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A component element in the word "football" is the word "foot." This indicates some activity using one's foot. What Americans call soccer is called "football" or "foosball" elsewhere in the world. And it is an apt name, since the primary method of moving the ball is with the foot (the only other part of the body that can advance the ball is the head).
Football evolved from those two sports, but kicking remains in the game, if at a subservient level. The game starts with a kickoff. After a score the change of possession is done through a kickoff. In the outdoor game, if the offensive team fails to advance at least ten yards with three or four plays (Canadian vs. United States rules) the offensive team "punts" the ball to the defensive team. Scoring can also involve the kicking aspect. After a touchdown a "point after touchdown" (PAT) is attempted. If the offensive team fails to gain the requisite ten yards, then the team can attempt a field goal for three points. The Arena game also has kicking, but with some differences. Punting: There is no punting allowed in the Arena game. With a 50 yard field to begin with, a field goal is within reach of most kickers. Even in the outdoor game kickers often try 45 to 50 yard field goals. Thus, punting was deemed unnecessary. It saves having to carry a specialist on the roster as well. Sometimes a team will "attempt" a field goal and "pooch" the kick over the line of scrimmage. The ball is still "live" and can be recovered by either team. While technically not a "punt," it can serve as a punt. The difference is that in the outdoor game the kicking team cannot lay claim to the ball unless the receiving team had first touched it. In the Arena game, either side can recover the kick. Kickoffs: The kickoff is done at the kicking team's goal line. Remember, the field is only 50 yards long. The nets on either side of the goal come into play in a kickoff. The nets can deaden the ball so that the coverage team can get down the field to keep any return short. If a ball sails through the end zone, it is a touchback. I believe the ball is then placed on the 5-yard line (funny I couldn't find this in the rules). Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Kicking in the Arena Football League in Arena Football is owned by John L. Hoh, Jr.. Permission to republish Kicking in the Arena Football League in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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