BillsShredder83 Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Brief topic here. Why is it that certain players are good at Punt returns versus Kickoff returns? I just don't see the difference in the skill sets. I would think you would want your best returner handling both duties, but that's usually not the case Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) It is generally easier to catch a kickoff than a punt. The most important duty of the PR is to catch and secure the ball. The PR must be smart and be able to take care of the ball. KOR are more about getting better field position and you see more gifted athletes/speedsters. I had the same question over the summer because I wanted to know why most don't do both. I also think you don't want to necessarily expose one guy to the rigors of both and spread it out. Edited October 8, 2015 by YoloinOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TakeYouToTasker Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Brief topic here. Why is it that certain players are good at Punt returns versus Kickoff returns? I just don't see the difference in the skill sets. I would think you would want your best returner handling both duties, but that's usually not the case The ball descends at a different velocity, and angle: kick-off being more of a line-drive, punts a pop-fly. A kickoff is fielded in open space, with little to no activity around the ball catcher, where straight ahead speed off a single cut is often the most beneficial. A punt is fielded in traffic requiring a different level of field presence and concentration, where the ball catcher needs to be quick, rather than fast, and make multiple cuts to escape the "phone booth". Finally, a kick-off is almost always fielded, if it is going to be returned, no more than 5 yards deep in the end zone, and usually no further up field than 5 yards. The returner never has to track the ball backwards, and make decisions about whether or not to field the ball, or whether or not to fair catch. Conversely a punt returner has many more decisions to make, and has to track the ball both horizontally and laterally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eSJayDee Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 As other people have mentioned, fielding of a punt is more demanding & critical. I'll add that w/ KOs, you typically have over a second until you encounter any defenders & when you do, they're all basically down there at once as a wall. W/ a punt, there's 2 defenders that should be on you basically immediately and then the others are more spread out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) That's why Fred was out there on punt returns sometimes even though he was relatively slow . They trusted his decision making. Id like to see Woods out there but Moore is ok too. Edited October 8, 2015 by YoloinOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Formerly Allan in MD Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Kick off returners have to make major decisions: should I measure how far it goes past the end line or should I be brave or stupid and return it? Punt returners have to use some judgement and not be brave or stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I just don't see the difference in the skill sets. punts - short area quickness, much more situational awareness, much more field awareness kickoffs - high end speed is more premium, find a crease and go differences in the way the ball is flying, differences in the blocks you are reading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) Also The coverage team on a punt is gonna get there a lot faster on a punt then on a kickoff......often times on a punt the coverage team is there before the ball is even in the return mans hands....... A lot more pressure on a punt returner then a kickoff returner Edited October 8, 2015 by John from Hemet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy10 Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 The ball spins differently on a punt v. KO too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3rdand12 Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 this is silly. look upfield , catch the damnd ball and run like hell. simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsShredder83 Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 Cool thanks guys. Makes alot more sense to me now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justnzane Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 It is generally easier to catch a kickoff than a punt. The most important duty of the PR is to catch and secure the ball. The PR must be smart and be able to take care of the ball. KOR are more about getting better field position and you see more gifted athletes/speedsters. I had the same question over the summer because I wanted to know why most don't do both. I also think you don't want to necessarily expose one guy to the rigors of both and spread it out. This. The ball descends at a different velocity, and angle: kick-off being more of a line-drive, punts a pop-fly. A kickoff is fielded in open space, with little to no activity around the ball catcher, where straight ahead speed off a single cut is often the most beneficial. A punt is fielded in traffic requiring a different level of field presence and concentration, where the ball catcher needs to be quick, rather than fast, and make multiple cuts to escape the "phone booth". Finally, a kick-off is almost always fielded, if it is going to be returned, no more than 5 yards deep in the end zone, and usually no further up field than 5 yards. The returner never has to track the ball backwards, and make decisions about whether or not to field the ball, or whether or not to fair catch. Conversely a punt returner has many more decisions to make, and has to track the ball both horizontally and laterally. and this. Kick off returners have to make major decisions: should I measure how far it goes past the end line or should I be brave or stupid and return it? Punt returners have to use some judgement and not be brave or stupid. Usually the upback will make the decision for the returner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave mcbride Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 A bigger question: is it ever wise to return a kickoff that ends up in the end zone? Watching the Bills, I'd say no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoSaint Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 A bigger question: is it ever wise to return a kickoff that ends up in the end zone? Watching the Bills, I'd say no. If you can atleast cross the 15 or so consistently, I'd take the shot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Frankish Reich Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Excellent comments here - an actual informative thread! By the way, Bills have been bad -- really bad -- in both punt and kickoff returns this year. Thigpen: only 3 KO returns (is Buffalo the mile-high city? Opposing kickers seem to think so), 9.7 yd average (I think that was one flubbed negative yardage one pulling it down, but still). Thigpen punt returns: 9 for a 5.2 average, longest of 14 yards. Usually it's an exaggeration to say "anyone would be better," but right now, anyone will be better ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave mcbride Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 (edited) If you can atleast cross the 15 or so consistently, I'd take the shot I wouldn't - risk of fumble outweighs the chance of a home run in my book. Edited October 9, 2015 by dave mcbride Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Frankish Reich Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 If you can atleast cross the 15 or so consistently, I'd take the shot Based on point expectancy alone, the answer is yes, you should try to return a kickoff doesn't travel at least 9 yards into the end zone. (Your mileage may vary if your returner is Thigpen) http://www.advancedfootballanalytics.com/index.php/home/research/game-strategy/128-should-kick-returners-always-take-the-touchback Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Excellent comments here - an actual informative thread! By the way, Bills have been bad -- really bad -- in both punt and kickoff returns this year. Thigpen: only 3 KO returns (is Buffalo the mile-high city? Opposing kickers seem to think so), 9.7 yd average (I think that was one flubbed negative yardage one pulling it down, but still). Thigpen punt returns: 9 for a 5.2 average, longest of 14 yards. Usually it's an exaggeration to say "anyone would be better," but right now, anyone will be better ...not sure if it was him, or the blocking, or both... I guess we will find out with Denarius Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Frankish Reich Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 not sure if it was him, or the blocking, or both... I guess we will find out with Denarius McKelvin was pretty good ... we may miss him more as a punt returner than as a CB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max997 Posted October 9, 2015 Share Posted October 9, 2015 Punt returners are usually smaller more quicker and shifty players with good hands who can make guys miss kick returners are usually little bigger faster players who can see a hole, hit it and go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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