Punt facts for kids
In sports like American and Canadian football, a punt is a special play. It happens when a player drops the ball and kicks it before it touches the ground. This is different from other kicks where the ball might bounce first.
Teams usually punt the ball far down the field to the other team. They do this to try and get the other team to start their turn with the ball as far away from their own end zone as possible. It's a smart way to play defense with the ball!
Contents
What is a Punt in Football?
A punt is a type of kick used in football. A player called a punter holds the ball out in front of them. They then drop the ball and kick it with their foot before it hits the ground. The goal is to kick the ball high and far down the field.
This play is a way to change who has the ball. It also tries to make the other team start their next turn from a bad spot on the field.
How is a Punt Different from a Drop Kick?
It's easy to mix up a punt with a drop kick, but they are different!
- A punt means the player kicks the ball before it touches the ground.
- A drop kick means the player lets the ball bounce on the ground first, then kicks it right after it bounces.
Drop kicks are very rare in modern American and Canadian football games. Punts, however, happen often.
When Do Teams Punt?
In American and Canadian football, teams get a certain number of chances, called "downs," to move the ball forward. In American football, teams get four downs to move the ball at least 10 yards. In Canadian football, they get three downs.
If a team has used most of their downs and hasn't moved the ball far enough, they often choose to punt. This usually happens on the fourth down in American football. It's a way to give up the ball safely instead of risking losing it in a bad spot.
Why Do Teams Punt?
Teams punt for a few main reasons:
- Field Position: The main reason is to gain better field position. By kicking the ball far away, they force the other team to start their turn far from their own end zone. This makes it harder for the other team to score.
- Avoid Risk: If a team is too far from the goal posts to try a field goal, and too far from a first down, punting is the safest choice. It prevents them from losing the ball in a dangerous part of the field.
- Defense: A good punt can pin the opposing team deep in their own territory. This gives the punting team's defense a better chance to stop the other team.
Where Do Punts Happen?
Punts can happen anywhere on the field. However, they are most common when a team is in their own half of the field. If a team is close to the opponent's end zone, they would usually try to score points instead of punting.
