In recent years, American football has been experiencing rapid growth, becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
Participation in international American football competitions has grown by over 300% in the last decade, with more than 25 million people watching from outside of the U.S.
England is one of Europe’s leaders for American football, hosting international games yearly at stadiums such as Tottenham Hotspur and Wembley. Local levels of the game have also improved, with regional and educational teams set up across the country.
11 players start in a team’s offence, while an additional 11 start on each team’s defence. However, the position that separates American football from other sports is special teams.
On average, 50 regular-season games are decided by just three points per season in the NFL, with an average of 86% field goals going in.
Therefore, the role of a kicker is hugely important, with teams needing their player to be perfect.
Solent Redhawks kicker and running back, Harry Bundy, believes a routine is key when dealing with pressure.
“I use Jonny Wilkinson as an idle for kicking. The way that he’s able to look at the ball towards the goal.
“For me, I do that two to three times, bringing my head down and then up towards the goal posts.
“That’s what I imagine every single time.”
Alongside the kicker, the role of a long snapper is also key when kicking a field goal. The long snapper must turn and throw the ball backwards, 7-8 yards into the hands of the Holder, who catches it, steadies it, and holds it in place for the kicker.
Crucially, the long snapper needs to be in time with his teammates, as a minuscule error could lead to a missed field goal.
Redhawks center and long snapper, Noah Eades, reinforces the importance of practice.
“It is different from normally snapping a ball, where the quarterback might be 3-5 yards behind or maybe even underneath you.
“I’m always practicing with the kicker. It’s always a ten-yard snap and then straight down the field goal.”
Learn more about this position, using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbqj454Sg8
