Can you do an onside punt?

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.

Has any NFL team ever started the game with an onside kick?

No team has ever tried an onside kick to open overtime and the fact that an onside kick is so unlikely means it just might work. For example, in Super Bowl XLIV, the New Orleans Saints shocked both the Colts and the entire football world when they started the second half with an onside kick.

What is an illegal punt?

Illegal touching will occur on a scrimmage kick (punt) if the kicking team is the first to touch the ball after it has crossed the LOS. It should be marked with a beanbag if the ball continues in play. That is why the kicking team tries to bat it back before it breaks the plane.

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 are onside kicks legal?

The reason for an onside kick is for the kicking team to be able to recover the football. That is the only reason for an onside kick. The receiving team has to take possession of the football otherwise the kicking team recovers and can possibly run it in for a touchdown or start from spot of recovery with a first down.

Can receiving team touch onside kick?

Yes, once the ball goes 10 yards or is touched by the receiving team before it reaches 10 yards, it is a live ball. Much like a muffed punt return, the ball can then be recovered but not advanced. Which is why, as a kicker in high school and college we had a few onside kicks that we recovered because of this rule.

How many is onside?

The new onside kick rule prevents the kicking team from placing people on one side of the line at the kickoff. Their lineup will consist of five players standing on either side of the kicker.

Can you punt to yourself?

Yes, when punting the punter himself as well as any of his teammates have the option to catch the ball. Though when a punt is caught by the punting team they do not remain in possession of the ball.

Why is there a punt after a safety?

Teams can elect to take their free kick without the use of a tee after a safety (unlike after a TD, FG or start of the half/overtime). Punts, in general, have much better net yardage, which is why teams elect to punt. The average punt return is around 5 yards while the average kick return is around 20.

Can the receiving team touch the ball before 10 yards?

Yes, once the ball goes 10 yards or is touched by the receiving team before it reaches 10 yards, it is a live ball. Much like a muffed punt return, the ball can then be recovered but not advanced.

Can you return an onside kick in the NFL?

The kick must be a free kick (a kickoff, or free kick after a safety; in high school football, but not the NFL, the rare fair catch kick can also be recovered onside). The kicking team may only recover and retain possession of the kicked ball, but not advance it.