White Hat position on Punts

BigGref · #1 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 06, 2005, 01:09pm

I saw this brought up in another thread so I decided to start a new one. what are you WH's opinions on where to line up for a punt? At a clinic I went to they said not to be in front of him, be behind; yet I've seen many WHs stand in front and way wide. I would just think that this would give you horrible coverage when any problems would occur, especially near k's GL, Opine away!

BayouUmp · #2 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 06, 2005, 01:21pm

Our Mechanic (Louisiana):

5-man: The Referee is positioned 2-3 yards behind the kicker and 5-7 yards wide on the kicking foot side of the field, in a position to look at approximately a 45 degree angle to the position where the kick will be made, so that the referee can see the snap and entire play in front of him. The referee should step forward as the kicker begins his kicking motion.

4-man: The Referee should be on the Line Judges side of the field. Be alert for action on and around the kicker, then clean up behind the kick action while drifting down field, opposite the side of the Umpire.

MJT · #3 (**permalink**) Thu Oct 06, 2005, 10:12pm

By the book, you are to be 3-4 yards in front and 5-7 yards outside the LOS outside man. I go about 2-3 in front and 7 or so wide and feel I have a good view of if he has a knee down, catches it clean or muffs, and if it gets tipped or not. I feel the width is very important! The knee being down is pretty critical one to miss.

What about the goal line do you not feel is covered well if in front?

irefky · #4 (**permalink**) Fri Oct 07, 2005, 07:02am

I stand wide and to the side but last night I had roughing the kicker on a PAT from this position. The kick was low and B dropped the kicker. I flagged it but then questioned myself about the view I had to see if ball was touched.

I think if I was behind the kicker/punter, I could see if ball is touched by B. I have notice on television that WH is behind the kicker/punter. What's your opinion on this?

Snake~eyes · #5 (**permalink**) Fri Oct 07, 2005, 08:02am

Quote:

Originally posted by irefky
I stand wide and to the side but last night I had roughing the kicker on a PAT from this position. The kick was low and B dropped the kicker. I flagged it but then questioned myself about the view I had to see if ball was touched.

I think if I was behind the kicker/punter, I could see if ball is touched by B. I have notice on television that WH is behind the kicker/punter. What's your opinion on this?

Wings should help with tipped ball.

MJT · #6 (**permalink**) Sat Oct 08, 2005, 05:57pm

Quote:

Originally posted by irefky
I stand wide and to the side but last night I had roughing the kicker on a PAT from this position. The kick was low and B dropped the kicker. I flagged it but then questioned myself about the view I had to see if ball was touched.

I think if I was behind the kicker/punter, I could see if ball is touched by B. I have notice on television that WH is behind the kicker/punter. What's your opinion on this?

On a FG, or try, you are to be a yard or so behind the kicker facing the holder. If you back up to that distance you will have a better angle for tips.