ot: NFL FG kickers

[Vowelguy]

For years the "soccer-style" FG kickers were the norm (yes I'm old enough to remember when soccer-style was new compared to the straight-on kickers). They would walk back 3? paces and then over 2. But now I've noticed that kickers are not starting as far away from the ball. It's closer to the style that you see some soccer players taking penalty kicks use. Havent really noticed this in college game, but maybe I havent been paying attention. Any insight on this new style?

 

[dvegas]

This was nuts, 2:07. Rent record, and the longest field goal I've ever seen made. Would have been good from 65 yards, maybe longer

 

[Chin Diesel]

Whatever changes they are making is for the better.

FG kicking in the NFL has gotten ridiculously good. 55 yards is normal, 60 yarders aren't eye raising any more.
Even yesterday 45 yarders looked easy in freezing temps, snow, wind and slippery playing surfaces.
They combined to go 5-5 in Philly and 4-4 in Buffalo.

 

[traitor71]

I remember when kickers were short guys, fat guys, balding old guys, etc. They are in a lot better shape these days, and that has to help somewhat. Effren Herrera and Uwe Von Schamann aren't walking through that door any more. Nothing against those guys, those are just two names I remember.

 

[Austin316]

My older brother and I were kickers in high school. He kicked in 90s/00s and received a full ride to play D1AA. He could kick up to 65 yards which was unheard of at the time. I wasn’t as good as he was, D2/D3 is what my coaches/recruiters were thinking. I could kick in low 50s. I passed it up to walk on somewhere (didn’t make it). This is about 20 years ago.

The high school game has completely changed for kickers since my brother and I played. Teams have emphasized recruiting soccer players with strong legs and sending them to kicking combines as young as 12-14 years. When we played most kickers were just whoever on the team had a half decent straight on approach to the ball. It was rare to have a decent kicker that could consistently get touchbacks, kick extra points and field goals.

Today is a different story. The NFL, even college, may be getting a kicker with over 10 years experience, plus having a weight training program designed for kickers. When we played we would just train with the team. It’s very different now.

 

[Waquoit]

Looking back, it's amazing that it took so long for the NFL to switch over completely. I think it's funny that it took Europeans to show Americans how to kick a football. Then again, it took Europeans to show American how to play basketball and hockey, too.