The word "placekick" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription /pleɪs kɪk/. The first syllable "place" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, like "play" and the second syllable "kick" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like "kit". The emphasis is on the first syllable "place". A placekick is a type of kick in football where the ball is stationary on the ground and the kicker kicks it from that spot.
A placekick refers to a technique used in several sports, particularly rugby and American football, in which a player kicks the ball from a stationary position on the ground. It involves placing the ball on the ground in front of or slightly to the side of the player, who stands a short distance away and strikes the ball with their foot to send it in a desired direction.
In rugby, a placekick is commonly used to take a conversion kick after a try, where a player positions the ball on a kicking tee or holds it in their hand before attempting to kick it through the goalposts. It is also employed for penalty kicks, touchline kicks, or when restarting a game, such as at kickoffs. A successful placekick results in points being awarded to the team, contributing to their overall score.
Similarly, in American football, a placekick is commonly used during field goals, extra points, and kickoffs. The ball is positioned on the ground by a holder while another player, known as the kicker, strikes it with their foot. The objective is to kick the ball between the uprights and over the crossbar, thus scoring points for the team.
Overall, a placekick is a technique used to accurately kick a ball from a stationary position, typically in rugby or American football, with the intention of scoring points or restarting the game.
The word "placekick" has its origins in the sport of American football. Its etymology can be traced back to the combination of two separate words: "place" and "kick".
The term "place" in this context refers to a specific spot on the field where the ball is positioned for the kicker. It originates from the Old English word "plæse", meaning an open space or an allotted position.
The word "kick" comes from the Old English term "cicen", which specifically referred to a blow or a stroke with the foot. Over time, "cicen" evolved into the Middle English word "kiken" and eventually transformed into the modern English word "kick".