New Kickoff Rules Flashcards
Where does the kicker kickoff from?
The 35 yard line
Where is the “kickoff start line”? Where the kickoff team lines up?
The recieving teams 40 yard line, just 5 yards away from the recieving teams front line of blockers.
What is the point of these rule changes?
To incentivize kickoff returns which happened on only 22% of kickoffs last year.
When can the front lines of the kickoff and return teams start moving?
Only once the ball has been touched by the returner.
What is the recieving teams goal line to the 20 yard line called on kickoffs now?
The end zone to the 20 yard line is known as “The landing zone”
What is the rule if a returner catches the ball in the landing zone?
If the ball is caught by a returner in the landing zone, it must be returned. There are no more fair catches.
What happens if the kick doesn’t reach the landing zone?
If the kick doesn’t reach the landing zone the ball is placed on the 40 yard line.
What happens if the kick flies out of the end zone or is caught and downed in the end zone?
If the kick flies out of the end zone or is caught and downed in the end zone, the ball is placed at the 35 yard line.
What happens if the kickoff lands in the Landing zone but rolls into the end zone and is downed or rolls out of the back of the end zone?
If the ball lands in the landing zone but rolls into the enzone and is downed or rolls out, The ball is then placed on the 20 yard line
What about onside kicks?
Under the new rule, onside kicks will only be allowed in the fourth quarter, and only if a team is trailing. Also, the team that wants to attempt the onside kick will have to “declare” that it’s trying it. This will eliminate the surprise onside kick.
Can the ball be returned from the end zone?
The ball can still be returned if it rolls to the end zone or kicked to the end zone through the air.
The lines can first move when the ball is caught/touched by a returner or…
Hits the ground in the landing zone.
What is the Setup zone?
Setup Zone – a 5-yard area from the B35 to the B30 yard line where at least 9 receiving team players must line up.
