Give the kicker a repeatable picture
For a basic punt, the player begins balanced, holds the ball in two hands, and points one end towards the kicking foot. The ball is dropped onto the foot rather than thrown upwards. The non-kicking foot steps towards the target, contact is made with the top of the foot, and the kicking leg follows through towards the target. For a first session, accuracy and a controlled flight matter more than trying to kick as far as possible.
- Start from a balanced position and choose a clear target.
- Hold the ball in two hands with one point aimed towards the kicking foot.
- Drop the ball onto the foot while staying tall rather than tossing it into the air.
- Place the non-kicking foot in line with the target.
- Contact the point of the ball with the top of the foot and follow through towards the target.
Give the catcher a safe first job
The receiver calls that they are taking the ball, moves underneath its path, and keeps watching it. For this grounded version, the receiver moves forward into a strong, stable stance, extends the arms towards the ball with the elbows close, and watches the ball into the hands, arms, and body. Do not add a competing player or ask the receiver to jump in this beginner session.
Build control before pressure
Rehearse the drop
Feel
Without kicking for distance, let players practise holding the ball, choosing the target, and dropping it towards the kicking foot. The coach watches balance and the path of the ball.
Kick to a clear target
Control
In separate lanes, players punt towards a marked area or a ready partner. Keep the flight comfortable enough for the receiver to remain on the ground.
Move under the ball
Receive
The receiver calls, tracks the flight, moves into a stable stance, reaches towards the ball, and watches it safely into the body. Return the ball only when the lane is clear.
Choose kick or carry
Decide
Finish with a non-contact activity in which the ball carrier can carry, pass, or kick into open space. Keep catches uncontested and reset whenever the kicking lane is not clear.
What the coach should watch
| Skill moment | Look for | Simple prompt |
|---|---|---|
| Ball drop | The ball travels cleanly from the hands towards the foot | Drop it, do not throw it |
| Foot contact | The player stays balanced and follows through at the target | Finish towards the target |
| Catch approach | The receiver communicates and moves under the ball | Call, then move |
| Ball secure | Eyes stay on the ball as the arms bring it into the body | Watch it all the way in |
Adjust without turning it into a contest
- Make the kick easier to receive by reducing the force, shortening the lane, or using a larger target area.
- Make the task harder by changing the target or asking the receiver to move before the kick, while keeping the catch grounded and uncontested.
- If the ball drop moves away from the foot, remove the receiver and rebuild the hold, target, and drop.
- If catches break down, make the flight simpler and restore the receiver's call, movement, and stable stance.
Finish with control, not distance
Ask kickers what made the ball flight predictable and ask receivers what helped them arrive under the ball early. The answers should point back to balance, target, drop, communication, movement, and watching the ball. Choose one of those pictures for the next session. A longer kick is not progress if the receiver loses the chance to practise a safe, controlled catch.