Dropkicks are spectacular and iconic moves used in various contact sports that involve propelling the body in a particular direction or launching a flying kick in mid-air. More than just a flashy move, dropkicks can lead to game-changing plays in the right context. Here we will explore the origins of the dropkick, its varied uses, and professional examples of the technique.
Origin of the Dropkick
The exact origin of the dropkick is difficult to pin down due to its similarities to other more ancient moves. However, the first recorded usage of the dropkick is generally credited to rugby players in the early 1900s. To this day, the dropkick is well-known as an integral part of the rugby game.
Uses of the Dropkick
The dropkick can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
• Extra Point Conversion Kicks – This type of dropkick occurs after a touchdown is scored in rugby and American Football (the goal posts serve as a target). The kicker must drop the football from the ground and launch it through the uprights for the conversion attempt.
• Punt Kicks – This type of dropkick is used by the punter in American Football to get the ball well downfield to the other side of the field. The punter will use their leg to quickly drop the football and kick it into the air.
• General Scoring Kicks – Kickers in rugby can disguise their dropkick as a run up from field goal range, only to abruptly drop the ball and launch it into the air at the last second.
• Passing Plays – In some cases, a dropkick can be used as an unorthodox passing method for teams on tricky third down situations.
• Showmanship – Dropkicks can be used for flair to make an amazing play look even cooler.
In most sports, the dropkick technique is illegal to use in certain scenarios. It is important to be aware of the rules before attempting to use a dropkick in a game!
Famous Examples of Dropkicks
Some of the most famous dropkicks come from the National Football League (NFL). For example, in 2006, New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady famously dropkicked a football over the crossbar in a Monday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills.
Another famous example of a dropkick in American football is when the Seattle Seahawks’ kicker, Steven Hauschka, dropkicked an extra point attempt in a 2012 game against the Arizona Cardinals.
In the modern era, the dropkick has been used in the NFL to great effect. In the 2017-18 season, New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski made four of five dropkick attempts in field goal range.
Dropkicks are an iconic and daring move used by athletes in several contact sports, ranging from Rugby to American Football. While the exact origin of the dropkick is difficult to pin down, the technique is most commonly attributed to rugby players in the early 1900s. Depending on the context and rules of the game, dropkicks can be used for a variety of purposes, such as extra point conversions, punts and general scoring kicks. Additionally, dropkicks can also be employed for showmanship or even as an unorthodox passing play. Professionally, there have been several memorable dropkicks in the NFL, such as Tom Brady’s famous attempt over the crossbar and Stephen Gostkowski’s four successful dropkick attempts in 2017-18.
