A fair catch kick is a little-known, rarely used play in American football. In essence, it is a combination of both a kickoff and a field goal attempt. At one time a very similar rule existed in rugby union called goal from mark.
A team can only make a fair catch kick immediately after making a successfully fair catch. If time expires while the ball is in play before a fair catch is made, the receiving team may extend the period with a fair catch kick.
When a team wants to make a fair catch kick, the ball is placed at the yard line where the fair catch was made. Both teams line up as if it were a normal kickoff, with the defense lined up 10 yards away from the ball. The kicker cannot use a tee. But if he kicks the ball between the uprights of the goal posts, he scores a field goal.
This play is rarely used. First of all, it is only allowed in the NFL, high school, and a few other levels of football. And generally when a fair catch is made, there is usually enough time on the clock to try to move the ball closer to the end zone.
Because a fair catch kick is rarely used, many players, coaches and fans don't even know that the rule even exists.
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