HOW TO PUNT A FOOTBALL - THE RAY GUY WAY

FIELD ALIGNMENT

Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football -

"Field Alignment" - Lesson 1

FIELD ALIGNMENT

College and pro punters set up 15 yards from the LOS (line of scrimmage), high school, punters are usually taught to set up about 12 yards back.
The exact depth of the alignment may vary with the ability of the long snapper. Since the college / pro snappers are more specialized and advanced, they have the strength and accuracy to deliver the ball to a punter 15 yards back...maximizing the distance of the oncoming rush.
Every punter should place his punting foot on a direct line with the ball or on a line that splits the centers crotch

STANCE / BODY POSITION

Ray Guy Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football - "Stance / Body Position"- Lesson 2

STANCE AND BODY POSITION

The punter must assume a comfortable, relaxed and balanced stance that will enable him to quickly adjust to the ball...left, right, up or down.

COACHING POINTS:

Feet approximately armpit width apart with the punting foot slightly staggered back (toe-to-instep).
Body weight evenly distributed.
Knees slightly flexed
Slight body lean forward - to abet the anticipated forward motion.
Arms relaxed down by the sides, to avoid any tension in the shoulders and arms.
Strict concentration - eyes focused on the football.
The moment the long snapper places his hand on the football...the punter is ready to receive the snap.
As the punter enters the game he should know the situation (field position objective), the alignment of the opponents and the direction in which he wants to punt the football (target area).

RECEIVING THE SNAP

Ray Guy Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football -"Receiving The Snap" Lesson - 3

RECEIVING THE SNAP

Once the body is positioned and completely relaxed, the punter must focus entirely on the football.
When the snapper's hands are placed on the football the punter must now be ready.
As the snap is made, the punter must move (lean to meet) the football. This begins the quick, efficeint movement as the punter receives the football and transitions to his stepping pattern.

COACHING POINTS:

Snapper aiming point is to deliver the football to the hip-thigh area of the punters leg.
Punter needs to catch the football out in front of his body keeping arms outstretched as the football is received. Having arms extended (out in front) keeps them in an efficient position to prepare for the drop.
Punter must look the football into his hands while simultaneously identifying ball position (laces) as it is caught. Focusing on the ball position enables immediate molding (adjusting) to ensure laces are positioned upward.

POSITIONING OF THE HANDS / GRIP

Ray Guy Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football - "Positioning of the Hands" Lesson 4

POSITIONING OF THE HANDS / GRIP

As soon as you catch the football and begin your initial steps, place your "drop hand" (punting leg side) on the back third of the football. The fingers should spread and conform in a natural way with the back tip of the football positioned in the palm. (Note: drop hand is also referred to as "control hand" or "release hand.")

Simultaneously the "guide hand" should be positioned opposite side, toward the front half of the football.

Using the drop hand, smoothly and quickly adjust (mold) the football, as you continue your approach, by turning to position the laces directly upward or slightly toward the side. Simultaneously your "guide hand," (support, cradle hand) opposite the punting leg stays steady, cradles the ball lightly allowing it to turn, as the quick adjustment is made.

Keep the fingers spread and align the middle finger of the "drop hand" approximately parallel or directly on the outside seam of the football (laces up). The index finger on the support "guide hand" should align on the opposite side of the football near or on the seam toward the front end.

Hold the football with very light pressure, ensuring a smooth and consistent release (drop). It is essential to develop a soft touch.

BALL ALIGNMENT

Ray Guy Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football -"Ball Alignment" Lesson 5

STEPPING PATTERN

Ray Guy Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football - "Stepping Pattern" Lesson 6

THE DROP

Ray Guy Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football - "The Drop" - Lesson 7

BALL / FOOT IMPACT

Ray Guy Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football - "Ball/Foot Impact" - Lesson 8

HOW TO PUNT A SPIRAL

Ray Guy Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football - "How to punt a Spiral"- Lesson 9

POST PUNT POSITION

Ray Guy Punting Instruction - How to Punt a Football - "Post Punt Position" - Lesson 10