Free Kick positioning

[jodibuck]

In our association, we use 5-person crews.  Our new Commissioner has the Umpire and Line Judge switching positions on free kicks.  In addition, he wants the LJ and HL to start as deep as possible, preferably at the goal line (plylon).  Is this a common change from NFHS mechanics that others are using?

[bossman72]

We typically don't do 5 man in our area, but the NFHS manual's 5 man mechanics always seemed dumb to me, unless they've changed it in recent years.  I'm referring to the image below.  Are your mechanics different?  I really haven't looked at a 5 man manual in at least 15 years.

The general concept you want is to have all 22 players in front of you.  Putting the officials on the goal line and restraining lines enables that.

For example, the HL on the 30.  He has a terrible cone of vision from there.  It forces everything to flash in front of you horizontally, which makes you catch things very late, as opposed to starting on the goal line where you can see the action develop from start to finish and nothing flashes in front of you.

[AlUpstateNY]

Actually, when limited to 5 man Crews, (Obviously larger crews afford more intense coverage) the above diagram describes effective coverage.

The BJ, with support from the U provide "front line coverage (False starts, lineup issues) short (onside) attempts, & the ability to move along the sidelines to observe play both prior to & after a kick is made and during any subsequent advance on either (both) sides of the field, including support to the Referee of any action should the ball penetrate the Goal line & subsequent action move towards either side line. The R is in position to observe the ball penetrating, or be carried into the EZ, and to follow any subsequent action towards either side line, with assistance from the L & LJ.
Should a "runback" occur, back into/up the field of play, the L,BJ and LJ,U will escort the action (continuing their spacing, observing action, with the R observing action from a following perspective.

Certainly, additional "eyes" would be helpful, but a "5 man Crew", where circumstances limit the coverage to 5,  has proven effective when competently executed.

[ilyazhito]

We typically don't do 5 man in our area, but the NFHS manual's 5 man mechanics always seemed dumb to me, unless they've changed it in recent years.  I'm referring to the image below.  Are your mechanics different?  I really haven't looked at a 5 man manual in at least 15 years.

The general concept you want is to have all 22 players in front of you.  Putting the officials on the goal line and restraining lines enables that.

For example, the HL on the 30.  He has a terrible cone of vision from there.  It forces everything to flash in front of you horizontally, which makes you catch things very late, as opposed to starting on the goal line where you can see the action develop from start to finish and nothing flashes in front of you.

I agree. Having the H and L near the goal line would give them time to wait for the blocks to form, for the returners to pass them, and allow them to track forward progress the same as on other plays. U and B will be in the middle of the field to clean up.

[bama_stripes]

We have H & L at the pylons. BJ has K’s restraining line, U has R’s restraining line.

[AlUpstateNY]

We have H & L at the pylons. BJ has K’s restraining line, U has R’s restraining line.

5 man crews, limits the sideline placement of coverage, whether it's sideline coverage at the 50YL and Goal Line, or at the 50YL and 30 YL 50YL  I've seen a lot of things happen somewhere BETWEEN the 50YL and  GL that being between those distant points aided the actual optimum coverage perspective.  Deep Kicks allow drifting between the 30 YL and GL in response to actual play especially when those kicks are directed towards either side line, to observe contacts between BOTH teams anticipating a kick landing spot or a kick going OOB.

Either alignment requires options for a crew to be alert for ill-directed, or intentional kicks along either/toward sideline, whereas (deeper) kicks toward the goal line seem to allow greater opportunity , and time, to provide the necessary  appropriate coverage adjustment.   

[bama_stripes]

I should also have pointed out that we have the authority to adjust H & L’s position if either or both teams are consistently “angle-kicking” to prevent a run back.

[Ralph Damren]

We typically don't do 5 man in our area, but the NFHS manual's 5 man mechanics always seemed dumb to me, unless they've changed it in recent years.  I'm referring to the image below.  Are your mechanics different?  I really haven't looked at a 5 man manual in at least 15 years.

The general concept you want is to have all 22 players in front of you.  Putting the officials on the goal line and restraining lines enables that.

