Muffed punt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In American Football, a muffed punt is defined as "touching of the ball prior to possessing the ball." [1]
A muffed punt occurs when there is an "uncontrolled touch" of the football after it is punted. This can occur when:
• The kicking team interferes with the other team's right to catch the punt
• A player is struck unaware by the football, such as when the ball strikes a player running downfield to cover the punt.
• A player attempts to return the ball, makes contact with it but cannot retain the ball in their hands and comes loose.
Rules vary by league about how to handle a muffed punt.
A muffed punt is not a fumble. To be a fumble, the receiving team must possess the football, then lose control. In this case, the ball is live and can be returned by the team that recovers the fumble. Because a muffed punt is not a fumble, it cannot be returned for a touchdown or extra yardage. Instead, a player from the kicking team may recover it from the spot where the ball currently is.
