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All contents Copyright © 1999, George Jakowenko.
 

Pre-punt mental routine
Punt the ball into a net or air punt (no ball) 15 times. 

Distance from the center 
Line up 12 to 13-1/2 yards from the line of scrimmage.  For college and the pros, this distance is between 14 and 15 yards.

Alignment to the line of scrimmage
Line up behind the center to give him a straight target.

While you wait for the ball to be snapped
Look downfield to see where the punt-return men line up.  Find out the jersey number of their best punt-return man.  Punt away from him. 

Foot alignment prior to the snap. 
Place feet shoulder width apart, parallel to each other and pointing them downfield.
 

#7

COMMON ERROR
Pointing the punt foot at 2 o’clock, or creating a V formation, causing the foot to step in that direction.  [See picture 7.]

Upper body, arms and hand positions
Relax your body, keep it fairly straight up and down, with a slight bend at your waist and knees.  Arms shoud be relaxed at your sides [see picture #8] until the center assumes the “snap position” (hands on the ball).  After the center takes the snap position, raise your arms and hold your hands approximately waist high, ready to catch the ball, palms facing each other.  [See pictures 9 and 10.] 
 
 

#8	#9	#10

Leg Position 
As you stride with flexed knees, keep your legs together just a you would if you were walking down the street.  [See picture 10.]

COMMON ERROR
Legs farther apart than a normal walk.  This causes you to waddle down the field.  [See picture 11.]

#11

Concentrate as the ball is snapped
Think (visualize) your form.