Site design by Hey You! Productions, Ltd.

All contents Copyright © 1999, George Jakowenko.
 

Kicking Glossary

Ball Address:  The act of standing in the ready position prior to the snap of the ball to the holder.

Center:  The second most important man on the field goal unit. He snaps the ball back (hopefully quickly) and accurately, to the holder.  Always thank him, regardless of whether the snap is good or bad.

Contact point:  The area on your kicking foot that must come in contact with the ball.

Foot Speed:  How fast you get to the ball.

Holder:  The most important man on the field goal unit besides you.  He catches the ball from the center and places the ball in the exact position and angle you need for a successful kick.  Always praise him regardless of whether the hold was good or bad.

Laces:  White hard things, a.k.a. shoelaces for the ball.

Mental Routine:  Also referred to as visualization.  Picture yourself performing the kick using the perfect form you have used time and time again.  The object is for your mind to see what you are supposed to do, and your mind will tell your muscles to perform the same techniques.

On-side kick:  The ball is kicked 10 yards, generally to the left or right side of the field, between the hash marks and the out-of-bounds line.

Panel:  Each football is made up of four panels.

Planting Foot:  The foot that is placed next to the kicking tee prior to kicking the ball.

Seam:  Each one of the four panels is stitched together at the seam.

Squib Kick:  A low line drive over the front line of the opposition on a kick-off.

Stride Length:  The distance between the toe of one leg and the heel of the other when walking or running.

Sweet Spot:  The THUNK heard when the foot makes optimum contact with the ball.  The sweet spot is two inches below the center of the ball.

Thunk: The sound heard when the foot makes optimum contact with the ball.

Visualization: The act of seeing yourself kick the ball, using all of the proper techniques.