The drop kick, a rare but intriguing play in American football, has captivated fans and players alike with its unique blend of skill and strategy. Though seldom seen on the field, recent seasons have showcased notable instances where kickers employed this technique to great effect.
From Stephen Gostkowski’s onside drop kick against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011 to Michael Dickson’s versatile use in the 2018 Seattle Seahawks season, the drop kick continues to surprise and excite.
In 2019, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker added to the drop kick’s lore with a high-stakes attempt against the Kansas City Chiefs. While his kick was later deemed illegal, it highlighted the strategic depth and precision required for successful execution.
As American football evolves, the drop kick remains a fascinating, albeit underutilized, weapon in a kicker’s arsenal.
History of the Drop Kick in American Football
The drop kick, while rare today, has a storied past in American football. Its origins and eventual decline offer a unique perspective on this fascinating technique.
Origins and Early Use
The drop kick traces back to the early days of American football in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Players frequently used it to score field goals and extra points. During this period, the football’s rounder shape made the drop kick more effective.
Notable early uses include the 1920s and 1930s when it was a common sight in games. In 1941, Chicago Bears’ quarterback Ray “Scooter” McLean executed one of the last prominent drop kicks before the technique began to decline.
Decline in Popularity
Entering the mid-20th century, the drop kick’s prominence waned. Modern football designs, which featured a more elongated shape, made the technique less reliable. Coaches and players began favoring placekicks for their consistency and accuracy.
The result was a rapid decline in the use of drop kicks during regular play. Since 1941, the NFL saw only one successful drop kick for points, executed by Doug Flutie in 2006.
This decline highlights the evolving strategies and technologies in American football that rendered the drop kick nearly obsolete.
The Drop Kick Explained
The drop kick in American football involves a player dropping the ball and kicking it as it touches the ground. It’s considered complex and requires precise timing and skill.
How a Drop Kick Is Performed
A drop kick starts when the player holds the ball at about waist height. They drop it towards the ground and kick it just as it bounces up. This requires accurate timing, making it harder than a place kick or a punt.
Rules Governing Drop Kicks
In the NFL, a drop kick is still legal for field goals and extra points. However, it’s rarely used due to its high difficulty. In Canadian football, no restrictions exist on when a drop kick can be attempted, providing more opportunities within games.
Penalties for an illegal drop kick include a loss of five yards, ensuring the practice remains within strict guidelines.
Famous Drop Kicks in NFL History
Throughout NFL history, several drop kicks have left a mark due to their rarity and the skill required to execute them successfully.
Notable Games and Players
One of the most famous drop kicks in NFL history was executed by Doug Flutie in the 2006 season for the New England Patriots, the first successful drop kick since the 1940s. Ray “Scooter” McLean was notable in the 1940s for his proficiency with the technique.
In Week 14 of the 2022 season, a New York Giants punter inadvertently performed a drop kick, bringing attention back to this rare play. These instances underscore the historical significance and excitement of the drop kick in the NFL, highlighting the skill and precision required.
The Drop Kick in Modern NFL
The drop kick remains a rare sight in today’s NFL, but it hasn’t disappeared. Modern instances, though infrequent, continue to highlight the skill required for this play.
Recent Attempts and Successes
Doug Flutie’s drop kick in 2006, playing for the New England Patriots, marked the NFL’s first successful attempt in over six decades and was his final play at age 43.
In the 2022 season, a notable incident occurred when the New York Giants punter unintentionally executed a drop kick in Week 14, resulting in advantageous field position for the Philadelphia Eagles, highlighting the rarity and potential impact of the drop kick in modern football.
Comparison with Other Kicking Techniques
The drop kick remains a rare yet fascinating element in American football. To understand its unique role, let’s compare it with other common kicking techniques.
Drop Kick vs. Placekicking
Drop kicking involves releasing the ball and kicking it as it bounces off the ground. Placekicking, on the other hand, uses a stationary ball held by a holder or placed on a tee. This method is the standard for field goals and extra points due to its consistency and precision.
The drop kick, though less accurate, offers flexibility and can be executed quickly without the need for a holder.
Strategic Use in Games
While placekicking is the go-to technique for most scoring plays, the drop kick can be strategically advantageous under specific circumstances. For instance, teams might use it during windy conditions when controlling the ball seems challenging.
Its ability to score points in a snap without setup time makes it an intriguing option in surprise plays or last-second situations. Although rare, its successful use can change game momentum, as evidenced by Doug Flutie’s 2006 drop kick for the New England Patriots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the drop kick still legal in the NFL?
Yes, the drop kick is still legal in the NFL for field goals and extra points. Notable examples include Doug Flutie’s successful drop kick in 2006.
Can drop kicks be used in Canadian football?
Yes, drop kicks are allowed in Canadian football and have fewer restrictions compared to American football.
Who was the most recent NFL player to successfully execute a drop kick?
Doug Flutie successfully executed a drop kick in 2006 during an NFL game, which was the most recent well-known successful attempt.
How did the drop kick originate in American football?
The drop kick originated in the early days of American football and was a common way to score field goals and extra points before the advent of more specialized kicking techniques.
What was significant about Ray “Scooter” McLean’s drop kick in the 1940s?
Ray “Scooter” McLean’s drop kick in the 1940s is notable for being one of the last successful drop kicks before the technique fell out of common use in American football.
Conclusion
The drop kick remains a fascinating yet underutilized tool in American football, celebrated for its rich history and sporadic modern appearances. Despite its rarity, the drop kick’s ability to surprise and adapt to difficult conditions keeps it relevant and appreciated.
As the NFL evolves, the drop kick serves as a reminder of the sport’s diverse and dynamic nature. Coaches and players study its mechanics to potentially leverage it in critical moments, adding unpredictability and nostalgia that could captivate fans.
With proper training and strategic planning, teams might reintroduce the drop kick, offering a fresh yet historic twist to contemporary football. Reviving this technique could add a unique flair to the game, captivating audiences and challenging defenses.
As coaching staff increasingly explore unconventional plays, the drop kick may find a new place in modern playbooks.
Ashley Hopkinson