General
squib kick
What does squib kick mean?
A short, low kickoff that bounces erratically along the ground, used to keep the ball away from a dangerous returner.
"To avoid the return man, they used a squib kick that skittered to the 30."
Origin
American football; a 'squib' is a small, erratic firework, echoing the kick's unpredictable bounce.
Frequently asked questions
What is a squib kick?
It's a short, low kickoff that bounces erratically along the ground, used to keep the ball away from a dangerous return man.
Why do teams use a squib kick?
It forces a non-returner like a lineman to field a bouncing ball, burning clock and preventing a big return, often at the end of a half.
Where does the term squib come from?
A squib is a small, erratic firework, and the name reflects the kick's unpredictable, skittering bounce.
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