For example, the HL on the 30.  He has a terrible cone of vision from there.  It forces everything to flash in front of you horizontally, which makes you catch things very late, as opposed to starting on the goal line where you can see the action develop from start to finish and nothing flashes in front of you.

We typically don't do 5 man in our area, but the NFHS manual's 5 man mechanics always seemed dumb to me, unless they've changed it in recent years.  I'm referring to the image below.  Are your mechanics different?  I really haven't looked at a 5 man manual in at least 15 years.

The general concept you want is to have all 22 players in front of you.  Putting the officials on the goal line and restraining lines enables that.

For example, the HL on the 30.  He has a terrible cone of vision from there.  It forces everything to flash in front of you horizontally, which makes you catch things very late, as opposed to starting on the goal line where you can see the action develop from start to finish and nothing flashes in front of you.

We have U @ R's 20 & LJ @ 50 per NFHS book. If an onside kick is probable wemove U to 50, bumping LJ to K's 40 and HL to 50. R plays centerfield @ R's 20. Seem to work.

[AlUpstateNY]

Flexibility based on intuition & experience, rational concept.

[ttown44]

We looked at some statistical data (50 free kicks across 8 divisions of football) and with the increase of squib kicks and onsides, we found that only 4% of free kicks broke the 20 yardline over the course of an entire season.  However, with the R and both wings on the goal line, we were putting 60% of our crew in an area that was only threatened 4% of the time.  Some of our crews have adjusted and put 2 on the receiving line, 1 on the kick, the U at about the 25 and the R on the goal line.  With NFHS rules, there isn't as much that could happen with touching as there is in NCAA.  If it breaks the goal line, it's dead whether or not its been touched.  You also need to take into account the athleticism of the crew.  In short, a little game planning in terms of film work each week goes a long way towards being in the best position.

[GoodScout]

We looked at some statistical data (50 free kicks across 8 divisions of football) and with the increase of squib kicks and onsides, we found that only 4% of free kicks broke the 20 yardline over the course of an entire season.  However, with the R and both wings on the goal line, we were putting 60% of our crew in an area that was only threatened 4% of the time.  Some of our crews have adjusted and put 2 on the receiving line, 1 on the kick, the U at about the 25 and the R on the goal line.  With NFHS rules, there isn't as much that could happen with touching as there is in NCAA.  If it breaks the goal line, it's dead whether or not its been touched.  You also need to take into account the athleticism of the crew.  In short, a little game planning in terms of film work each week goes a long way towards being in the best position.

This. In our area very few kickers can threaten the goal line every play with their kicks. Most of the fouls that occur take place either in the initial charge (which will be picked up by the BJ or U) or shortly afterwards where you have players angling to intercept the ball carrier and the likelihood of BSB's or BBW's are highest. I'd rather have the R misjudge whether a ball broke the plane of the EZ than miss a critical and potentially dangerous foul like that. I find most officials dead-set on putting 60% of the officials at the goal line are either college officials or wannabe college officials. 

[refjeff]

We have H & L at the pylons. BJ has K’s restraining line, U has R’s restraining line.

  Ohio is the same.  R is on the goalline, wings on the pylon.  If K can't kick it to the endzone the wings move up to the 10.

[bama_stripes]

This. In our area very few kickers can threaten the goal line every play with their kicks. Most of the fouls that occur take place either in the initial charge (which will be picked up by the BJ or U) or shortly afterwards where you have players angling to intercept the ball carrier and the likelihood of BSB's or BBW's are highest. I'd rather have the R misjudge whether a ball broke the plane of the EZ than miss a critical and potentially dangerous foul like that. I find most officials dead-set on putting 60% of the officials at the goal line are either college officials or wannabe college officials.

I’m going to try something different this season.  When I have my pregame with the coaches, I’m going to ask them whether they kick deep, or angle-kick.  If the latter, I’ll move my wings up to the 20.

[NVFOA_Ump]

Our most recent mechanics has the R at the goal line and wings opposite sidelines at about the 10 and 20 yard lines.  U on K's restraining line and B on R's restraining line.  We very rarely see kicks that make it to the EZ so this alignment gives us varied views of the approaching players.  Seems to work good for us.  Very much like Bossman's diagram in the post above.

