In the ever-evolving world of football, coaches, players, and fans alike have witnessed a significant shift in kicking styles over the years. Gone are the days of straight-on kickers, who once dominated the gridiron with their precision and power. Today, it’s rare to find a kicker who doesn’t employ a soccer-style approach, with the laces facing away from the target. So, what’s behind the disappearance of this traditional kicking technique? Let’s delve into the world of football history, biomechanics, and training methods to uncover the reasons behind the decline of straight-on kicking.
The Golden Age of Straight-On Kicking
The 1960s and 1970s are often referred to as the “Golden Age” of kicking in the NFL. During this period, some of the most iconic kickers in history, such as George Blanda, Lou Groza, and Jim Turner, made their mark on the game. These legendary straight-on kickers boasted incredible accuracy, with some achieving success rates above 60%. Blanda, in particular, holds the record for most consecutive field goals made (23) and was known for his uncanny ability to split the uprights from anywhere on the field.
So, what made these straight-on kickers so successful? For one, they possessed exceptional strength, technique, and mental toughness. They also had to contend with less advanced equipment, as the modern, lighter, and more aerodynamic footballs didn’t exist yet. Additionally, the kicking styles of the time were often more nuanced, with kickers using a variety of techniques, including the “straight-on” approach, to adapt to different game situations.
The Rise of Soccer-Style Kicking
The 1980s marked a significant shift in kicking styles, as soccer-trained kickers began to transition to the NFL. Players like Eddie Murray, a Canadian soccer player, and Matt Bahr, a collegiate soccer star, brought their soccer-style kicking techniques to the gridiron. This new approach involved kicking the ball with the laces facing away from the target, allowing for more power and control.
The soccer-style kickers’ success was undeniable, with many achieving impressive accuracy and distance. Coaches and teams took notice, and soon, the straight-on kicking technique was being phased out in favor of the soccer-style approach. The reasons for this shift were multifaceted:
- Increased distance: Soccer-style kicking allowed for more power and, consequently, longer kicks.
- Improved accuracy: The soccer-style technique enabled kickers to maintain better control over the ball’s trajectory.
- Adaptability: Soccer-trained kickers were more accustomed to kicking with both feet, making them more versatile and valuable to teams.
The Science Behind Kicking Styles
To understand the decline of straight-on kicking, it’s essential to examine the biomechanics of each technique.
Straight-On Kicking Mechanics
Straight-on kicking involves a more linear approach, where the kicker’s plant foot is aligned with the target. This technique requires:
- A more vertical striking motion, generating force through the leg and hip.
- A higher hip angle, which can lead to a more upright posture and reduced power.
- A greater emphasis on ankle strength and flexibility, as the ankle joint absorbs the impact of the ball.
The straight-on technique is often associated with a more “muscular” kicking style, relying on brute strength to generate power.
Soccer-Style Kicking Mechanics
In contrast, soccer-style kicking involves a more rotational approach, where the kicker’s plant foot is angled away from the target. This technique requires:
- A more horizontal striking motion, generating force through the hip and core.
- A lower hip angle, which allows for a more efficient transfer of power from the ground to the ball.
- A greater emphasis on core strength, hip flexibility, and proper leg rotation.
The soccer-style technique is often characterized by a more “efficient” kicking style, relying on technique and body rotation to generate power.
The Modern Kicking Landscape
Today’s kickers are largely soccer-trained, and the straight-on technique has become an anomaly in the NFL. Coaches and trainers often cite the following reasons for the decline of straight-on kicking:
- Lack of exposure: With the rise of soccer-style kicking, fewer coaches and trainers are familiar with the straight-on technique, making it less accessible to young kickers.
- Technique limitations: Straight-on kicking is often seen as more restrictive, limiting a kicker’s ability to adapt to different game situations and distances.
- Injury concerns: The straight-on technique is believed to put more stress on the ankle and leg, potentially leading to injuries.
However, some argue that the straight-on technique is not dead yet, and there are still benefits to be gained from mastering this traditional approach.
The Revival of Straight-On Kicking?
While rare, there are still instances of straight-on kickers in the NFL and collegiate football. Some coaches and trainers are rediscovering the value of the straight-on technique, particularly in certain game situations:
- Short-range kicking: Straight-on kickers often excel at shorter distances (e.g., 20-30 yards), where accuracy is paramount.
- Tight spaces: The straight-on technique can be advantageous in tight spaces, such as indoor stadiums or narrow goalposts.
Additionally, some soccer-style kickers are incorporating elements of the straight-on technique into their repertoire, creating a hybrid approach that leverages the strengths of both styles.
