<P> The holder, like the placekicker and the long snapper, is protected from intentional contact from the opposing team . The penalty for roughing the holder is 15 yards and an automatic first down . </P> <P> Compared to other American football positions, the holder is one of the most trivial positions, requiring precision in the receipt of a snap and placement of a ball in short time, but requiring far less physical talent than a skill position and much less bulk or strength than a lineman . Because of this, it is exceptionally rare for a team to preserve a roster spot solely for a placekick holder; most teams will instead use a player who plays another position to double as the holder . One notable exception was Patricia Palinkas, the first female professional football player; Palinkas played holder (and no other position) during her short time as a pro player . </P> <P> The holder's actual position, on the team's official depth chart, is generally either the punter or the backup quarterback . Some high school football teams will place a wide receiver or running back at the holder position because of their good hands (this is not unheard of at other levels; Steve Tasker, a wide receiver and punt gunner, also played holder at various times in his NFL career, as does his son Luke Tasker, also a wide receiver). </P> <P> The rationale for having a backup quarterback holding is that the quarterback is accustomed to receiving snaps from center and long snaps from the shotgun formation . He also provides a threat for a fake field goal since the quarterback can throw a pass on such plays . Additionally, in the event of a bad snap and an aborted kick attempt, the holder might have to become the quarterback for the play, so having an actual quarterback helps in that regard . Years ago in the NFL, backup quarterbacks generally held for field goal kicks . </P>

Who holds the ball for the kicker in nfl