NFL Long Field Goals: What's Behind The Rise?

Meta: Discover why NFL long field goals are becoming more common. Explore the factors behind this trend, from training to rule changes.

Introduction

The increasing frequency of NFL long field goals has become a major talking point in recent years. What was once a rarity is now almost commonplace, with kickers routinely attempting and making field goals from 50 yards and beyond. This trend isn't accidental; it's the culmination of several factors that have reshaped the kicking game in professional football. Let's explore the reasons behind the rise in long-distance kicking and what it means for the future of the sport.

The Evolution of Kicker Training

One of the primary drivers behind the increase in successful NFL long field goals is the specialized training that kickers now undergo. Gone are the days when kickers were simply converted soccer players or afterthoughts on the roster. Today's kickers are highly trained athletes who dedicate themselves to honing their craft, utilizing advanced techniques and technology to maximize their range and accuracy.

This specialized training includes:

• Strength and Conditioning: Modern kickers focus on building lower body strength and core stability, crucial for generating power and maintaining balance throughout the kicking motion. They utilize targeted exercises to develop the specific muscles used in kicking, leading to increased leg speed and force.
• Technique Refinement: Kicking technique has become a science, with coaches and specialists analyzing every aspect of a kicker's motion. Video analysis, biomechanical assessments, and personalized drills help kickers optimize their form, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
• Mental Preparation: The mental aspect of kicking is just as important as the physical. Kickers work with sports psychologists to develop mental toughness, handle pressure situations, and maintain focus in the face of distractions. Visualization techniques, breathing exercises, and positive self-talk are common tools used to enhance mental performance.
• Specialized Coaching: There are now dedicated kicking coaches at the professional, collegiate, and even high school levels. These coaches possess in-depth knowledge of kicking mechanics and training methodologies, providing kickers with expert guidance and feedback. Many kickers also seek out private coaching from renowned kicking specialists to further refine their skills.

This enhanced training regimen has led to a new generation of kickers who are stronger, more technically proficient, and mentally prepared than their predecessors. As a result, they are capable of consistently making long field goals that were once considered improbable.

The Impact of Rule Changes on Field Goal Attempts

Rule changes implemented by the NFL have also significantly influenced the increase in long field goal attempts. Several adjustments to the rules, particularly those concerning kickoff placement and touchbacks, have indirectly created more opportunities for long-distance kicks.

• Kickoff Rule Changes: The NFL has made several adjustments to kickoff rules over the years, primarily aimed at improving player safety. Moving the kickoff spot closer to the kicking team's own goal line, coupled with incentives for touchbacks, has led to more touchbacks and fewer kick returns. This, in turn, often results in offenses starting their drives deeper in their own territory, increasing the likelihood of facing fourth-down situations where a long field goal attempt is the most viable option.
• Touchback Placement: The decision to move the touchback spot to the 25-yard line has had a ripple effect on field position. When a kickoff goes through the end zone or is downed in the end zone, the receiving team automatically starts its drive at the 25-yard line. This seemingly small change in field position can be crucial, especially late in games when teams are more willing to attempt longer field goals rather than risk punting and giving up better field position to the opposition.
• Emphasis on Player Safety: The NFL's increased emphasis on player safety has also contributed indirectly. Penalties for unnecessary roughness and other infractions can shift field position, sometimes putting teams in situations where a long field goal attempt becomes more appealing than risking a punt or going for it on fourth down.

These rule changes, while intended to enhance player safety and the overall flow of the game, have inadvertently created an environment where long field goals are a more strategic and necessary part of the offensive game plan. Teams are now more willing to trust their kickers from greater distances, knowing that the potential reward outweighs the risk.

The Role of Improved Kicking Technology

Another critical factor driving the rise in successful NFL long field goals is the advancements in kicking technology. Modern kicking equipment and tools provide kickers with greater consistency, accuracy, and power, enabling them to confidently attempt kicks from distances that were once considered beyond their range.

