NFL Long Field Goals: What's Behind The Rise?

Oct 9, 2025 by Felix Dubois 46 views

Meta: Explore the factors behind the increasing number of long field goals in the NFL. Understand the strategies, players, and rule changes driving this trend.

Introduction

The trend of NFL long field goals is definitely something fans have been noticing, and it's more than just a statistical anomaly. We're seeing kickers consistently making attempts from 50 yards and beyond, changing the way teams approach fourth downs and game strategy. This evolution in the kicking game has brought exciting new dimensions to the sport, but what's really driving it? Is it simply better kickers, or are there other factors at play? We'll dive into the reasons behind this trend, from player training and technique to rule changes and strategic shifts within the league.

The Evolution of Kicking Technique and Training

One of the key drivers behind the increase in successful long field goals is the evolution of kicking technique and specialized training. Gone are the days when kickers were just converted soccer players. Today's NFL kickers are highly trained athletes who dedicate themselves to perfecting their craft. The science behind kicking has advanced significantly, with biomechanics and specialized training programs playing crucial roles.

Biomechanical Analysis: Modern kicking training often incorporates biomechanical analysis. Kickers are filmed and analyzed to identify areas for improvement in their technique. This includes everything from their approach and plant foot placement to their leg swing and follow-through. By optimizing these movements, kickers can generate more power and accuracy.
Specialized Training Programs: Kickers now have access to specialized training programs designed to build strength, flexibility, and consistency. These programs often focus on core strength, hip flexibility, and leg power – all essential for generating the force needed for long field goals. Coaches specializing in kicking have also become more prevalent, providing expert guidance on technique and mental preparation.
Mental Fortitude: The mental aspect of kicking cannot be overstated. A kicker facing a long field goal attempt in a high-pressure situation needs to be able to block out the noise and focus on their technique. Training now includes mental conditioning exercises designed to help kickers develop the mental toughness required to perform under pressure. Visualization, meditation, and other techniques are used to build confidence and reduce anxiety.

These advancements in training have undoubtedly contributed to the increased accuracy and range of NFL kickers. The dedication to perfecting technique and building both physical and mental strength has transformed the kicking game.

The Impact of Rule Changes on Field Goal Attempts

Rule changes in the NFL have also played a significant role in the increase of longer field goal attempts and their overall success rates. The league is constantly tweaking its rules to enhance player safety and improve the flow of the game, and some of these changes have inadvertently affected the kicking game. Understanding these rule adjustments is key to grasping the current landscape of long field goals.

The Move to Longer Extra Points: One of the most impactful changes was the decision to move the extra point attempt from the 2-yard line to the 15-yard line in 2015. This effectively turned the extra point into a 33-yard field goal, making it significantly more challenging. As a result, teams became more comfortable with their kickers attempting longer kicks in general, including those beyond 50 yards. Kickers needed to be more accurate from longer distances, and the confidence in their ability grew as they practiced these longer kicks more frequently.
Kickoff Rule Adjustments: Changes to kickoff rules, aimed at reducing high-speed collisions and improving player safety, have also indirectly impacted field goal strategy. With kickoffs often resulting in touchbacks, field position becomes even more critical. Teams are now sometimes more willing to attempt a long field goal rather than punt, especially if they are within a reasonable range. The thought process is that a missed field goal doesn't necessarily give the opposing team much better field position than a touchback on a punt.
Emphasis on Player Safety: The NFL's focus on player safety has led to changes in tackling rules and other aspects of the game. While these changes are primarily aimed at reducing injuries, they can also impact offensive play-calling and decision-making. Teams might opt for a field goal attempt rather than risk a turnover or a significant hit on their quarterback on fourth down, especially when in field goal range. The perceived safety of attempting a field goal, versus other offensive options, can be a factor in the decision to kick.

These rule changes have collectively created an environment where long field goals are not only more feasible but also sometimes strategically advantageous. Teams are adapting to the new realities of the game, and kickers are rising to the challenge.

Strategic Decision-Making and Coaching Philosophies

The rise in NFL long field goals is also driven by evolving strategic decision-making and coaching philosophies. It's not just about having a kicker who can make a 50-yard field goal; it's about the coaches and teams being willing to attempt those kicks in crucial situations. This shift in mindset is a major factor in the trend we're observing. Coaches are increasingly willing to trust their kickers from longer distances, altering in-game strategies and affecting the flow of the game.

