Drop kick facts for kids

A drop kick is a special way to kick a football in different sports. It happens when a player drops the ball and then kicks it just as it bounces off the ground. This is different from a punt, where the player kicks the ball before it touches the ground.

What is a Drop Kick?

A drop kick is a type of kick used in some football games, like rugby and American football. To do a drop kick, a player holds the ball and lets it fall to the ground. As soon as the ball bounces up, the player kicks it. The goal is often to score points or to send the ball a long distance down the field.

Drop Kick vs. Punt

It's easy to mix up a drop kick with a punt, but they are different! The main difference is simple:

• A drop kick means the ball bounces off the ground before you kick it.
• A punt means you kick the ball before it touches the ground.

Both kicks are used to move the ball or score points, but the way you do them is unique.

Where Are Drop Kicks Used?

Drop kicks are part of the rules in several types of football:

Rugby Union and Rugby League

In rugby union and rugby league, the drop kick is very important.

• You can score points by drop-kicking the ball through the goalposts during open play. This is called a "drop goal." It's worth three points in rugby union and one point in rugby league.
• Drop kicks are also used to restart the game in certain situations, like after a score or if the ball goes out of bounds in a specific way.

Australian Rules Football

In Australian rules football, the drop kick was once a very common way to kick the ball. Players would use it for passing the ball to teammates or for trying to score goals. While it's not as common today, it's still a legal kick and sometimes used by players.

American Football

In American football, the drop kick is much rarer now. In the early days of the sport, it was a popular way to score points after a touchdown (a "point after touchdown" or PAT) or a field goal.

• A drop-kicked field goal is worth three points.
• A drop-kicked PAT is worth one point.

Today, most teams use a place kick for these situations because it's usually more accurate. However, it's still allowed by the rules!

History of the Drop Kick

The drop kick has a long history in football sports. In the early 1900s, it was a key skill for many players, especially in American football. Famous players like Pat O'Dea and Eddie Mahan were known for their amazing drop-kicking abilities. As football rules and strategies changed, other types of kicks became more popular, but the drop kick remains a classic part of football history.

Images for kids

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  Pat O'Dea

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  Zach Curlin drop kicking.

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  Brickley's drop kick to defeat Dartmouth in 1912.

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  Eddie Mahan preparing to drop kick.