• Footballs: The design and construction of NFL footballs have evolved over time, contributing to increased kicking distances. Subtle changes in the leather, laces, and inflation levels can affect the ball's trajectory and flight characteristics. Kickers often work closely with equipment managers to ensure that the footballs are properly prepared and suited to their kicking style.
• Kicking Shoes: Modern kicking shoes are designed to optimize the transfer of energy from the kicker's foot to the ball. They often feature a wider kicking surface and reinforced construction to provide stability and power. Kickers meticulously select their shoes and may even customize them to suit their individual preferences.
• Field Conditions: The quality of playing surfaces has also improved significantly. Modern artificial turf fields provide a consistent and predictable surface for kicking, reducing the risk of uneven bounces or unpredictable footing. NFL teams invest heavily in maintaining their fields to ensure optimal playing conditions for their kickers.
• Data Analysis Tools: Kickers now have access to sophisticated data analysis tools that help them track their performance and identify areas for improvement. Motion capture technology, video analysis software, and specialized kicking analytics platforms provide valuable insights into kicking mechanics, ball flight, and other critical parameters.

These technological advancements, combined with improved training techniques, have empowered kickers to push the boundaries of kicking distance and accuracy. The result is a generation of specialists who are capable of consistently making long field goals under pressure.

The Strategic Shift Towards Longer Field Goal Attempts

NFL teams are increasingly willing to attempt longer field goals due to a strategic shift in coaching philosophies and risk-reward assessments. Coaches are now more confident in their kickers' ability to convert from distance, making long field goal attempts a more viable option in various game situations.

• Fourth-Down Decision-Making: The traditional wisdom of punting on fourth down has been challenged by data-driven analysis. Many coaches now use analytics to evaluate the expected value of different fourth-down scenarios, including going for it, punting, or attempting a field goal. These analyses often reveal that attempting a long field goal is the optimal choice, especially when the potential reward of three points outweighs the risk of turning the ball over to the opponent.
• Trust in Kickers: As kickers have become more proficient from distance, coaches have developed greater trust in their abilities. This trust allows coaches to make more aggressive decisions, such as attempting a field goal from beyond 50 yards rather than punting or going for it on fourth down.
• Situational Football: Late in close games, the value of three points becomes magnified. A successful long field goal can tie the game, give a team the lead, or extend a lead to a more comfortable margin. Coaches are therefore more willing to gamble on a long-distance kick when the stakes are high.
• Field Position Considerations: Even if a long field goal attempt is unsuccessful, it can still be a worthwhile gamble if it pins the opponent deep in their own territory. A missed kick from beyond 50 yards typically results in the opposing team starting its drive inside its own 30-yard line, providing a significant defensive advantage.

This strategic shift towards longer attempts is a testament to the evolving nature of the kicking game in the NFL. Coaches are now viewing kickers as valuable offensive weapons who can consistently deliver points from a distance.

Conclusion

The rise of NFL long field goals is a multifaceted trend driven by a combination of factors, including specialized training, rule changes, improved technology, and strategic shifts in coaching. Kickers are now stronger, more skilled, and better equipped than ever before, allowing them to consistently make kicks from distances that were once considered improbable. As the game continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see even more long-distance attempts in the future.

To continue learning about the NFL, consider exploring resources such as the official NFL website or reputable sports news outlets for ongoing analysis and insights into the game's evolution.

FAQ

Why are NFL kickers making longer field goals now?

NFL kickers are making longer field goals now due to a combination of factors. These include advancements in training techniques and equipment, changes in NFL rules that affect field position, and a strategic shift among coaches to trust their kickers from greater distances. Modern kickers benefit from specialized training regimens that focus on strength, technique, and mental preparation.

How have rule changes impacted long field goal attempts?

Rule changes, particularly those related to kickoffs and touchbacks, have indirectly increased the number of long field goal attempts. Changes in kickoff placement and touchback rules have resulted in more drives starting deeper in a team's own territory. This often leads to situations where a long field goal attempt is the most advantageous option on fourth down, rather than punting or attempting to convert for a first down.

What kind of training do NFL kickers undergo?

NFL kickers undergo rigorous training programs that encompass physical conditioning, technique refinement, and mental preparation. They focus on building lower body strength and core stability, essential for generating power and maintaining balance. Kickers also work on honing their technique through video analysis, biomechanical assessments, and personalized drills. Mental training, including visualization and stress management techniques, is crucial for performing under pressure.