The Multiple Kick

[JeffreyMiller]

I have been glancing through my copy of Leroy N. Mills 1934 edition of "Kicking The American Football." I had forgotten that long ago I had read about the "multiple kick," which is essentially a punt that is held by holder in such a way to allow the kicker to strike the ball on its point. Even after reading Mills' explanation as to its purpose, I am not sure what advantage this sort of kick had. Mills states that it was used at the college level in the 20s (by Harvard, specifically) and that was still a legal tactic as late as '34. Does anyone know if this kick was ever used by the pros?

[RichardBak]

I got a multiple kick many times as a kid, usually from the old man when he couldn't find the belt. My dad grew up in the '30s. Maybe he read the book???

[Bryan]

Even after reading Mills' explanation as to its purpose, I am not sure what advantage this sort of kick had.

Yeah, I don't know how that type of kick/punt would clear the line of scrimmage...you'd think it would get blocked most of the time. Maybe Sean Landeta could have used a 'multiple kick' in the 1985 NFC Divisional playoff?

[JeffreyMiller]

I would think kicking the ball on the point would not only cause some accuracy issues, it would also be uncomfortable...