Fair catch kick

High school (ages 12+)
Sports & Games

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/fair-catch-kick

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the method of kick?Must be a place kick or a drop kick
2. What is the historical precedent?Derived from the 'goal from mark' rule in rugby football
3. Why is a fair catch kick so rare?Most fair catches happen far from the opponent’s goal, making a field goal unlikely. Teams usually prefer to start a new play instead of kicking. It only works in very specific end‑of‑half or end‑of‑game situations.
4. How does a fair catch kick work when the clock runs out?If the clock ends after a fair catch, the half is extended so the team can try the kick. This can be the only chance to score if no time is left for a normal play.

Fair Catch: A receiver's declared intent to not advance a kicked ball, negating the possibility of being tackled.
Free Kick: A kick awarded to a team that the opposing team cannot rush, such as a kickoff or a fair catch kick.
Play from Scrimmage: An offensive play initiated from behind the line of scrimmage, distinct from a free kick.