Is an onside punt legal?
Originally Answered: can a fair catch be called on an onside kick ? Yes, if the ball does not hit the ground. Once the ball hits the ground no more fair catch can be called–Rule 4. That is why most of the onside kicks are first kicked into the ground, for the ball to bounce up.
What are the rules for an onside kick in the NFL?
The kick must cross the receiving team’s restraining line (normally 10 yards in front of the kicking team’s line), unless the receiving team touches the ball before that line. The kicking team may only recover and retain possession of the kicked ball, but not advance it.
What is the purpose of an onside kick?
The kicking team executes the onside kick with the intention of obtaining possession of the football. An onside kick can be used at any time to create a big play, but usually these kicks are employed when the game is on the line and the kicking team desperately needs the ball in the hands of its offense.
Can you onside kick a safety punt?
Can a team attempt an onside kick as a safety kick? Yes. The rules are just the same as any free kick. The ball must travel 10 yards before being touched by the kicking team.
Why do they punt after a safety?
When the team is caught in his own goal zone then they fell in a safety, meaning that they did not achieve their objetctive of moving the ball to the other side, meaning their offensive is over and they have to punt the ball to allow the other team to begin its offensive.
Does receiving team have to wait for ball to go 10 yards?
The receiving team must line up a minimum of 10 yards from where the ball is kicked. Members of the kicking team can recover the ball after the kick travels 10 yards or the ball touches an opponent. If the kicked ball goes out of bounds before traveling 10 yards, the kicking team is penalized 5 yards and must rekick.
Can you fair catch a ball that hits the ground?
The player who signaled for a fair catch must have a reasonable opportunity to catch the muffed ball before it hits the ground without interference by members of the kicking team, and regardless of whether the ball strikes another player or an official.
Can you hit a punt returner before he catches the ball?
From the playing rules, player attempting to catch a punt must be given the opportunity to do so. A player on the kicking team who tackles, bumps or otherwise interferes with the returner before the ball is caught will be penalized.