Squib Kick - Strategy

Strategy

The Squib kick is a tactic used to prevent a long return, usually at the end of the half. On average the receiving team will gain better field position than it would returning a normal kick. However it is considered worthwhile by the kicking team, as it is more difficult to return for a touchdown. Also it must be returned, which isn't the case on a touchback, and thus it takes time off the clock and often brings the half to an end.

A squib kick can work against the kicking team, especially if the receiving team is expecting it. Because the kick is so short, the receiving team will usually get good field position, even if there is a minimal gain on the return. And if the receiving player can manage a moderate gain return, the field position can be outstanding. A good example of this occurred on October 12, 2008, when Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith decided to squib a kick with 11 seconds to go vs. the Atlanta Falcons and the Bears up 1. The Falcons got the ball at their own 45, and after a pass play, they kicked a 48-yard field goal to win with no time left. A few weeks later, in a Monday Night Football game vs. the Green Bay Packers, Lovie again ordered a squib kick after the Bears had tied the game with 3:11 left in regulation. Following the squib kick, and a return, and an unnecessary roughness penalty on Adrian Peterson, the Packers had the ball at the Bears 35. Fortunately for Lovie Smith, the Bears defense shut down the Packers, Alex Brown blocked the field goal attempt and sent the game into overtime, where the Bears would win.