What are special teams in football and what is their purpose?

What are special teams in football and what is their purpose?

Claudia Kogi
June 13, 2023 at 1:09 PM

Most people think about the offence, defence, and how goals are scored when football is mentioned. However, there is more to it than just that since there is another unit of teams in football known as special teams. Although most fans have little or no idea about what special teams in football are, the often-forgotten unit has an immense significance on the overall outcome of the game.

What are special teams in high school football?
Bryce Hall (37) of the New York Jets runs during the team's OTAs at Atlantic Health Jets training center on 6 June 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. Photo: Rich Schultz
Source: Getty Images

Special teams account for almost 35% of the total points scored in a given season despite being on the field for only 20% of the total number of games. They are as essential as the rest of the units since they determine how the defence and offence perform. Find more details about what special football teams are and their purpose in the article.

What are special teams in football?

They are a group of players involved in kicking plays. They are neither defence or offence, and they are mostly used as punts, field goal attempts, and kick-offs and are usually called to the field to kick the ball or return.

What are the positions played by special teams in football?

There are various positions for different special teams' players. Although it is not a common phenomenon, starters and star players might also fill in on the positions. Here is the special teams player in football.

  • Kicker
  • Punter
  • Holder
  • Long Snapper
  • Kick Returner
  • Punt Returner
  • Gunner
  • Personal Protector
What are special teams in college football?
New England Patriots QB, Mac Jones, receives a snap during practice. Photo: John Tlumacki
Source: Getty Images

What are special teams in college football?

College and professional special teams have no significant difference since they are both defined as players used in different parts of the pitch as kickers, punters, holders, or returners.

They help score points by giving their offence a better chance of scoring and also help the defence by creating a less favourable atmosphere for the opponents to get behind the touchline.

What are special teams in American football?

They are units that are called onto the field during kicking plays. In other words, they are players who appear on the defence or offence to take up unique roles in the game, such as kicking, holding, punting, and returning.

What are special defence teams in fantasy football?

What are the purpose of special teams in football?
Solomon Thomas (94) of the New York Jets runs a drill during the team's OTAs at Atlantic Health Jets training centre on 6 June 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. Photo: Rich Schultz
Source: Getty Images

They are positions that are based on an individual athlete's performance. That said, they act accordingly and collectively towards the defence of the game throughout. For instance, when taking a wide receiver position, the manager drafts a particular player into the special team.

What is the purpose of special teams in football?

They aim to help score points by giving their offensive athletes a better chance of getting the needed points. Additionally, they help the defence by creating a less favourable atmosphere for the opponents to get behind the touchline.

The kickers, who are the key members of the squad, are the most important when it comes to scoring goals in the unit, as they score points through a field goal which can make a difference in the outcome of the game.

What are special teams in high school football?

Like the professional one, the high school one is also defined as a group of players fielded for kicking plays, kick-offs, goal attempts from the field, and punts. They show up in the field when needed and are less recognised.

What is considered a special team in football?

Although the unit is often overlooked, it is among the most essential in the field, and with them, the defence and offence will be manageable. To be considered part of the unit, an athlete has to be on the field during kicking plays.

What are the six special teams in football?

In the National Football League, there are six units. These units are the kick-off, punting, kick return, return, field goal, and field goal block teams.

Do special teams players play other positions?

Although it is not common, some players from the units can play in various positions, such as receiver or cornerback. The players can be kickers, punters, returners, snappers, and regular centres.

What are special teams in football?
Philadelphia Eagle players during the team's OTAs at Novacare Complex in Philadelphia, PA. Photo: John Jones
Source: Getty Images

What is a special team touchdown?

It is a touchdown made through a kick-off, a return after a missed punt return, a blocked field goal attempt, or a blocked punt.

What are special teams in football has been one of the most asked questions among people who have just heard about them. Although they are less known, they are the engine behind how the offence and defence perform, and they make the team complete. Players in various positions, such as quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, can contribute to the special teams when called upon, although it is rare.

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Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.