How to Punt a Football - Ray Guy
THE BASICS
STANCE AND BODY POSITION
Whereas college and pro punters set up 15 yards from the LOS (line of scrimmage), high school, punters are usually taught to set up about 12 yards back. Every punter should place his punting foot on a direct line with the ball or on a line that splits the centers crotch
COACHING POINTS:
- The exact depth of the alignment may vary with the ability of the long snapper. Since the college / pro snappers are more specialized advanced, they have the strength and accuracy to deliver the ball to a punter15 yards back...maximizing the distance of the oncoming rush.
- The punter must assume a comfortable, relaxed and balanced stance that will enable him to quickly adjust to the ball...left, right, up or down.
KEY POINTS:
- Feet approximately armpit width apart with the punting foot slightly staggered back (toe-to-instep).
- Body weight evenly distributed.
- Knees slightly flexed
- Slight body lean forward - to abet the anticipated forward motion.
- Arms relaxed down by the sides, to avoid any tension in the shoulders and arms.
- Strict concentration - eyes focused on the football.
- The moment the long snapper places his hand on the football...the punter is ready to receive the snap.
Summary:
As the punter enters the game he should know the situation (field position objective), the alignment of the opponents and the direction in which he wants to punt the football (target area).
RECEIVING THE SNAP
VARIATION: HOW RAY GUY DID IT - RECEIVING THE SNAP
POSITIONING OF THE HANDS / GRIP
BALL ALIGNMENT
HOW TO PUNT A SPIRAL
STEPPING PATTERN
BALL RELEASE
BALL-FOOT IMPACT
FOLLOWTHROUGH
PUNTING SUMMARY
