What differentiates a good kicker from an MVP all-league is what they believe they can accomplish. If you believe in yourself, that you can do anything you want, you will! There is a lot of pressure in sports to do well, but if you envision success, be consistent, routinely condition your body, have fun, challenge yourself and be creative, you can, as they say, be all that you can be.

What differentiates a good kicker from an MVP all-league is what they believe they can accomplish. If you believe in yourself, that you can do anything you want, you will! There is a lot of pressure in sports to do well, but if you envision success, be consistent, routinely condition your body, have fun, challenge yourself and be creative, you can, as they say, be all that you can be. Wouldn’t you like to consistently improve your field goals? Do you find it challenging to change your mental outlook on kicking? Do you cringe under pressure? If you’ve answered yes to one or to all of these questions, you’re not alone. Kickers and punters have to execute under pressure and this will either make or break a player.

The difference between a good kicker and great kicker is often how successful you are in high-stress situations. I will work with you to make these challenges a thing of the past. Now that you’ve envisioned a cheering crowd with adoring fans after kicking the game-winning field goal, come on back to the present. The next step is to keep your mind focused on the game; don’t worry about how bad that last kick was or what people will think about you if you jumble the next one. If you mess up, forget about it. There’s no use fretting about the past. Just remember “KISS,” which stands for “keep it simple, stupid!” You’ve probably heard the term “consistency is key” and this is especially true in sports. When I was a free-agent kicker with the Minnesota Vikings in 2001, I noticed Gary Anderson's incredible body rhythm and coordination. He hit the same kick at one point twenty times in a row. His mechanics were fluid and he maintained a consistent pre-kick routine.  Here’s something that you want to do every time: lock on impact, follow through, and keep your head down, all at the same time. I will help you learn these techniques and more so that you can also kick consistently well, time and time again.

 Throughout the years, I’ve had the opportunity of working with the top kicking professionals in the NFL. One kicker, John Carney with the New Orleans Saints, really stood out because he is one of the most committed individuals I have ever met. His mechanics were flawless, and even though he is older than a lot of his teammates, he remains one of the premier kickers in the NFL. His success is due to his off-season world-class strength and conditioning program which includes strength training, flexibility exercises, joint integrity, core work and functional training. Your body needs to be at its best if you want to be the best.  Let’s have fun! As a kicker, you will reach new levels, and to keep the doldrums from settling in, use exercises and techniques that derive enjoyment during practice. Games such as horse, designing a punt, pass and kick competition, and balance challenges are ways you can integrate the "play" aspects of kicking. I’m not saying don’t take the sport seriously, because you should. I’m just saying you might as well enjoy it! Don’t forget to incorporate aspects of kicking such as balance and flexibility.  The more creative you are with your kicking programming, the more fun you will have and it will help you attain your goals. Sports, such as kicking can be stressful, but there’s no reason to let the pressure get to you. Remember to visualize success, be consistent, regularly condition your body, enjoy yourself, take on new challenges, and be imaginative.  Here are seven suggestions to maintaining a consistent approach: 

1. Visualize the positive. Imagine the ball going through the uprights before each kick. 

2. Don’t overdo it. Set a limit on the number of kicks you doin a practice. There is no need to do 100 kicks in a session. Work on specific areas and increase the intensity.  Don't be afraid to challenge yourself; compete with older kickers. Attend camps where there are competitions. Put yourself in pressure situations; you will find you will gain confidence. 

3. Find someone you look up to. If you know or meet an NFL kicker or an outstanding college kicker, find out what helped him or her and ask for advice on how to achieve greatness. Don’t worry about not knowing all the answers or bothering them, everyone likes to talk about themselves and give advice about something they know and love. 

4. Be creative. Create new drills and/or just have a fun day kicking where you won’t worry about making or missing kicks. 

5. Create your own style. Discover a style of kicking that is fundamentally sound and is comfortable for you. Do not imitate the professionals! Everyone has his or her own individual style that is unique. 

6. Develop a routine. Every time you prepare for a kick keep a mental checklist. For example: target line, checking for wind, taking your steps, etc.  

7. Have fun. Enjoy the sport! 

Copyright 2007 The Kicking SystemAll Rights Reserved. Any information in this article may not be reproduced without expressed written consent of The Kicking System 

 About the Author John Matich, MA,  Owner, The Kicking System, LLC

*  Current Kicker for The San Diego Shockwave (NIFL Arena Football) *  Free Agent Signee of the Minnesota Viking (2001) Pre-Season
*  MA in Sports Management from the University of San Francisco
*  Four Year Starter at Boston College (1995-1999)
*  2nd place All-Time Scoring at Boston College
*  Camp Director for the SDSU Kicking Camp
*  Kicking Coach at Mesa Community College, San Diego, CA, Oceanside HS, La Jolla Country Day School
*  Native San Diegan and former kicking standout from Mira Mesa High School (1995)
*  AFCA Member since 2006
*  Coach for the NFL Youth Program JPD, Junior Player Development
*  Speaker for the Frank Glazer Clinics
*  Speaker for Irvine Sports Clinic - National Football Foundation (2008)
*  Coach for the Champion Sports Academy (San Diego Hall of Champions) & USA Football Coach School