The Future of Kicking styles
As the game of football continues to evolve, it’s likely that kicking styles will continue to adapt and merge. Coaches, trainers, and kickers will need to stay flexible and open to new techniques, while also honoring the traditions of the past.
While the straight-on kicking technique may not be as prevalent as it once was, it’s clear that there’s still a place for it in modern football. By embracing the strengths of both soccer-style and straight-on kicking, the next generation of kickers can develop a more comprehensive skillset, better equipped to tackle the challenges of the game.
| Kicking Style | Characteristics | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight-On Kicking | Linear approach, vertical striking motion, high hip angle | Accuracy, control, versatility | Limited distance, ankle stress, injury concerns |
| Soccer-Style Kicking | Rotational approach, horizontal striking motion, low hip angle | Power, distance, adaptability | Limited control, less accurate at shorter ranges |
In conclusion, the decline of straight-on kicking can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the rise of soccer-style kicking, changes in coaching and training methods, and the perceived limitations of the straight-on technique. However, as the game of football continues to evolve, it’s essential to recognize the value of both kicking styles and to encourage a more inclusive, hybrid approach that leverages the strengths of each.
What is Straight-On Kicking?
Straight-on kicking refers to a style of kicking in football where the kicker approaches the ball directly, without any angle or sidestep, and strikes it with the laces of the shoe. This technique was popular in the early days of American football, but its use declined over the years.
In traditional straight-on kicking, the kicker would start their approach from directly behind the ball, taking a series of short, choppy steps before making contact with the ball. This style of kicking required a great deal of strength, power, and accuracy, making it a highly respected skill among football players.
Why Did Straight-On Kicking Disappear?
The decline of straight-on kicking can be attributed to the introduction of the soccer-style kicking technique in the 1960s. This new style, which involved approaching the ball at an angle and striking it with the side of the foot, proved to be more accurate and consistent than traditional straight-on kicking.
As the soccer-style kicking technique gained popularity, more and more kickers began to adopt it, leading to a decline in the use of straight-on kicking. Additionally, rule changes in the game, such as the introduction of the kicking tee, also contributed to the decline of straight-on kicking.
What Are the Key Differences Between Straight-On Kicking and Soccer-Style Kicking?
The main difference between straight-on kicking and soccer-style kicking is the approach and striking technique used. In straight-on kicking, the kicker approaches the ball directly and strikes it with the laces, while in soccer-style kicking, the kicker approaches the ball at an angle and strikes it with the side of the foot.
Another key difference is the type of kick used. Straight-on kicking is typically used for longer kicks, such as field goals and kickoffs, while soccer-style kicking is often used for shorter kicks, such as extra points and short field goals.
Is Straight-On Kicking Still Used Today?
While straight-on kicking is no longer a dominant technique in modern football, it is still used by some kickers today. A few kickers have experimented with the technique, often incorporating elements of both straight-on and soccer-style kicking into their approach.
However, the majority of kickers in professional and collegiate football have abandoned the traditional straight-on kicking technique in favor of the more modern soccer-style approach. This is largely due to the increased accuracy and consistency offered by the soccer-style technique.
Can Straight-On Kicking Be Revived?
There is a growing interest in reviving the art of straight-on kicking, particularly among coaches and players who appreciate the unique skills and techniques involved. With the right training and practice, it is possible for kickers to master the traditional straight-on kicking technique.
However, for straight-on kicking to make a comeback, it would require a significant shift in the way kicking is approached in football. Coaches and players would need to be willing to adapt their training methods and techniques to accommodate the demands of straight-on kicking.
What Are the Benefits of Straight-On Kicking?
One of the primary benefits of straight-on kicking is the added power and distance it can provide. Because the kicker is striking the ball directly with the laces, they are able to generate more force and velocity behind the kick.
Additionally, straight-on kicking can be more effective in certain situations, such as when kicking into a strong wind or from a longer distance. The technique also requires a high level of strength, power, and accuracy, making it a valuable skill for kickers to possess.
Can Straight-On Kicking Be Applied to Other Sports?
While straight-on kicking is primarily associated with American football, the technique can be applied to other sports that involve kicking, such as rugby and soccer. In fact, some rugby players have been known to use a modified version of straight-on kicking for kickoffs and conversions.
The principles of straight-on kicking, including the emphasis on strength, power, and accuracy, can be adapted to other sports that require kicking. With the right training and practice, athletes from various sports can benefit from the unique skills and techniques involved in traditional straight-on kicking.