11/05/24
November 23, 2004
Icing the Kicker Works: According to Science News, calling a timeout before a placekicker attempts a "pressure kick" (a kick "with 3 minutes or less remaining in the game (or overtime) and would create a lead or a tie for the team") decreases the probability of success. [via TMQ]
posted by kirkaracha to football at 01:21 PM - 5 comments
Great link. Maybe they'll tackle calling a TO in the nba before a big free throw next.
posted by justgary at 02:36 AM on November 24, 2004
I have to admit I was surprised by the results. I figured that they were pros and dealing with pressure's part of their job; plus, almost every time I've seen a team try to ice the kicker they've made the kick anyway.
posted by kirkaracha at 04:55 PM on November 24, 2004
great link seconded. i wonder if practicing icing the kicker would reduce the effect. you know, tell the kicker that he's got to make a kick in practice or else the rest of the team runs a lap around the field. and then stopping the kick right as he's getting set up and making him wait.
posted by gspm at 08:44 PM on November 24, 2004
Icing works, but you know what really throws them off? Hitting them with a cup full of beer.
posted by wfrazerjr at 10:58 PM on November 24, 2004
It is definitely interesting. You knew it had to have some effect, but reducing the odds of making the kick by that much is pretty significant.