place kick

¹ American  

noun

Football.

1. a kick in which the ball is held nearly upright on the ground either by means of a tee or by a teammate, as in a kickoff, an attempt at a field goal, etc.

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place-kick ² American  

[pleys-kik] / ˈpleɪsˌkɪk /

Or placekick

verb (used with object)

1. to make (a field goal or point after touchdown) by a place kick.

2. to kick (the ball) as held for a place kick.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make a place kick.

place kick British  

noun

1. a kick in which the ball is placed in position before it is kicked

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verb

1. to kick (a ball) using a place kick

Other Word Forms

• place-kicker noun
• placekicker noun

Etymology

Origin of place kick¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Origin of place-kick¹

First recorded in 1855–60; v. use of place kick

Example Sentences

Backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke was working as the holder on place kicks with long snapper Josh Harris and kicker Cameron Dicker.

From Los Angeles Times

Before “long snappers” became a specialized position in football, Mr. Hauss also snapped the ball on punts and place kicks.

From Washington Post

His immediate eligibility was initially blocked by his former school, but since getting cleared from the NCAA, the backup quarterback has thrown two passes this season and holds for place kicks.

From Los Angeles Times

Kreiter was signed as a free agent last season and was the snapper on punts and place kicks in all 16 games.

From Seattle Times

Punter Matt Haack, who also holds for place kicks, took a direct snap, rolled to his left and flicked a pass to kicker Jason Sanders for a 1-yard touchdown.

From Seattle Times