A football kicking tee is an important piece of equipment for kickers in American football. Using a tee properly allows kickers to get more height and distance on their kicks and field goals. This article will provide a complete guide on how to effectively use a football kicking tee.
What is a Football Kicking Tee?
A football kicking tee is a stand that supports the football in an elevated position before the kicker striking the ball. It’s a very simple device, usually made of rubber or hard plastic, with a flat top that holds the ball.
Kickers use tees to raise the ball slightly off the ground, allowing for better contact and more drive on the kick. The rules limit the height of the tee and where on the field they can be used.
The main benefits of using a tee include:
- Increased height and distance on kicks
- Better accuracy from optimal ball contact
- Ability to drive through the sweet spot of the ball
- Keeps ball clear of ground obstacles
- Allows kicker to have consistent setup
When to Use a Football Kicking Tee
Football kicking tees are primarily used for kickoffs and field goal attempts in football games.
Kickoffs
All kickoffs must be kicked using a tee per NFL rules. College and high school football also mandate the use of a tee on kickoffs.
The kicker places the ball on the elevated rubber platform to strike the top dead center of the ball at the start of play. This allows maximum transfer of energy from the foot to the ball.
Field Goals/Extra Points
Kickers will also use a tee when lining up for field goal and extra point attempts. The tee provides an optimal strike zone when aiming to split the uprights by supplying both height and accuracy.
It’s especially important when kicking longer field goals that require extra elevation and distance. The tee ensures precision placement for the kicking motion. \
*Note: Field goals can also be kicked directly off the ground in the NFL without a tee.*
While most levels mandate the use of a tee for kickoffs, the NFL does allow kickoffs to be made directly from the turf without a tee if desired. This allows for a lower trajectory which can limit return opportunities.
How to Set Up a Football Kicking Tee
Setting up a football-kicking tee takes only a few simple steps:
1. Place the Tee at the Spot of the Kick
Position the tee directly on the kickoff spot, field goal hold spot, or extra point line where the kick will take place. Make sure no part of the tee is beyond the line of scrimmage.
2. Adjust and Secure the Tee in the Ground
Insert the tee spike into the turf to anchor it firmly in place on the field. The tee should not wobble or shift positions when touched.
3. Adjust the Tee Height as Needed
Extend the post of the tee so the top platform is at the desired ball height per the kicker’s preference. The allowable tee height varies by league.
4. Carefully Place the Ball on the Tee Platform
Gently set the ball right on the center of the tee’s flat top so that it sits evenly without tilting or falling. Positioning the ball is imperative for optimal kicks.
With the tee set and the ball positioned properly, the kicker can now line up their approach and strike the ball cleanly off the tee’s platform. These 4 steps allow full control over ball height and placement.
Proper Football Kicking Tee Height
The allowable football kicking tee height is restricted by league rules regarding kickoffs and field goals. The height can impact trajectory, aim, and distance.
NFL Kicking Tee Height Rules
In the NFL rulebook, kickoff tees cannot elevate the ball more than one inch above the playing surface. This limits the tee to a minimum platform height.
College and High School Tee Height
Most other levels mandate a tee platform no more than two inches tall for kicking. College football and high school football adhere to the two inch tee rule.
The optimal tee height depends on the kicker’s preference and technique. Coaches work with kickers to fine tune their tee height for maximum kicking efficacy based on the rules.
The one inch NFL tee height makes balls struck very low to the ground with a flat, fast trajectory. College kickers can use the extra inch for more loft and air under the ball. Finding the right tee platform elevation improves accuracy, explosiveness, and aim for all kick types.
Using a Football Kicking Tee Technique
Mastering the football kicking tee technique is vital for consistent, successful kicks from the tee. The basics involve proper footing, approach angle, and contact:
Proper Stance & Footing
The kicker lines up 3-5 yards behind the ball at an angle to allow for a controlled straight run up. Stance is slightly wider than shoulder width with toes pointed outward. Non-kicking foot placed in front plants at the end of the approach.
Angle of Approach
The kicker’s run up should be directly perpendicular to the line of kick so that the steps are in line with the tee and ball at full speed. This allows an ideal point of contact.
Ball Contact Fundamentals
The plant foot stops just outside the ball of the tee providing leverage as the kicking foot swings straight through. Time the impact so foot strikes the top center of the ball driving through smoothly.
Consistent, centered ball contact elevates accuracy and power using the tee’s height to an advantage. Following a precise process builds proper technique.
Drilling approach, timing, and technical elements develops explosive kicks from the tee.
Types of Football Kicking Tees
There are a few main styles of kicking tees seen on the football field:
Standard Kicking Tee
The most common is the single post adjustable tee that screws in or out to varying heights per the rules. This basic tee works for all kick types.
Kickoff Tee
Some tees feature a wider, flatter platform and longer spike specifically made for elevating kickoffs. Provides maximum height at legal limits for driving the ball downfield. Sturdy build supports harder kickoff strikes.
Multiple Kicking Tee Holder
Specialty tees can hold several balls at different heights in designated cutouts. Allows kicker to practice various trajectories and placements from the same tee.
Portable Kicking Tee
For kickers who want to simulate kicks with a tee anywhere, portable plastic tees anchor into the ground. Convenient for practice and games away from standard tee supplies.
While styles vary, the football kicking tee’s core function is raising the ball consistently off the ground for more productive kicks. Finding the right tee height and type leads to better execution.
Kicking Off a Tee vs. Off the Ground
Kickers can legally kick directly off the ground or by using a tee at different times per the league rules. There are advantages and disadvantages to both:
| Kicking Off a Tee | Kicking Off the Ground |
|---|---|
| * Easier to get under ball * Added height and distance * Uniform strikes from flat surface * Less chance of slippage | * Lower, flatter trajectory * Element of surprise from bounce * No tee permits wider angles * Less reliance on equipment |
Kickers use both methods given the situation. Tees provide control while ground kicks are unpredictable. Coaches scheme around these dynamics when covering kicks.
Mastering both elevated tee strikes and ground kicks expands a kicker’s skillset and effectiveness depending on the circumstances.
Common Football Kicking Tee Mistakes
While kicking tees help optimize kicks, some common mistakes still creep into technique:
✘ Improper tee height – Platform too high/low for rules or preference
✘ Unstable tee – Spike not fully secured causing tee to shift
✘ Inconsistent ball contact – Not centered on top of ball with precision
✘ Obstructed approach – Direct path to ball not clear for straight access
✘ Poor technique – Issues with run up, foot placement or striking fundamentals
Setting up the tee correctly just off the line of scrimmage and delivering power straight through the axis of the ball builds reliability.
Benefits of Using a Football Kicking Tee
Implementing kicking tees, when permitted, provides real advantages to kickers and coaches seeking better aim and distance:
- Increased Height – Elevates ball higher off ground for optimal contact
- Downfield Distance – Drives ball farther by transferring full power
- Accuracy – Centralized ball placement improves precision striking
- Consistent Execution – Standard setup breeds familiarity from same platform
- Injury Prevention – Less slips, poor contact, etc. from heightened control
- Special Teams Strategy – Tee dynamics keeps opponents guessing on returns
The football kicking tee is a simple yet invaluable asset for kickers looking to maximize their talents placing the football with favorable outcomes for their team.
