Camp #2 is in the books! Another great kicking day... maybe a little too sunny — make sure to wear some sunscreen! It was a KICKING ONLY camp (not punting on Saturday) and we covered a lot of ground... from best drills to improve contact and accuracy, to kick off drills and instruction to kick higher, farther and more consistently. We even through in some specialty kicks to work on to put more into "your bag of tricks". And a quick shout out to one of our counselors (all of our camp counselors are great with kids, btw), but we had our first female instructor, McKynzee Schepp (Lakeland College) help us out, by nailing a 45 yard FG and showing the boys a thing or two. 😁 Our counselors get just as much out of camp and the kids. You wouldn't believe how much pressure they feel (because they want to be impressive for the younger kids). When you're done playing high school ball, and make your way into college kicking, become a counselor... it's a great experience! _ _ _ Next up, CAMP + COMBINE in Sparta, WI on 6/12 and K&P CAMP in DeForest, WI on 6/13. Still room to sign up! Come join us! kickerscamp.com

My older brother just sent this clipping to me - for no other reason than to share a kicking competition in Indianapolis (where he lives) that's going on between Colts 2025 starter Spencer Shrader (got hurt during the season) and Colts 2025 starter Blake Grupe (his replacement). They both are proven. They both are really good. They both will likely be starters "somewhere" in the NFL, but your team will only use one. Which do you choose? I got in that battle many years ago... and lost. Either decision would change my life. Learn to compete. Embrace the competition. Win or lose, be grateful for the opportunity and know that you gave your best shot. You might be one of the 32 best kickers in the world. Or you might be Mr. 39. 😬

_ _ _ T A K E T H E P O L L _ _ _ (Below) U of Texas general manager Brandon Harris said to compete for the championship, football programs need to spend in the $30 million range — that's the new benchmark. For perspective, the Dallas Cowboys spend about $300 million — 10x as much in the NFL. What does this mean to you? It means that to play at the P4 NCAA level, you are "turning pro". Like the baseball minor leagues, to walk on, or get a scholarship or to get NIL money, at the D1/P4 level, your life will change and the expectations upon you will be far greater than you realize. You're on a track to make others money, and have a chance at the NFL. (yet only 5% of all of these players will get drafted) That might be a great thing... that might not be a great thing — for you. Getting to the D1/FBS level (i.e. North Dakota State, Montana, Illinois State, etc.), means you will get a free education (and some money) and your pro dream is within smelling distance. The pressures are greater, but you're not "thrown to the wolves" right out of high school. (know that 10% of the NFL is comprised of FBS players - that's about 170 guys total) Being a D2 athlete means that you'll likely earn at least a partial scholarship and compete with others who are a shoe size smaller than their D1 counterparts, enjoy a great college atmosphere and face expectations that will dwarf anything you've faced in high school. (typically, 5 players from D2 get drafted in the NFL) And what if you look at the D3 level? It's non-scholarship, there isn't really any money... you just get a great education at a reasonable cost — AND the chance to compete and play competitive football for four more years in front of a crowd, your mom & dad, your girlfriend and make a whole new set of friends you'll carry with you for life. (in any given season, there are about 5 guys who played D3 in the NFL) NONE of these are bad choices. SOME of these are better choices for you. ONE of these is the choice you will make.

As a kicking coach, I get a lot of kicking and punting tips on my phone... Meta seems to know that I'm "into that sort thing." 🤣 I'm not the only coach online, but it struck me with this one that they were giving some good advice, but the message wasn't entirely clear. Sometimes it's tough to teach a lesson in 30-60 seconds. To get a better traditional punt, you need to EXTEND the ball with your movement pushing forward (that's the green arrow image). Many punters get in the habit of thinking hangtime and pulling back and lifting up with their shoulders and ball. You will hit a higher ball, but not a better ball. Your leg extends much further than you think. Your movement forward allows the drop to advance to the top of your foot instead of falling into your ankle. Upon release of the ball, your right hand and arm (for righties) should be fully extended (no bend in your arm). Practice doing this in "exaggeration" a few times. You may find that you will get some great turnovers because your ball will finally be in the proper spot to strike. Remember to keep your ankle locked out to give the flattest surface for the ball to springboard off your foot.

@Ellis Wangelin was our top point getter for the month of APRIL, rallying with some great commentary, posting and positive vibes across our growing community! Way to go, E!!!! What does he win? I'm sending "#13" a Mike Farley's Kickers Camp 2026 mini helmet so that he can place it on his trophy shelf and be reminded to continue setting a great example for all of our K-SKOOL members! 🤩 _ _ _ Anyone can win something new each and every month! How about you? All you have to do is contribute, share and LIKE... and while you're at it, LEARN, HAVE FUN & MAKE A FRIEND.