White Hat Position

[Ref inSoCA]

Originally Posted by Forksref

I have a question for white hats. What position do you take on scrimmage kicks, punts in particular. I have always been a couple of steps in front of the kicker on the kicking foot side. Last Monday I did a game and there was a bad snap and the kicker picked up the ball off the ground and started circling and went around me. I felt completely out of position, being caught "inside" on the play. Any suggestions?

4-5 yards behind the kicker at a 45º angle on the open (LJ) side.

[wisref2]

I've experimented over the years and prefer 3-5 yards behind the kicker at about 45 degrees. You can see the kicker and the line at the same time, can watch all the blocks coming at you and still have a clear view of the kicker at all times.

[Rich]

I'm 5 yards behind the kicker fairly wide.

[parepat]

i STAND JUST ABOUT EVEN WITH THE KICKER AND 3 TO 4 YARDS WIDE ON HIS KICKING LEG

[ref49873]

I stand about 2-3 yards behind the kicker and fairly wide. I look into the holder and have been able to see any contact.

[kdf5]

Interesting comments. I use the Fed guidelines of being a yard or two in front of the kicker. What advantage is gained being behind him? What made you decide to stand behind him?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by kdf5

Interesting comments. I use the Fed guidelines of being a yard or two in front of the kicker. What advantage is gained being behind him? What made you decide to stand behind him?

A punt a few years ago where we had the worst snap I've ever seen. Snapped right in my direction, actually.

The next day I went to a college football game. Saw the R deep and wide, definitely behind the punter.

Then focused on this on Sunday during an NFL game. The R was VERY deep and VERY wide.

I tried it on the next Friday. Wondered why I wasn't there to begin with.

I've gotten wider on all scrimmage kicks, actually.

[AndrewMcCarthy]

Originally Posted by parepat

i STAND JUST ABOUT EVEN WITH THE KICKER AND 3 TO 4 YARDS WIDE ON HIS KICKING LEG

You can practically shake his hand from that position.

[Rich]

The trend at the higher levels has been to get further away -- and why not?

On scrimmage plays, I'm usually 10-12 yards back. On most all plays, including passing plays, I never have to back up.

My eyesight is good and I can close pretty quickly if I need to make my presence known. My job is to observe. Why be close to anyone?

[JRutledge]

I stand on the kicker's foot side, about 3-4 yards behind the kicker. I think this gives me a better look at the oncoming rush so I can see why there is contact with the kicker. Standing in front does not give you that same perspective in my opinion.

Peace