Analytics and Fourth-Down Decisions: The growing influence of analytics in the NFL has played a significant role. Teams are now using data to evaluate the probability of success for various plays in different situations. Analytics often suggest that attempting a long field goal, even with a lower success rate, is a better option than punting or going for it on fourth down in certain scenarios. This data-driven approach encourages coaches to be more aggressive in their field goal attempts, especially when close to the edge of their kicker’s range.
Trust in Kickers: As kickers have become more accurate from longer distances, coaches have naturally gained more confidence in their abilities. This trust translates into more opportunities for kickers to attempt long field goals, even in high-pressure situations. The mental aspect of this trust is crucial; a kicker who knows their coach believes in them is more likely to perform well.
Game Situation and Score: Strategic decision-making also depends heavily on the game situation and the score. A team trailing by a few points late in the game might be more willing to attempt a long field goal to close the gap, while a team with a comfortable lead might be more conservative. The time remaining, the field position, and the opponent's strengths and weaknesses all factor into the decision-making process. Coaches are continuously evaluating these factors to determine the best course of action.

Coaching philosophies are evolving to embrace the longer field goal as a viable offensive weapon. This strategic shift, combined with the increased accuracy of kickers, has reshaped the landscape of the kicking game in the NFL.

Pro Tip: Building Confidence in Your Kicker

Coaches play a vital role in the kicker's performance. Here's how they can build trust:

Consistent Reps: Provide ample opportunities for kickers to practice long field goals during training. Replicate game-like pressure situations.
Open Communication: Have open dialogues with kickers about their range and comfort levels. Understand their mental state.
Public Support: Publicly express confidence in the kicker's abilities. This support boosts morale and reduces anxiety.

Individual Kicker Skill and Mental Toughness

Ultimately, the increase in successful NFL long field goals boils down to the individual skill and mental toughness of the kickers themselves. All the advanced training, rule changes, and strategic decisions mean very little if the kicker can't deliver under pressure. The physical ability to kick the ball far and accurately is essential, but the mental fortitude to perform in critical situations is equally vital. These athletes are finely tuned, both physically and mentally, to handle the demands of the kicking game.

Physical Prowess: Modern NFL kickers possess exceptional physical abilities. They have strong legs, excellent technique, and the ability to generate tremendous power and accuracy. Years of dedicated training and specialized coaching have honed their skills to the highest level. Many kickers have unique pre-kick routines or rituals, refined over time to optimize their consistency.
Mental Resilience: The mental aspect of kicking is arguably just as important as the physical. Kickers must be able to block out distractions, manage pressure, and maintain focus, especially in critical game situations. They often work with mental performance coaches to develop strategies for staying calm and confident under duress. Techniques like visualization, positive self-talk, and breathing exercises are commonly used to enhance mental resilience.
Consistency and Repetition: Consistent performance is a hallmark of elite kickers. They strive for repeatable mechanics and a consistent approach to every kick, regardless of the circumstances. Repetition is key to building muscle memory and ensuring accuracy. Kickers often spend hours practicing their technique, fine-tuning their movements, and working on their consistency.

Watch Out: The Pressure Cooker

Despite their skill, even the best kickers can struggle with pressure. It's crucial to remember:

High Stakes: A missed field goal can change the game's momentum or even decide the outcome.
Public Scrutiny: Kickers face intense scrutiny from fans, media, and coaches. Mistakes are highly visible.
Mental Strategies: Kickers need robust mental strategies to cope with pressure and bounce back from setbacks.

Individual kicker skill and mental fortitude are the bedrock of the long field goal trend in the NFL. These athletes have elevated the kicking game to new heights, combining physical prowess with mental resilience to consistently perform under pressure.

Conclusion

The rise of long field goals in the NFL is a multifaceted phenomenon, driven by advancements in kicking technique and training, impactful rule changes, evolving strategic decision-making, and the exceptional skill and mental fortitude of the kickers themselves. It's a testament to the continuous evolution of the game and the dedication of the athletes who play it. The kicking game has become a crucial aspect of NFL strategy, and fans can expect to see long field goal attempts remain a significant part of the sport for years to come. Next, consider exploring the specific training routines of top NFL kickers to gain even more insight into their success.

FAQ

Why are NFL kickers making longer field goals now?

NFL kickers are making longer field goals due to a combination of factors. These include advancements in kicking technique and specialized training programs, rule changes that have made longer kicks more strategically viable, data-driven decision-making by coaches, and the increasing skill and mental toughness of the kickers themselves.

How have rule changes affected field goal attempts?

Rule changes, such as moving the extra point attempt back to the 15-yard line, have made longer kicks more common. Changes to kickoff rules and an emphasis on player safety also contribute by influencing field position and risk assessment, making long field goal attempts a more appealing option in certain situations.

What kind of training do NFL kickers undergo?

NFL kickers undergo rigorous training that includes biomechanical analysis, specialized strength and conditioning programs, and mental conditioning exercises. They focus on building core strength, hip flexibility, and leg power, as well as developing mental resilience to perform under pressure. Consistent repetition and technique refinement are also key components of their training.