I've often wondered why a team attempting an onside kick does not kick it hard directly at one of the opposing players who is only 30 feet away. If you have your team ready for all bounces, or ready in case it misses and goes downfield, I would think you would have the advantage. It might force teams to move further away from the kicker, increasing the chances of a successful recovery.
Alternatively, if the kicker pooch kicked the ball to a specific spot over the head of the first line of opposing players, say the number 50 on the left side of the field, the kicking team would know where to send all of their players and would surprise the receiving team. Again, a small advantage.