---
slug: kickoff
title: Kickoff
depth_tier: entry
side: UNIVERSAL
category: Rules
source_id: "GEN-0004"
created: 2026-04-12
updated: 2026-04-19
canonical: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/kickoff
---
# Kickoff

## Short Definition

A free kick starting each half and following every score—the kicking team tries to pin deep while the receiving team maximizes field position on the return.

## Definition

The kickoff starts each half and follows every score. The kicking team lines up at its own 35-yard line in the NFL—40 in college—and kicks the ball downfield. The receiving team fields the kick and attempts to return it as far as possible. Where the return ends is the offense's starting field position.

Modern strategy has pushed most kickoffs deep into or through the end zone for touchbacks. The return is dangerous—the returner is often the fastest player on the field—and a clean return can flip 20+ yards of field position. A touchback gives the receiving team the ball at the 25-yard line; a kick returned from the end zone to the 35 costs the kicking team 10 yards of field position.

Kick coverage is the complement to the kick itself. The coverage unit races downfield at the kick to eliminate the return lane and tackle the returner as early as possible. Kick coverage technique—avoiding blocks, maintaining lanes, converging on the returner from multiple angles—determines where the return ends.

The onside kick is a short intentional kick giving the kicking team a chance to recover possession. It must travel 10 yards before the kicking team can legally recover. Surprise onside kicks and conventional onside kicks in desperation situations are among the highest-leverage plays in football.

## Example

"Ball kicked to the six-yard line—returner takes it out of the end zone. Weaves through the coverage, hits the 32. Twenty-six yard return. The offense starts at the 32 instead of the 25. That 7-yard field position difference compounds across a full game."

## Common Confusion

Touchbacks on kickoffs and punts operate differently. An NFL kickoff touchback spots the ball at the 25-yard line. A punt touchback spots it at the 20. A kickoff out of bounds before being touched gives the receiving team the ball at the 40-yard line or the spot of the kick, whichever is more advantageous—a significant penalty for the kicking team.

## Related

- punt
- fair-catch
- onside-kick
- touchback
- returner
- special-teams

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