Enter the Block Zone: The Pinpoint Precision of a Blocked Field Goal

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the challenges of blocking field goals in the NFL, including the different types of blocked kicks, the concept of the "block zone", and the timing required for interior rushers to successfully block a kick.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Field Goal Blocking

1. What are the main categories of blocked field goals? The article identifies 4 main categories of blocked field goals:

• Interior blocks by defensive tackles or ends
• Outside blocks by speedy defenders bending the edge
• "Second outside" blocks where the end-man on the line of scrimmage engages the outside rusher, leaving the second outside rusher unblocked
• Jumped center blocks, which are the most iconic type of blocked kick

2. What is the "block zone" and how can it be calculated? The block zone is the area through which the kicked football is overwhelmingly likely to travel on its way to the uprights. It can be computed using trigonometry based on factors like kick distance, kick speed, and weather. The block zone is relatively small, especially in the horizontal dimension, making it challenging for interior blockers to time their jumps correctly.

3. How does the distance from the kick point impact the block zone? As the distance from the kick point increases, the vertical height of the block zone rises significantly, making it much harder for interior blockers to reach the ball even with good penetration. The horizontal width of the block zone only increases moderately with distance.

4. When is the optimal time for an interior rusher to time their jump? Based on the data analyzed, the article suggests that interior rushers should time their maximum vertical reach around 1.8 seconds after the ball snap, or more precisely 0.3 seconds after kick contact. This timing mechanism should work relatively well for the entire range of reasonable block zones.

[02] Difficulty of Blocking Field Goals

1. Why are blocked field goals so rare in the NFL? The article notes that blocked field goals are exceedingly rare in the NFL, with just 19 blocked field goals and 8 blocked extra points in 2023. This is due to the extreme precision and accuracy of modern NFL kickers, as well as the difficulty of the task of blocking a kick.

2. What makes blocking a field goal so difficult? The article highlights several key challenges:

• The small size of the block zone, especially in the horizontal dimension, makes it hard for interior blockers to time their jumps correctly.
• The speed and trajectory of the kick leaves little time for blockers to react.
• Kickers are becoming increasingly accurate, making the task even more difficult.

3. How valuable are blocked field goals? The article states that a blocked field goal often saves the defense over 2.5 points in expectation, and occasionally results in a touchdown return. As field goal percentages continue to rise, blocked kicks become even more valuable for the defending team.