On kick-offs, why does the first guy dowfield ALWAYS miss the guy catching the kick?

[pangaia]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by DonViejo (a host of the General Discussion forum).

[BeyondGeography]

1. Because running full-speed straight ahead for 50 yards

and hitting a moving target isn't easy.

[pangaia]

5. Why don't they slow up at the end?

[RedWedge]

2. Because they're going full speed and it's easier for the punt returner to change directions from

a stop than for the full-speed guy to do so on the fly.

[pangaia]

6. Why don't they slow up art the end?

[RedWedge]

15. Because it's not his job to stop the returner. It's his job to force the returner make a decision

about where to go, so the rest of the kicking team has a better chance to stop him.

[Drahthaardogs]

3. Because open field tackles are hard to make

.

[TransitJohn]

4. Because mass exhibits momentum

Middle school science.

[pangaia]

7. Right.But then, Why don't they slow up at the end?

[TransitJohn]

20. Inertia

Middle School science.

[randome]

8. Because he's really a golfer with a concussion.

[hr][font color="blue"][center]Stop looking for heroes. BE one.[/center][/font][hr]

[pangaia]

9. I thought all golphers had concussions.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

10. Not always, of course. Momentum is the best explanation otherwise, and sometimes...

... missed blocks in the back.

I've seen several kick returners get immediately creamed by the first arriving special teams defender.

[pangaia]

11. Right. The receiver gets creamed if the tackler arrives exactly at the right time.

But that is somewhat rare.
So, why not slow down just a tad?

[Buckeye_Democrat]

13. Slowing down might help if they're separated enough from blockers. There's also...

... several players who are careless and seem to prefer making the "huge hit" rather than playing more fundamentally sound.

Ohio State's tackling improved a lot a couple years ago, for example, after the coaches went back to "square one" and regularly preached better techniques.

[pangaia]

14. Thanks.. I've always wondered ...

[sharp_stick]

12. The first guys down

If they can't make a clear legal tackle try to get the catcher to stay in a lane where others can get him.
If he makes it to the outside he's got a much better shot at a long run back.

[pangaia]

17. That helps.. I just figured that first guy should just let off on the gas

a second early, see which way the receiver would go then, wham..



GO PACK! I guess. Or if not them then Hawks.

I choose a team by the colors I like. :&gt )))

[milestogo]

19. Usually the pitcher throws it right to the catcher.

There's a box, but no lane.

[milestogo]

16. Because they get together before the game and decide to do it that way.

Its a conspiracy.

[pangaia]

18. Smartest answer yet.

I figured something was going on.

[DonViejo]

21. Locking...

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