In this TKS Radio Show, host John Matich and guest Filip Filipovich talk about Billy Cundiffs missed kick, Lawrence Tynes game winning field goal and Filip gives an insight to the crop of punters and kickers coming out this year in the NFL. Filip also talks about his new kicking endeavor, Top Kicker in America, a showcase kicking event in Las Vegas.
If you have been following this blog or any news site lately I am sure you know how much analysis has been going on with the now infamous Missed field goal in the AFC Champoionship game by Billy Cundiff.
After John Maatich, (TKS Owner) has analyzed speicifically the kick the operation and everything leading up to the kick it is important to know one thing… a kicker should only be thinking about his next kick. Below is a link from the Baltimore Sun who uses multiple writers giving their opinion on the miss.
While I am ecstatic that there is a plethora of kicking topics and people writing about it, the information on this topic should slowly start dying out. While I am a huge fan of Billy Cundiff I feel the more this topic is discussed the more it does disservice to Cundiff and everything he has done in his career. Much like an Offensive Lineman, a holder a snapper, the only time a kicker is the focal point is when they mess up.
I also have to give Cundiff his due he hasnt blamed anyone, he shoulders the blame and has taken his licks in stride. In addition Ray Lewis has shown to be a consumate teamate and locker room leader, even if he did this Madden commercial back in 2004.
Just in case you missed it here is the video of Lawrence Tynes game winning kick in the NFC Championship game.
In my previous post, with Cundiff missed field goal, I talked about the total operation with the snap and hold. In this case the snap was low but Weatherford made a great catch and put down a perfect hold to help Tynes boot it thru. You could make a strong case for Weatherford as the games MVP as he had a ton of great punts as well.
After numerous text messages, facebook posts and twitter comments, I figured I have to chime in and talk about Cundiffs missed field goal.
First of all, I am not offering any excuses on why he missed the kick. From that distance, its a chip shot. I have posted the video of the field goal below.
If you watch closely you can see the snap was not spot on, the hold was not perfect. When you are snapping in the NFL you normally try to get perfect laces to the holder. Or at least try to and not have the holder have to spin it a full revolution. As you can see the holder tried to spin the ball all the way around but did not get the laces facing the field goal. In an earlier field attempt there was a high snap and Cundiff still made the kick. But these series of field goals, shows how important the operation is with the field goal unit. When you are not firing on all cylinders it throws of your timing and causes missed kicks.
Other notes: Cundiff has been hurt all season with strained calf, that does not help when you are not in rythem. Also they brought in another kicker (Shayne Graham) a few weeks earlier which I am sure did not help the situation. It was not his best regular season and having the injury all plays a huge role. Lastly I did feel he was rushed, seemed as if he was sprinting onto the field, also when he took his steps back. Not sure why he was rushed, he knew he was going in…
Lastly, I still believe Billy Cundiff is a great kicker. He is a true professional and will bounce back, knowing him he will make his next 70 field goals. I do feel for him and will hate the next month of his life but after that he will regain his form.
TKS is requesting your admission to the TKS Winter Football Kicking Showcase Camp on February 19th 2012 in San Diego, CA.
If you are looking to aquire the basic fundamentals of how to kick, punt of kickoff for football this is the camp for you. Also this will be a great opportunity to compete with some of the best specialists in Southern California. If you are still looking for a place to play college football, you can also demonstrate your skills to the TKS staff and help you chances to get on a college roster.
The cost $100 until January 1st, 2012 after that $150.The camp will be held at La Jolla Country Day School from 9-1pm in San Diego, CA.
Get an inside glimpse of a TKS Soccer Lesson with John Matich. Watch a 14 year old soccer standout perform, strength training, shooting and soccer specific training drills.
We have been busy this week at TKS. Firing out new blog posts and valuable information all the time! Here is a teaser from our new TKS Kicking Book. Enjoy!
Here are seven suggestions to maintaining a consistent approach in the kicking game. Some of these are great ideas for mental preparation:
1. Visualize the positive. Imagine the ball going through the uprights before each kick.
2. Don’t overdo it. Set a limit on the number of kicks you do in a practice. There is no need to do 100 kicks in a session. Work on specific areas and increase the intensity. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself; compete with older kickers. Attend camps where there are competitions. Put yourself in pressure situations; you will find you will gain confidence.
3. Find someone you look up to. If you know or meet an NFL kicker or an outstanding college kicker, find out what helped him or her and ask for advice on how to achieve greatness. Don’t worry about not knowing all the answers or bothering them, everyone likes to talk about themselves and give advice about something they know and love.
4. Be creative. Create new drills and/or just have a fun day kicking where you won’t worry about making or missing kicks.
5. Create your own style. Discover a style of kicking that is fundamentally sound and is comfortable for you. Do not imitate the professionals! Everyone has his or her own individual style that is unique.
6. Develop a routine. Every time you prepare for a kick keep a mental checklist. For example: target line, checking for wind, taking your steps, etc.
I have been wanting to write a blog elaborating on one of the major themes we preach here at TKS, MENTAL PREPARATION for kickers and punters. With the first week of the NFL, specifically the Chargers has presented a perfect example of the importance of being mentally prepared at all times.
With the first play of the game the Chargers lost the most consistent kicker in NFL history, and a potent weapon to their offense. In a moments instance, Mike Scifres went form being a player concerned with field position and limiting anothers offense, to being ready at a moments notice to score points. Without a doubt, Scifres stepped in nearly flawlessly and helped the Chargers overcome a first half deficit and win the first game of the season. While Scifres couldnt have been thinking his involvement in kicking field goals was a likely outcome, his ability at performing so well isnt just a testament to his physical abilities but also his mental preparation.
Prior to kicking in the game against the Vikings, Scifres mentioned the last time he kicked field goals was in practice 2 years before. Since Scifres was prepared well enough he was able to recall how to kick as quickly as he could. Combined with this was Weddles performance in taking upon the responsibilities as a holder. In connection with Kaedings injury was the signing of NIck Novak. Novak didnt just was able to prepare himself for some high pressure kicks in less than 2 days notice. Also the time last he place with a live rush/snapper/holder was during the previous UFL season. Essentially, Novak also deserves praise illustrating incredible mental preparation to perform at such a high level to win the starting job.
Basically, what I am saying is mental preparation is equally if not more important that all of the physical preparation and mechanical work you can do each week. As I said in the offseason, you prepare physically in the offseason and preseason is all maintenance and mental preparation. Regardless of the seriousness of possible outcomes in your potential kicking future, it is important to always be prepared for all outcomes. This is as easy as running any scenario through your mind and relying on muscle memory and routine to deal with the each possible scenario.
Vince Lombardi once said,” The worst thing in the world is wasted talent” You can be have the strongest leg in the world, but without proper mental preparation you will choke under the slightest bit of pressure or less than perfect circumstances, you wont have a chance at making any kicks. And no coaches like excuses.
