Special Teams Rules: Kickoffs, Punts, and Returns Explained

Special teams play a crucial but often overlooked role in football, directly impacting field position and scoring opportunities. Whether it’s a booming kickoff, a clutch punt, or an electrifying return, understanding these rules helps fans appreciate this vital phase of the game.

1. Kickoffs: Starting the Game and After Scores

Basic Rules

Used to start each half and after every scoring play (TDs, field goals).
The kicking team lines up at their 35-yard line (NFL) or 40-yard line (college).
The receiving team must have at least 5 players on each side of the returner.

Key Situations

✅ Touchback:

If the kickoff reaches the end zone and is not returned, the ball is placed at the 25-yard line (NFL/NCAA).
If a kickoff goes out of bounds, the receiving team gets it at their 40-yard line (penalty on kicking team).

✅ Onside Kick:

A surprise short kick used to recover possession (often in late-game situations).
The kicking team must give the receiving team a fair chance to catch it (cannot interfere too early).

✅ Fair Catch:

The returner can signal a fair catch to catch the ball without being hit—but cannot advance it.

2. Punts: Flipping Field Position

When Teams Punt

Usually on 4th down when a team is too far for a field goal but doesn’t want to risk turning it over on downs.

Key Rules

✅ Downing the Ball:

If the punt rolls into the end zone, it’s a touchback (ball at the 20-yard line).
The kicking team can down the ball inside the 20 to pin the opponent deep.

✅ Out of Bounds:

If a punt goes out of bounds, the receiving team takes possession at that spot.

✅ Fair Catch:

Returners can call a fair catch to avoid contact but cannot run afterward.

✅ Muffed Punts:

If the returner touches but doesn’t catch the punt, it’s a live ball—either team can recover it.

3. Returns: Kickoff and Punt Returns

Kickoff Returns

The return team tries to advance the ball as far as possible.
Blocking rules: No blindside hits or blocks in the back.

Punt Returns

More dangerous than kickoffs due to high, short kicks.
“Gunner” players sprint downfield to tackle the returner.

Penalties to Watch

❌ Holding (10 yards) – Illegal blocking.
❌ Block in the Back (10 yards) – Pushing a defender from behind.
❌ Illegal Touch (5 yards) – Kicking team touches the ball before it goes 10 yards (on punts).

4. Trick Plays & Rare Situations

🔹 Fake Punts: The punter can pass or run instead of kicking (high-risk, high-reward).
🔹 Drop Kick (NFL): An extremely rare kick where the ball is dropped and kicked as it bounces (last successful one by Doug Flutie in 2006).