A touchback in football can often be seen on kickoffs, offense, and defense. It’s ruling in football that moves the ball to a specific position on the field. But what is a touchback and why is it important?
A touchback is a situation in football where the ball is downed behind the goal line after a kick or interception. The ball is then placed on the 20-yard line in the opposing team’s territory.
From the NFL Rulebook, “A touchback in football is when the ball becomes dead on or behind the goal line a team is defending, provided that the impetus comes from an opponent and that it is not a touchdown or an incomplete pass.” The ball is automatically reset at the 25-yard line for the offense.
In this article, we will explain all the possible scenarios for a touchback.
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Touchback On a Kickoff
A touchback on the kickoff is the most common type of touchback.
A touchback is signaled by the referee when a player on the receiving team catches the ball (from a punt or kickoff) and takes a knee or runs out of the end zone. Once the receiving player takes a knee or runs out of the end zone, the referee will stop the play, and the ball will automatically be placed at the 25-yard line.
The receiving team’s offense will then come to the field, and the kicking team’s defense will come on to the field.
In college and the NFL, kickers have strong enough legs to reach the end zone. When the player receives the kick, they need to take a touchback or return the kick.
Teams will often elect to take a touchback because it gives them a better field position to start their drive. Rarely will a returning player take the ball out from their end zone as it may result in poor field position.
Only if the return team has a player they feel can impact the football game by returning the football will allow the player to return.
Players may also elect not to catch the football and let it roll out of the end zone. This is also considered a touchback; as long as no kickoff return players touch the football before reaching the end zone, they try to run it out.
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Touchback On a Punt
Another common touchback is when the punting team punts the ball out of the end zone. It will be ruled a touchback as soon as the football crosses the opponent’s goal line after being kicked.
This is an exciting play in football, as players typically are acrobatic, trying to save the football from going into the end zone.
If the punting team touches the football and the ball travels into the end zone, this will also result in a touchback. When punting, the ball must stay in the field of play or out of bounds to avoid a touchback.
Touchback On Offense
The second type of touchback is on offense. This type of play is rare, but it can happen. The most common offensive touchback is when the player fumbles out of the opponent’s end zone.
A perfect example of this is when DK Metcalf caught the football but celebrated a bit too early, which resulted in a receiver punching the ball out of his hands.
After the ball rolled out of the end opponents’ end zone, the play automatically ruled a touchback.
Once the ball is fumbled out of the opponent’s end zone, the opposing team takes possession, starting at the 25.
It’s a weird rule that may not make sense to some, but touchbacks on offense can hurt a drive.
Touchbacks on offense are also called when offensive players try to dive for the pylon but lose control of the football and fumble it out of the end zone.
This happened to Derek Carr as he dove for the pylon and lost control of the football, ultimately fumbling it through the opponent’s end zone.
Touchback Rules In Football
The ball is automatically brought to the 25-yard line if a touchback occurs.
After a touchback on a kickoff return, the returning offense will come on the field, and the kicking team’s defense will come on the field.
If the team fumbles the ball out of the opponent’s end zone on offense, the ball is turned over to the other team, and their offense comes on the field.
Touchbacks play an essential role in football as they help keep the football in play. If teams decide to kick the ball as far as they want, they may elect to have the other team take the ball at the 25-yard line.
If the other team has a dangerous returner, this may be a good idea to prevent him from making an explosive play.
Kicking the ball deep into the end zone or deep enough not to return is beneficial to prevent the returner from making a big play.
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Conclusion
Touchbacks can be seen in almost every NFL & college game. They’re rarely seen in high school games, as kickers don’t often have the leg strength to reach the end zone.
Touchbacks can help a field with starting position if they choose to take it. Often coaches will play it safe and have their returner take a knee to bring their offense onto the field and get the ball at the 25-yard line.