---
slug: kicker
title: Kicker
depth_tier: entry
side: SPECIAL TEAMS
category: Personnel
source_id: "POS-0020"
created: 2026-04-12
updated: 2026-04-19
canonical: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/kicker
---
# Kicker

## Short Definition

The specialist handling field goals, extra points, and kickoffs—conversion rate and reliable range directly shape fourth-down coaching decisions.

## Definition

The kicker is the specialist responsible for field goals, extra points, and kickoffs. On field goals and extra points he works with the long snapper and holder, receiving the snap and placing the kick on the holder's spot. On kickoffs he delivers the ball from a tee and aims to control both distance and placement.

Kickers are among the most precise athletes in football. A kicker who converts 90% of field goal attempts inside 50 yards and 70% from 50-plus contributes consistent scoring that compounds over a season. A kicker who misses attempts inside 45 yards costs points in games decided by three.

Range has expanded dramatically in the modern game. NFL kickers routinely attempt 60-yard field goals; 55-yard attempts carry high expectations. A kicker's reliable range—the distance inside which the coaching staff expects high conversion—shapes fourth-down decision-making across an entire field.

## Example

"Fourth and three at the 37. Fifty-four yard attempt. Coaching staff looks at the kicker—he's converted three of four from beyond 50 this season. Field goal unit out. Snap, hold, kick—good. Three points. The kicker just made a fourth-and-three decision for the offense."

## Common Confusion

Kicker and placekicker are the same position. The term punter is sometimes mistakenly used for kicker—they're separate specialists. The kicker handles field goals, extra points, and kickoffs; the punter handles only punts. Some teams use the same player for both, but at the professional level they are almost always separate specialists.

## Related

- field-goal
- special-teams
- punt
- punter
- long-snapper
- touchback

---
Source: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/kicker