoring points (field goals or extra points) rather than changing field position.
- Punt: Intended to flip the field by sending the ball deep into the opponent’s territory, making it more challenging for them to score.
Frequency
- Drop Kick: Extremely rare in modern American football, with very few instances in professional play.
- Punt: A common and integral part of football strategy, frequently used throughout a game.
Drop kicks and punts serve distinct purposes in American football, with drop kicks being a historic and uncommon technique, while punts are a regular and strategic element of the game.
Drop Kicks Vs. Field Goals
Here are the basic differences between the drop kicks and field goals in American Football:
Initiation
- Drop Kick: Involves dropping the ball to the ground and kicking it as it bounces.
- Field Goal: Involves kicking the ball while it is held stationary by a teammate on the ground or a tee.
Usage
- Drop Kick: Historically used for field goals and extra points, but it is extremely rare in modern American football.
- Field Goal: A common scoring play attempted during a team’s possession, usually on fourth down or as a strategic choice to score points.
Scenarios
- Drop Kick: Occasionally used in contemporary play for surprise onside kicks or unconventional situations.
- Field Goal: Typically attempted for three points during regular play, with the goalposts located at the back of the end zone.
Technique
- Drop Kick: Requires precise timing and skill to kick the ball as it bounces.
- Field Goal: The kicker aims to kick the ball through the uprights without it touching the ground, relying on accuracy and power.
Specialization
- Drop Kick: A skill historically part of a kicker’s repertoire but not a standard or specialized play in modern football.
- Field Goal: Specialized kickers, known as placekickers, are designated for this specific kicking role, often focusing on accuracy and distance.
Outcome
- Drop Kick: Typically used for scoring points (field goals or extra points) rather than changing field position.
- Field Goal: Intended to score points by successfully kicking the ball through the uprights.
Frequency
- Drop Kick: Extremely rare in modern American football, with very few instances in professional play.
- Field Goal: A common scoring play teams attempt in various game situations, especially in close or crucial moments.
While both drop kicks and field goals involve kicking the ball for points, the methods, frequency of use, and the context in which they are employed differ significantly in modern American football.
Importance of Drop Kick in American Football
While historically significant, the drop kick in American football has lost much of its importance in the modern game. Several factors contribute to its diminished role:
Specialization of Kicking Techniques
Modern football has seen the emergence of highly specialized kickers, particularly placekickers who excel at kicking stationary balls from tees.
This specialization has made the drop kick less relevant, as it requires a different skill set.
Consistency and Accuracy
Drop kicks are inherently more challenging to execute with precision compared to placekicks. Placekicking provides greater control over the ball’s placement, contributing to consistent and accurate field goals and extra points.
Rule Changes
The rules of the game have evolved, and contemporary football regulations favor standardized kicking methods.
Placekicks have become the norm for field goals and extra points, as they offer higher accuracy and predictability.
Limited Strategic Application
The drop kick’s strategic value is limited in modern football.
While it may catch opponents off guard in certain situations, the overall unpredictability of the bounce and kick trajectory makes it a less reliable option for routine plays.
Rarely Practiced
Due to its infrequent use in professional football, players and teams dedicate less time to practicing the drop kick. This lack of practice further diminishes its effectiveness and practicality in game situations.
Advancements in Equipment
Changes in football equipment, including the design of the ball and kicking shoes, have been tailored to optimize traditional kicking techniques.
These advancements contribute to the decline of the drop kick’s relevance.
While the drop kick holds a place in the history of American football and was once a standard method for scoring, its importance has waned with the evolution of the sport, the specialization of player roles, and the establishment of more reliable and accurate kicking techniques.
FAQs
How often is the drop kick used in modern American football?
The drop kick is extremely rare in contemporary football. Its usage has diminished significantly, and teams now predominantly rely on specialized kicking techniques like placekicks for field goals and extra points.
Can a drop kick be used for field goals and extra points in today’s game?
While historically employed for scoring, the drop kick is rarely used for field goals or extra points in modern American football. Specialized placekicks have become the standard for scoring plays.
Why did the drop kick become less common in football?
The drop kick’s decline is attributed to the specialization of kicking techniques, rule changes favoring placekicks, and advancements in equipment.
Modern football strategies prioritize consistency and accuracy, diminishing the relevance of the drop kick.
Are there specific situations where a dropkick might be employed today?
In today’s game, drop kicks are rarely used. However, in very unique scenarios or as a surprise tactic, teams might consider a dropkick for onside kicks or other unconventional situations, aiming to catch opponents off guard.
When was the last successful drop-kick in the NFL?
The last successful drop kick in the NFL occurred in 1941 when Ray “Scooter” McLean of the Chicago Bears executed this unconventional play. Since then, the drop kick has largely faded from regular use in professional football.
Wrapping Up
While the dropkick’s glory days may be in the past, its legacy persists as a testament to the evolution of American football. Specialization, rule changes, and advancements in equipment have shifted the game toward more reliable kicking methods.
Though rarely seen on the field today, the drop kick remains a fascinating chapter in football history a reminder of the sport’s dynamic evolution and the unique skills that once defined its players.
Hopefully, you now have a clear idea of this fact. Thank you for staying with us.
