<P> A squib kick is a term used in American football meaning a short, low, line drive kickoff that usually bounces around on the ground before it can be picked up by a member of the receiving team . The ball is kicked so short that it forces the receiving team's slower players to recover the ball first instead of their faster kick returner . Secondly, the bouncing ball may be harder for the receiving team to pick up, allowing more time for kicking team members to get downfield to surround the ball carrier . </P> <P> The first recognized use of this by design in modern play was by the San Francisco 49ers during the 1981 season . On opening day, an injured Ray Wersching miskicked a kickoff at the Pontiac Silverdome against the Detroit Lions . The hard Astroturf surface of the Silverdome saw the spheroid - shaped football bounce oddly, sporadically, and was noticeably difficult for the receiving team to field . Its characteristics were that of an onside kick . Head coach Bill Walsh turned the mistake into design and used it later in Super Bowl XVI, also held at the Silverdome . Wersching made two squib kicks late in the first half . The first pinned the Bengals deep in their own territory, and after forcing a punt, the resulting good field position led to a 49ers field goal . Moments later, as time was running out in the half, Wersching made a second squib kick, and this time the Bengals muffed the ball, and the 49ers recovered . As time expired in the half, 49ers scored a last - second field goal . </P> <P> The squib kick is a tactic used to prevent a long return, usually at the end of the half . On average the receiving team will gain better field position than it would returning a normal kick . However, it is considered worthwhile by the kicking team, as it is more difficult to return for a touchdown . Also it must be returned, which is not the case on a touchback, and thus it takes time off the clock and often brings the half to an end . </P> <P> A squib kick can work against the kicking team, especially if the receiving team is expecting it . Because the kick is so short, the receiving team will usually get good field position, even if there is a minimal gain on the return . With moderate gain, the receiving team can find themselves in field goal territory quickly . </P>

When does the clock start on a squib kick