Optimizing American Football Kickoffs

Abstract

The kicker's goal during a kickoff is to strategically minimize the starting field position of the opposing team. This gives his team an advantage by making it less likely for the opponent to score. To determine the initial velocity and angle that minimizes the field position, an aerodynamic model for the ball trajectory and a biomechanical model for running players was used. The model confirmed that kicking the ball at a higher angle and at a higher velocity is better as long as the ball doesn't go into the endzone for a touchback. Analysis of a specific player revealed that he typically kicks the ball at an angle that is lower than optimal.