General
pooch kick
What does pooch kick mean?
A punt or kickoff kicked with less than full force, often to drop it just short of the return man or pin the offense.
"They tried a pooch kick to avoid the electric returner."
Origin
American football slang for a soft, lofted 'pooched' kick.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pooch kick in football?
It's a deliberately short, soft kick, on a kickoff or punt, aimed to land just short of the returner or pin the offense deep.
What's the difference between a pooch kick and a squib kick?
A pooch kick is lofted high and short to drop in front of the returner, while a squib kick is a low, hard ball that bounces erratically along the ground.
Why use a pooch kick?
It keeps the ball away from a dangerous return man by forcing an up man to catch a high, short kick with little room to run.
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