[dammitbobby]

I’m going to try something different this season.  When I have my pregame with the coaches, I’m going to ask them whether they kick deep, or angle-kick.  If the latter, I’ll move my wings up to the 20.

Just my opinion - but if you're going to move them up, I would put them at no more than the 10 so they can retreat relatively quickly to the pylon if it headed that direction. I was a L for a playoff game last year where the R decided to move up the wings (typically on the GL) to to the 20-25, because they had a tendency to pooch kick - and, of course, they didn't. I had multiple kicks that while not booming, were deep enough and angled enough (so much that the right bounce could threaten the pylon) to the sideline that the returners let them go, thinking they would either go OOB or be a touchback, and of course, at least one of them died in the coffin corner. This is the worst possible scenario for the official on that particular side to be in if he is moved up - I had to turn my back to 20 to 21 players, to determine if it was going to be a KOB, or a touchback, or fielded and returned. It's not a good feeling when you are in this position and you can hear blocks occurring in the immediate vicinity behind you and you have no idea what is happening.

Again, JMO. I'd rather have to hoof it up from the pylon in a wind sprint every time than be in that situation again.

[AlUpstateNY]

Just my opinion - but if you're going to move them up, I would put them at no more than the 10 so they can retreat relatively quickly to the pylon if it headed that direction. I was a L for a playoff game last year where the R decided to move up the wings (typically on the GL) to to the 20-25, because they had a tendency to pooch kick - and, of course, they didn't. I had multiple kicks that while not booming, were deep enough and angled enough (so much that the right bounce could threaten the pylon) to the sideline that the returners let them go, thinking they would either go OOB or be a touchback, and of course, at least one of them died in the coffin corner. This is the worst possible scenario for the official on that particular side to be in if he is moved up - I had to turn my back to 20 to 21 players, to determine if it was going to be a KOB, or a touchback, or fielded and returned. It's not a good feeling when you are in this position and you can hear blocks occurring in the immediate vicinity behind you and you have no idea what is happening.

Again, JMO. I'd rather have to hoof it up from the pylon in a wind sprint every time than be in that situation again.

Sorry, but there is no "guarantee" about KOs at the NFHS level. The "deep wings" just have to keep both their eyes, and legs, on a swivel to drift up/down field as necessitated by EACH kick. It's extremely important to be vey much aware of who/what may be behind you prior to the KO whistle, and where they are in relation to the sideline.  When necessary, move people (players, students & COACHES) back BEFORE the kick so your movement, and attention, is not going to be impeded.

DO NOT SIGNAL "READY" UNTIL YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH YOUR SURROUNDINGS.  Flexibility is the key, as each KICK may determine in which direction you may need to adjust. THE AREA behind you IS WHERE YOU WILL RETREAT when the kick/ or subsequent play is toward your sideline, and YOU have to insure it's clear.

[dammitbobby]

Sorry, but there is no "guarantee" about KOs at the NFHS level. The "deep wings" just have to keep both their eyes, and legs, on a swivel to drift up/down field as necessitated by EACH kick. It's extremely important to be vey much aware of who/what may be behind you prior to the KO whistle, and where they are in relation to the sideline.  When necessary, move people (players, students & COACHES) back BEFORE the kick so your movement, and attention, is not going to be impeded.

DO NOT SIGNAL "READY" UNTIL YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH YOUR SURROUNDINGS.  Flexibility is the key, as each KICK may determine in which direction you may need to adjust. THE AREA behind you IS WHERE YOU WILL RETREAT when the kick/ or subsequent play is toward your sideline, and YOU have to insure it's clear.

What? 

At no point was I referencing players, coaches, anyone else not on the field; what you are describing is entirely irrelevant.

[AlUpstateNY]

Apologies Bobby, never having worked in Texas, I wasn't aware that "off-sideline" personnel (players, COACHES, spectators) were so consistently respectful of their positioning, at HS level football games levels (Varsity, JV, Freshman). You are very fortunate. 

