Rule changes within the NFL over the last few years have drastically reduced the success rate of the onside kick. Three years ago in an effort to reduce dangerous collisions the league mandated that the kicking team needs to have five players lined up on each side of the kicker. The rules also require two players on each side to be between the numbers and the hashmarks. Additionally members of the kicking team are not allowed to get a running start.
Rethinking the Onside Kick
Rethinking the Onside Kick
Rethinking the Onside Kick
Rule changes within the NFL over the last few years have drastically reduced the success rate of the onside kick. Three years ago in an effort to reduce dangerous collisions the league mandated that the kicking team needs to have five players lined up on each side of the kicker. The rules also require two players on each side to be between the numbers and the hashmarks. Additionally members of the kicking team are not allowed to get a running start.