OFA Coaches Monthly Align the kicker on a clearly marked yard line across the width of the field. Have him strike the ball with the goal of having the ball land inside of five yards or closer from the original line. Chart the kicks to see how many accurate strikes were done and how many went wide of his landmark (See Diagram 8).
Diagram 8. Width of Field Drill Height Drill I learned this drill from a Minnesota Viking’s scout that I worked out for many years ago. Place the ball in the end zone five yards from the crossbar. Have the kicker take his placekicking steps and strike the ball with the goal of clearing the crossbar. If the ball clears the cross bar cleanly, his PAT/FG attempt should almost never be blocked if the placement is done in a timely fashion. In the college ranks, we have all placements from snap to kick at or under 1.3 seconds. If the ball strikes the upright and goes over, or hits the crossbar and projects back, the ball was struck relatively well. If the ball goes under the bar, this line drive kick has a strong possibility of being blocked. If the place kicker is missing the sweet spot of the ball, mark the kicking ball with a colored dot. The sweet spot of the ball is just under the middle of the ball. Chart the kicks to see how many accurate strikes were done and how many sailed low of his landmark (See Diagram 9).
Diagram 9. Height Drill Game of Pig or Horse If a kicker is able to work with another kicker, this game is great for practice, competition and a little
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