That message may not be as consistently managed in NY, NJ  or Indiana (or elsewhere at the NFHS levels) and it's well worth the, slight, effort of casting a "quick glance" behind you, before signaling "Ready" to insure that EVERYONE is on the right page. Sometimes, a simple "ounce of caution can actually avoid pounds of cure."

[dammitbobby]

Again - what?

You are the only one referencing personnel off the field. No other part of this discussion involves making sure there is no one standing behind you where you, or they, may be injured. That's just common sense that anyone beyond their first year knows to do (or should), for safety.

[AlUpstateNY]

I'm not sure why YOU seem "hung up" on a simple & basic reminder to briefly, remember to "check behind you" to insure that unauthorized people (players, spectators, COACHES) may have UNINTENTIONALLY encroached on field level space BEHIND YOU prior to, or DURING, a KO. especially on kicks (or action) toward the sideline.  Individuals, whose presence you may have ignored, and be surprised by as you adjust your positioning backwards while properly focusing on play in front of you can be CATOSTROPIC.

Different fields, games, & different crowds offer different challenges, that simple & consistent awareness, & precaution, can eliminate.   






'

[dammitbobby]

ok, whatever... you do you.

[bossman72]

5 man crews, limits the sideline placement of coverage, whether it's sideline coverage at the 50YL and Goal Line, or at the 50YL and 30 YL 50YL  I've seen a lot of things happen somewhere BETWEEN the 50YL and  GL that being between those distant points aided the actual optimum coverage perspective.  Deep Kicks allow drifting between the 30 YL and GL in response to actual play especially when those kicks are directed towards either side line, to observe contacts between BOTH teams anticipating a kick landing spot or a kick going OOB.

Either alignment requires options for a crew to be alert for ill-directed, or intentional kicks along either/toward sideline, whereas (deeper) kicks toward the goal line seem to allow greater opportunity , and time, to provide the necessary  appropriate coverage adjustment.   

The NFHS version I posted is just silly.  Why is the HL on the 30?  If the kick goes to that pylon, he's screwed.  Even if the return happens, he's screwed because he has to move his head back and forth to watch the runner and blocking.

Starting on the goal line gives you an open view of everything.  You can adjust back and forth with the kick and see everything. 

[NVFOA_Ump]

The NFHS version I posted is just silly.  Why is the HL on the 30?  If the kick goes to that pylon, he's screwed.  Even if the return happens, he's screwed because he has to move his head back and forth to watch the runner and blocking.

Starting on the goal line gives you an open view of everything.  You can adjust back and forth with the kick and see everything.

Except that in my 26 years of doing HS football I've seen a grand total of 3 kickers who could regularly put the ball inside the 10 and only 1 that could consistently get it to the EZ.  And most games these days the KO "specialist" is trying to place the ball into a specific area and virtually no team is just booming the kick for distance.  We also adjust when needed for those VERY FEW kickers/teams who do consistently kick deep.

[bossman72]

Except that in my 26 years of doing HS football I've seen a grand total of 3 kickers who could regularly put the ball inside the 10 and only 1 that could consistently get it to the EZ.  And most games these days the KO "specialist" is trying to place the ball into a specific area and virtually no team is just booming the kick for distance.  We also adjust when needed for those VERY FEW kickers/teams who do consistently kick deep.

It's still bad positioning.  Nobody should be starting in front of the returners.  Keep all 22 in front of you.  With being on the 30... We can't look both down the field and up the field at the same time.  You have to spin your head away from something.  Your cone of vision makes things flash in front of you, which makes you miss things.  I'm all for adjusting the wings up based on kicker strength, but starting at the 20 and 30 is silly.

[dammitbobby]

The NFHS version I posted is just silly.  Why is the HL on the 30?  If the kick goes to that pylon, he's screwed.  Even if the return happens, he's screwed because he has to move his head back and forth to watch the runner and blocking.

Starting on the goal line gives you an open view of everything.  You can adjust back and forth with the kick and see everything.

This is exactly what I was referring to, and why IMO it's better to be deeper rather than shallower.