What it is

The holder is the player who catches the snap on a field goal or extra point and places the ball for the kicker. He kneels about seven yards behind the line.

In a game

He must catch the ball, put it on the ground with the laces facing the goal posts, and do it fast. The kicker’s timing depends on him.

More detail

The holder is often the punter. A bad snap or hold can ruin a kick, and sometimes the holder picks up the ball and throws or runs, which is a fake field goal.