What is a Punt
A kick used to surrender the ball to the opposing team on fourth down, pushing them as far back as possible.
A punt is a kick used to surrender possession of the ball to the opposing team, typically on fourth down when a team does not have a realistic chance of converting for a first down and does not want to risk losing possession near their own goal. The goal of a punt is to maximize the distance the ball travels so the opposing team starts their possession as far from the end zone as possible.
How a Punt Works
On a punt, the punter lines up 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage in the shotgun position. The long snapper snaps the ball directly to the punter, who drops it and kicks it before it hits the ground — a technique called a drop punt. The punting team's coverage units rush downfield to tackle the returner or force a fair catch.
Types of Punts
- Standard punt — A straightforward kick for maximum distance and hang time.
- Directional punt — Aimed toward the sideline to limit the returner's options.
- Pooch punt — A shorter, softer kick intentionally placed near the goal line to pin the return team inside their own 10-yard line.
- Coffin corner punt — A precision kick aimed at the corner of the field, intended to go out of bounds near the goal line without entering the end zone.
The Fair Catch
A punt returner who does not want to risk being hit while fielding the ball can signal a fair catch by waving one arm overhead. After signaling, the returner must catch the ball but cannot be tackled. However, they also cannot advance the ball after the catch.
Punting Strategy
The decision to punt versus going for it on fourth down is one of the most strategically contested calls in football. Traditional coaching wisdom has always favored punting in most situations, but data-driven analysis increasingly shows that going for it on fourth-and-short is often the higher-value decision. Despite this, most coaches still punt in conservative situations to avoid criticism and manage game perception.
Net Punting Average
A key statistic for evaluating punters is net punting average — the distance of the punt minus any return yards. Elite punters regularly post net averages above 42 yards and are adept at placing kicks inside the 20-yard line.