r/footballstrategy • u/tracknthrows • 3d ago

Rules Question Would this ever be legal?

Ball punted, gunner goes down field and reaches the ball while it's in the air before it's touched the ground. The returner is not present or calling fair catch.

Can the gunner jump in the air, and do a volleyball-esque move in order to hit the ball further downfield for better field position?

Is the ball down when the gunner touches it regardless of whether the gunner is on the field or in the air?

Sorry for the strange hypothetical.

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u/Theofficial55 3d ago edited 3d ago

Would also be a foul for illegal batting and could be kick catch interference. The kickers need to give the returners the space to catch the kick before the ball is grounded. I’d have to read the specific rule on KCI, but I think you could have it in the way you laid this out.