What it is

A squib kick is a kickoff that is hit low and bounces along the ground, so it is harder to catch and return.

In a game

It prevents a fast returner from getting a big return, and it forces the receiving team to field a bouncing ball. It is used near the end of a half, or when the kicking team has a lead.

More detail

The trade-off is distance, since a squib does not go as far as a normal kickoff. The ball often lands in the hands of a lineman, who is slower than a returner.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. A squib kick is a kickoff hit low and hard so that it bounces along the ground.
2. It does not go as far as a normal kick, but the ball bounces unpredictably.
3. The returners are often big, slow linemen, and a fast returner cannot take a long run.
4. Teams use it when they lead near the end of a half, and want to prevent a long return.