It’s time to start kicking in fantasy football. The position has become more popular and easily accessible for Week 1 drafts. With that being said, not everyone is capable of succeeding from a professional standpoint. As a result, there is a large number of individuals who find themselves in need of a reality check on draft day. If you are one of these people, I have some bad news for you: You’re not alone. But don’t let that stop you from trying your hand at kickers in fantasy football this season. There are plenty of people out there with the same questions as you, and just like you, they too want to be able to play this game with a bit of flair and without missing a kick each week. So here are some points to consider before handing over your draft board to another player.
Can kickers lose points in fantasy?
Yes, kickers can lose points in fantasy football. The most common way to lose points is if the kicker misses a field goal or extra point attempt. If that happens in your league, the kicker typically gets a negative score for each missed try.
Why Can Kickers Lose Points In Fantasy?
1. Missing Field Goals
One of the most common reasons a kicker can lose points in fantasy is missing field goals. Even the best kickers will sometimes miss field goals, and it’s always disappointing when those misses costing your team precious points.
2. Bad Weather
Sometimes the weather can play a factor in how successful a kicker will be during a game. Rain, snow, and wind can all cause kickers to miss field goals that they would normally make in calmer conditions.
3. Poor Offensive Play
If your offense struggles to move the ball down the field, then this will limit the opportunities for your kicker to score points.
4. Bad Luck
Unfortunately, sometimes kickers can just have bad luck and miss field goals through no fault of their own. Bad snaps, poor holds, or even miscommunication with the holder can all lead to a missed field goal.
5. Blocked Kicks
Block kicks are another common way for kickers to lose points in fantasy football. Even if your kicker does everything right, an opposing player can still get a hand on the ball and stop it from going through the uprights.
6. Long Yardage
If your team is forced to kick long field goals, then this increases the chances that your kicker will miss. Kicking field goals over 50 yards is much harder than kicking shorter ones, so try to avoid them as much as possible.
7. Poor Special Teams Play
If your special teams are struggling, then this can hurt your kicker’s chances of scoring points in fantasy football. This is especially true if the opposing team has a good returner who can take kickoffs and punts back for touchdowns.
8. Injuries
Unfortunately, injuries are an unavoidable part of football. If your kicker gets injured, then this can obviously affect his ability to kick field goals and score points for your team.
9. Bye Weeks
Every NFL team has a bye week during the season, and if your kicker is on one of these teams, then he won’t be able to score any points for you during that week.
10. Bad Matchup
Finally, kickers can lose points in fantasy football if they have a bad matchup against a tough defense. Some teams are just better at stopping field goals than others, so it’s important to look at the opposing team when deciding which kicker to start.
How To Develop Your Kick-Off Skills?
1. Make sure you have a good kicking routine
Kickers need to have a consistent kicking routine in order to be successful. Make sure you spend time warming up your leg and hands before each kick.
2. Be consistent
It’s important for kickers to be consistent in their kicking technique. If you make the same mistakes over and over again, then the opposing team will start to predict your kicks and take advantage of it.
3. Aim for the middle of the field
Most field goals are made between the 20 and 25-yard lines, so aim for those areas when kicking off. If you can hit the middle of the field, then your team will have a better chance of scoring points.
4. Use your leg strength
Kickers need to use their leg strength when kicking off. If you can hit the ball with as much power as possible, then the opposition will have a harder time catching it.
5. Use your hands
Kickers also need to use their hands when kicking off. If you can keep the ball in the air for as long as possible, then your team will have a better chance of scoring points.
6. Be aware of the wind
The wind can play a big role in kickoffs. If the wind is blowing in the opposing team’s direction, then they will have a better chance of recovering the ball. Kickers need to be aware of the wind and adjust their technique accordingly.
7. Make sure you have good footwork
Kickers need to have good footwork in order to be successful. If they can keep their feet moving, then they will have a better chance of kicking the ball accurately.
8. Be patient
Kickers need to be patient when kicking off. If they try to force the ball too often, then they will likely miss their target. Wait for the right opportunity, and then take advantage of it.
9. Have a good attitude
Kickers need to have a good attitude when kicking off. If they are negative, then the opposing team will take advantage of it. Kickers need to stay positive and focus on their task at hand.
10. Have a good goalkeeping strategy
Kickers need to have a good goalkeeping strategy when kicking off. If they can keep the ball out of the opposing team’s possession, then their team will have a better chance of winning.
Know The Different Types Of Kicking In Fantasy Football
1. Punting
Punting is a type of kick that is used to move the ball away from the team’s end zone so they can gain a better field position. A punter usually kicks the ball as far downfield as possible, allowing his team’s defense an opportunity to make a stop. Kickers must be aware that their punts will not out-kick the coverage team, meaning the ball could be returned for a touchdown.
2. Field Goal
A field goal is a type of kick used to score three points in football games. The kicker must drive the ball through the goalpost from any distance on the ground level. Field goals can be attempted after a team has moved the ball into their opponent’s red zone or within a reasonable distance of the goalposts. The kicker must also be aware that some stadiums have windy conditions which can affect the trajectory and accuracy of his kick.
3. Extra Point
An extra point is a type of kick done after a touchdown has been scored in order to add an additional point to a team’s score. The ball is typically placed on the ground a few yards away from the goalposts and then kicked through the uprights by the kicker. A successful kick will result in one extra point being awarded to the scoring team.
4. Onside Kick
An onside kick is a type of kick that is used by a team when they need to recover the ball quickly after scoring a touchdown or field goal. The ball is kicked in such a way that it bounces off the ground and travels 10 yards, allowing a member of the kicking team to have an opportunity to recover the ball before any members of the receiving team touch it. Onside kicks are usually attempted in the final minutes of a game when the kicking team is trying to make a comeback or tie the score.
5. Squib Kick
A squib kick is a type of kick that is used as an alternative to a regular kickoff. Instead of kicking the ball directly downfield, the kicker dribbles it along the ground in an attempt to get it past the opponents and into a situation where his team’s coverage unit can recover it. Squib kicks are usually used when the kicking team is trying to avoid giving up a long return, or when they need to prevent their opponent from having a good field position on their next drive.
6. Trick Kick
A trick kick is a type of kick in which the kicker attempts to surprise the opponent by driving the ball in an unexpected direction or using a unique technique. These types of kicks can be used to fake out opponents, confuse them, and create opportunities for scoring plays. Examples of trick kicks include drop kicks, pooch kicks, and trick plays such as passes off of fake field goals.
7. Fair Catch Kick
A fair catch kick is a type of kick that can be attempted after a fair catch has been made on a punt. The kicker has the option to attempt a field goal from the spot of the fair catch, giving his team an opportunity to score three points. Fair catch kicks are rarely ever successful because the defense is given an opportunity to rush the kicker and block the kick, making it difficult for him to make accurate contact with the ball.
Conclusion
Kickers are a valuable asset in fantasy football due to their importance in making field goals. They are also a position that can be developed through practice as well as experience. As you can see from the examples provided, there are a variety of ways to develop your kick-off skills in order to make yourself a more accurate kicker. As a result, it’s possible to start your kickers in fantasy football and develop into successful players.
