History of Fair catch kick in Timeline

In American football, a fair catch kick allows a team that has just fair caught the ball to attempt a free kick, place kick or drop kick. It's a strategic play often used to take advantage of field position without risking a turnover on downs or a blocked punt. The catch can be made from a punt, kickoff, or free kick, and the subsequent kick can be a place kick or drop kick. If successful, the kicking team earns three points, similar to a regular field goal. This unusual and rarely used play is distinct from a normal field goal attempt after a touchdown or from an onside kick, which involves specific formations and strategies to retain possession. Although legal and allowed by the rules, the strategy carries the risk of missing the field goal and giving the opponent good field position, making it a high-risk, high-reward play. The fair catch kick has been part of football rules for a long time, although its utilization is uncommon due to the low percentage of success and the availability of more reliable scoring options.