Understand the New NFL Kickoff Rule: Player Positions and Mechanics
This preseason suggests that the NFL’s latest “dynamic kickoff” rule will enhance spectator excitement while minimizing the impact of fast collisions as players sprint down the field.
Previously used in the XFL during its 2020 and 2023 seasons, the dynamic kickoff arrangement positions all players, except the kicker, near the receiving team’s goal line, making the kickoff resemble a traditional play rather than a standard kickoff.
The NFL reported that almost 300 kickoffs occurred this preseason, with 70.5% being returned, increasing from 54.8% in the previous preseason. In the 2023-24 regular season, this rate plummeted to about 20%, or just over one returned kick per game. Notably, none of the 13 kickoffs in Super Bowl 58 were returned.
Setting Up for Kickoffs in the NFL
The new kickoff guidelines introduce a five-yard separation between almost all players on the field.
What’s Changing with the NFL’s Kickoff Rules?
◾ The Kicker’s Position: The kicker stays on the opposite half of the field with the football placed on the 35-yard line.
â—¾ Kicking Team Setup: The other 10 kicking-team players align at the receiving team’s 40-yard line.
â—¾ Two Zones for the Receiving Team: The receiving squad is split into two sections: the setup zone and the landing zone. A minimum of nine players stand in the setup zone, allowing up to two players to catch the kickoff in the landing zone.
How Does the NFL’s Dynamic Kickoff Function?
â—¾ The Kick: Only the kicker and the returner(s) may move before the ball lands or touches a returner. Fair catches are not permitted.
â—¾ Touchbacks: Touchbacks occurring in the end zone will be placed five yards farther up, starting at the 30-yard line. If the ball lands in the landing zone and is a touchback, it goes to the 20-yard line. If it lands short of the landing zone, it positions the ball at the 40-yard line.
â—¾ Onside Kicks: No surprise onside kicks are allowed. The kicking team must inform officials of their intent, and both teams will assume traditional onside kick formations.
Kickoff Drive Statistics from Preseason
The NFL mentioned that during preseason, not only did returns increase, but the starting position for drives improved. The average starting point was at the 28.8-yard line, which is over a 4-yard advancement from the previous two years. For kickoffs that were returned, the average starting position dropped to the 28-yard line.
Motive Behind the NFL’s New Kickoff Rules
The NFL has experimented with several strategies over recent years to mitigate the hazards of players colliding at high speeds. These efforts have led to a decline in returns. Last season, the average was just 1.1 kickoff returns per game, down from 1.9 returns in the 2022-23 season.
Decline in NFL Kickoff Returns Since 2010-11
Adapting to the New Kickoff Rule
Teams aimed to implement the new kickoff regulation ahead of the 2024 NFL draft to strategically adjust their rosters before the season starts.
While some teams have essential special teams players, this change has compelled every team to reevaluate their lineup and create new strategies for the play.
Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, who is part of the NFL’s competition committee, noted, “As we start to understand schematically how this impacts and influences games, there’s a lot to learn.”
“I believe it’s beneficial for the game, and the intentions are heading in the right direction.”
