Mastering the Onside Kick in Six-Man Football: When and Why to Use It

In the fast-paced, high-scoring world of six-man football, special teams play an outsized role compared to its 11-man counterpart. With fewer players on the field, every yard matters, and kickoffs can swing momentum in an instant. One of the most debated decisions for coaches is when to opt for an onside kick versus a traditional deep kickoff. This article explores the strategic considerations, risk-reward analysis, and best practices for incorporating onside kicks into your game plan, drawing on key insights from experienced coaches and the unique dynamics of six-man play.

The Obvious Scenarios: When Onside Makes Sense

Let's start with the basics. Not every team is built for flawless kickoff coverage, and recognizing your limitations is crucial. If your squad isn't a strong tackling unit—or if you struggle to field at least five reliable players to cover a deep kickoff—opting for an onside kick is often the smarter choice. Why risk a long return that could put your defense in a hole right away? An onside kick keeps the ball in a more controlled area, reducing the chance of a big play against you.

Similarly, if you're facing an elite return team with a standout returner who consistently outperforms your coverage unit, going onside can neutralize that threat. In six-man football, where open space abounds, a skilled returner can turn a routine kickoff into a game-changer. By keeping the kick short, you force a scramble for possession rather than giving them room to build speed.

On the flip side, there are clear cases where kicking deep is the way to go. If you have a kicker who can reliably boot the ball out of the back of the endzone for a touchback, take advantage of it. This eliminates the return altogether, pinning the opponent at their own 20-yard line and forcing them to drive the length of the field.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards

The decision to onside kick isn't just about immediate matchups—it's a calculated gamble on field position and turnovers. Let's break down the math to illustrate the trade-offs.

Assume a deep kickoff typically results in an average return to the 20-yard line, effectively mimicking a touchback. In contrast, for the sake of argument, let's say an onside kick (on average) leaves the receiving team starting at their own 35-yard line. That's a 15-yard advantage handed to the opponent every time you kick short. In a typical six-man game, where teams might score an average of eight touchdowns, this adds up quickly: 8-10 KOs × 15 yards = 120-150 yards of free offense gifted to the other side over the course of the game.

That's no small concession. In a sport where explosive plays are common, surrendering that much yardage can be the difference between winning and losing. Critics of frequent onside kicks point out that you're essentially spotting the opposition prime field position repeatedly.

But proponents argue the upside justifies the risk: the potential for recovery. An onside kick offers a shot at a turnover, regaining possession and flipping the field in your favor. The question becomes, how much yardage are you willing to risk for that chance? And is it worth it when you could instead coach your coverage team to attack the ball aggressively on a deep return, increasing the odds of forcing a fumble during the tackle? Or pinning a team inside their own 10 if you have a good kicker and coverage. In six-man, where contact is intense and ball security can falter, a well-drilled coverage unit might yield similar turnover opportunities without the field-position penalty.

Ultimately, the risk-reward boils down to your team's strengths. If your onside recovery rate is high—say, 20-30%—the occasional steal can outweigh the yardage given up. But if recoveries are rare, you're better off playing the percentages with deep kicks.

Strategic Setups: Consistency is Key

The most successful kicking teams in six-man football don't telegraph their intentions. They line up the same way every time, whether planning a deep kick or an onside. Switching alignments—one for deep, another for onside—makes it too easy for the return team to adjust and exploit. By maintaining a consistent pre-kick formation, you keep opponents guessing and maximize your element of surprise.

A favored approach is to position four players to one side of the kicker (right or left) and then kick deep toward that strong side. This setup pins the returner against the sideline, limiting their options and funneling them into your coverage. If your kicker lacks pinpoint accuracy, instruct them to aim for the hash mark on the opposite side of the field from where they're kicking. For more precise kickers, emphasize hanging the ball high and landing it between the goal line and the 5-yard line—giving your coverage time to close in.

Six-man rules give the kicking team an edge here: with 10 yards less to cover than in 11-man football, your players can reach the returner faster, increasing tackle opportunities. That four-on-one-side alignment also shines for onside kicks, as it provides an extra athlete for coverage without sacrificing balance.

When executing an onside, skip the "surprise" bunch kick—it's no surprise in six-man, where short kicks are common. Focus instead on technique and deception through consistency.

Expanding Your Kicker's Arsenal

Don't limit your options to just deep or onside. Consider adding a pooch or squib kick that bounces around the 20-yard line, disrupting the return while still pushing the opponent back. In total, equip your kicker with three reliable types: 1) deep for pinning deep, 2) onside for recovery attempts, and 3) pooch/squib for controlled chaos. Nothing more is needed—simplicity breeds mastery.

Consistency is the holy grail. A predictable kicker allows you to scheme coverage effectively, knowing where the ball will go. To build this, practice on varied surfaces: grass, dirt, and turf all behave differently. If your home field lacks turf, seek out opportunities to rep on it. The more repetitions, the better—aim for muscle memory that holds up under game pressure.

Practice Makes Perfect: Elevating Special Teams

In six-man football, the high-scoring nature means more kickoffs and special teams snaps than in 11-man games. Treat it as a core component, not an afterthought. Dedicate time to kicking drills every practice—refine technique, simulate game scenarios, and build that all-important consistency. Your investment here can pay dividends, turning a potential weakness into a weapon.

In summary, onside kicks shine when your coverage is suspect or the opponent's return game is elite, but they're not without risks. Balance the field-position giveaway against turnover potential, prioritize deceptive alignments, and drill relentlessly. Master these elements, and you'll gain a strategic edge in the unpredictable arena of six-man football.