In football, a clear occurs when a player gains possession of the ball in their own end zone and kicks it out of bounds, usually with the intention of giving their team better field position. Clears are typically performed by punters, who are specialized kickers that have a powerful leg and can kick the ball high and far.
Clears are an important part of football because they can help a team gain field position and momentum. By kicking the ball out of bounds, the team in possession forces the other team to start their drive from a further point down the field. This can give the clearing team a significant advantage, as they will have more time to set up their defense and force the other team to make a longer drive to score.
Performing a clear is a relatively simple process, but it does require some skill and practice. The following are the steps on how to perform a clear:
There are two main types of clears:
The distance of a clear is affected by a number of factors, including:
According to the NFL, the average clear distance in the 2021 season was 46.1 yards. The longest clear in NFL history was 83 yards, by Steve Weatherford of the New York Giants in 2011.
Here are a few tips and tricks for kicking a clear:
There are both pros and cons to clearing the ball.
Pros:
Cons:
1. What is the difference between a punt and a clear?
A punt is a kick that is made from behind the line of scrimmage, while a clear is a kick that is made from inside the end zone.
2. Why do teams clear the ball?
Teams clear the ball to give themselves better field position and to force the other team to make a longer drive to score.
3. What is the average clear distance in the NFL?
The average clear distance in the NFL is 46.1 yards.
4. Who is the player with the longest clear in NFL history?
Steve Weatherford of the New York Giants has the longest clear in NFL history, with a kick of 83 yards in 2011.
5. What are some tips for kicking a clear?
Practice regularly, use the proper technique, be confident, and don't be afraid to experiment.
6. What are the pros and cons of clearing?
Pros: Can give your team better field position, can force the other team to make a longer drive to score, can help you control the tempo of the game.
Cons: Can be risky if the kick is blocked or returned, can give the other team the ball in good field position if the kick is short, can take away scoring opportunities if the kick is too long.
Clearing is an important part of football that can help a team gain field position and momentum. By following the tips and tricks in this article, you can improve your ability to kick clears and help your team win games.
Story 1:
In the 2021 NFC Championship Game, the San Francisco 49ers were trailing the Los Angeles Rams 20-7 with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game. The 49ers were backed up deep in their own territory and facing a 4th and long. Instead of attempting a field goal, the 49ers decided to clear the ball. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky boomed a 53-yard clear that pinned the Rams back at their own 12-yard line. The Rams were unable to move the ball and were forced to punt. The 49ers then drove down the field and scored a touchdown to cut the Rams' lead to 20-14. The 49ers ultimately lost the game, but Wishnowsky's clear gave them a chance to come back and win.
What we learn:
Even when a team is trailing late in the game, clearing the ball can give them a chance to come back and win.
Story 2:
In the 2018 AFC Divisional Round, the Kansas City Chiefs were trailing the Indianapolis Colts 13-9 with just over two minutes remaining in the game. The Chiefs were facing a 4th and 9 from their own 28-yard line. Instead of attempting a field goal, the Chiefs decided to clear the ball. Punter Dustin Colquitt kicked a 45-yard clear that gave the Colts the ball at their own 15-yard line. The Colts were unable to move the ball and were forced to punt. The Chiefs then drove down the field and kicked a game-winning field goal to win the game 16-13.
What we learn:
Clearing the ball can help a team win games even when they are trailing late in the game.
Story 3:
In the 2015 NFC Championship Game, the Seattle Seahawks were leading the Green Bay Packers 19-7 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game. The Seahawks were facing a 4th and 3 from their own 29-yard line. Instead of attempting a field goal, the Seahawks decided to clear the ball. Punter Jon Ryan kicked a 47-yard
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