The Kicking GAme

[Old Timer]

The kicking game is still very important at every level of football. So often at the high school and lower levels it is neglected. Here are a couple of shot of the kicking game from the last couple of weeks.

[JSPhoto]

Photographers don't ignore kickers, but papers do unless you have a really special kicker on your team that sets team, league and state records. Most high schools don't think kicking is that important, which can lead to losing close games. One of those special kickers is this one, formerly at my old high school, he's now in his second year at Notre Dame
http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/...rt_ryan00.html
Somewhere I have photos of Ryan....probably hiding on another drive.
This past Saturday, this guy kicked a 44yard field goal, his second career at 40+, he also plays soccer through the week and is one of the teams best soccer players, but very few schools allow students to play more than one sport at a time. Since all he does is kick in football they let him do it.

JS

[VinnyC01]

Here are a few I took of a scrimmage yesterday. I am a complete noob and I am using a rebel xti. Your opinion/comments would be helpful.

[JSPhoto]

Welcome VinnyC01,

Well the thing that jumps right out at me is no faces, more to the side instead of behind. This angle works if your trying to get someone possibly blocking a kick, but not when the kicker is the subject. The one thing these may help with though is for the kicking coach to critique the kicker and holder.

JS

[rgusberti]

I used to hold for the place-kicker in HS and College (University at Albany was years away from Div I status in the early 70's). My first thought, what happened to the holders hands???? Kidding! We certainly didn't have gloves back then. I like your capture in #2. Though I can't make out the holder's face, you can sense his focus in this shot. I like this shot the best (and before I say more, I still don't feel qualified to make comment on others' submissions). That said, I feel it important to keep involved and reply when able.
Vinny, what gear are you shooting? Keep at it and salut to your first posting! This is a friendly place and you'll find the folk here more than accessible.
Bob G

[VinnyC01]

Thanks. I was not trying to high jack the thread

I can see what you mean from OT's pic #2. The faces (and experssions) there really make the photo.

AGAIN THANKS!!

[rgusberti]

OT -
As a learner here, I love your first shot! No doubt you were battling sun to some extent, but I have to believe the parents of the kicker and holder would love this one in a 20x24.You got your game on, sir!

[VinnyC01]

Vinny, what gear are you shooting?
Bob G

By gear do mean my Xti with a 75-300 basic lens that came in the purchase?
thanks.

[rgusberti]

Yeah, and sorry I missed that you already mentioned the XTI. I was curious about what lenses you were using, and I didn't see that. As redundant as a signature could be, I recently listed my gear in my signature. I think eveyone on this forum likes to "admire" everyone else's gear...I know I do.

[Old Timer]

OT -
As a learner here, I love your first shot! No doubt you were battling sun to some extent, but I have to believe the parents of the kicker and holder would love this one in a 20x24.You got your game on, sir!

Yes the sun was brutal the first part of this game but as you can see by later in the game the sun went behind the clouds and the ISO went up and Shutter Speed went down. thanks for taking a look and commenting. I think many time we ignore the kicking game as John pointed out. It a good time to move your position or take a one play break. However many very dramatic and sometimes game turning plays happen on the kicks.