11 year old kicker

Question
Hi Coach Perl,

My 11 year old son is a soccer player with what seems to be a strong kick.  Now, he wants to play football.  If he does this, I'd like him to develop his kicking at the minimum.  

What are benchmarks for field goal distances that good kickers can make at various ages through high school and college.

Thanks for your help,
Alan  

Answer
Alan -

Thanks for writing.  Truthfully, there aren't any real "benchmarks" for an 11 year old kicker..  The main issue would be that he can kick-off with some type of power and distance, and can at least make extra points on a regular basis.  It is really just the basics for an 11 year old.

AS he gets into high school, he will be expected to improve, obviously.  Kick offs from the better kickers can reach the end zone one a fly, causing an automatic touchback.  Extra points should be a very high % kick.  And field goals, its always different.  But on average, 30 yards and in should be a good chance for a make, 31-40 gets challenging, and 50 + is a long shot for anyone.

College is really a wildcard.  Some programs have kickers that can boot consistently from 45-50 yards, and others have problems at 30 - 35 yards.  I have no idea why this is the case... They all should have a quality PK on the team.

IF youd like to make him a placekicker in football, be sure and have him work with a kicking coach at least once.  There are a few differences, that if he learns early, will help him greatly down the line.

Best of luck!

Coach Perl