Madden 26 Kicking Guide – Field Goals, Punts, And Kickoffs

Kicking in Madden has always been one of the most overlooked yet decisive parts of the game. A missed field goal, a poorly placed punt, or a careless kickoff can completely swing momentum. With the arrival of Madden 26, EA has added subtle changes to the kicking system that reward precision, timing, and strategy more than ever.

Whether you’re a new player still learning how to line up your first extra point, or a veteran looking to pin opponents deep with coffin-corner punts, mastering special teams play is essential for winning consistently. This guide covers everything you need to know about kicking in Madden 26 — from field goals to punts to kickoffs — along with tips, strategies, and advanced techniques to get more Madden 26 coins.

Why Special Teams Matter in Madden 26

Most players focus on flashy passing plays, hard-hitting defense, or tricky running schemes. But games often come down to the smallest details, and kicking plays are one of them. Here’s why they matter:

Scoring Reliability: Field goals and extra points often determine close matchups.

Field Position: A strong punt can flip the field and force your opponent into a long drive.

Momentum Control: Kickoffs set the tone after touchdowns and halftime.

Clutch Factor: Many online and franchise games are decided by 3 points or less.

In short: mastering kicking mechanics is the difference between winning and losing nail-biters.

The Basics of Kicking in Madden 26

Kicking in Madden 26 uses a 3-step power and accuracy meter system:

Power – Press the kick button once to start the meter.

Strength – Stop the meter at the top to set maximum power.

Accuracy – Stop the meter again on the way down to set aim.

Miss the accuracy window, and your kick will veer left or right. Mistime the power, and you’ll either under-kick or over-hit the ball.

Controls (Default):

A / X (Controller) – Kick button.

Left Stick – Aim your kick (left/right and depth).

Field Goals & Extra Points

How to Kick a Field Goal

Pre-Kick Setup

Use the left stick to aim your kick. Push it left or right depending on wind, stadium angle, or distance.

The longer the attempt, the smaller your accuracy window becomes.

Set Power

Tap the button to start the meter. Stop it near the top for maximum power.

Kicking below max reduces distance, which may cause misses on long attempts.

Set Accuracy

Stop the marker in the green accuracy zone as it drops. Missing wide left/right can result in a shank.

Tips for Consistent Field Goals

Account for Wind: Stadiums with open roofs (like Soldier Field) have swirling winds that push kicks. Tilt your aim slightly to compensate.

Know Your Kicker’s Range: Elite kickers can consistently hit from 55–60 yards, but average players top out around 50.

Practice Meter Timing: Latency online can make accuracy tricky. Get used to the timing curve.

Ice the Kicker: When opponents call timeout before your attempt, the camera zooms and the meter shakes. Stay calm and trust your rhythm.

Extra Points

Extra points are shorter than field goals but still require accuracy.

Don’t get lazy — missing an extra point can force you to chase 2-point conversions later.

Punts

Punting is about more than just blasting the ball downfield — placement is everything. A well-placed punt can trap your opponent inside their 10-yard line and completely change a drive.

How to Punt

Pre-Kick Setup

Use the left stick to aim the punt’s direction.

You can angle punts toward the sideline to avoid dangerous returners.

Set Power & Accuracy

Power works like field goals — hit near max for distance.

Accuracy determines how straight your punt goes.

Choose Punt Type

Normal Punt: Balanced distance and hang time.

Sky Punt: Higher arc, shorter distance, ideal for pinning deep.

Directional Punt: Aim toward the sideline to force fair catches or minimize return yardage.

Advanced Punt Strategies

Coffin Corner Kick: Angle your punt toward the sideline inside the 20-yard line. Aim just outside the end zone to avoid a touchback.

Hang Time Strategy: Longer hang time gives your gunners time to reach the returner. Choose higher punts against elite returners.

Fake Punts: Madden 26 includes both fake punt passes and runs. Use sparingly — they work best on 4th-and-short near midfield.

Kickoffs

Kickoffs give you control over how your opponent starts their drive. With Madden 26’s refined physics, placement and hang time are more important than ever.

How to Kickoff

Aim with Left Stick – Decide whether to boot it deep, angle toward the sideline, or drop short.

Set Power – Max power sends the ball into the end zone, often forcing touchbacks.

Set Accuracy – A clean strike ensures your coverage team can set up quickly.

Types of Kickoffs

Normal Kickoff: Standard deep kick, usually into the end zone.

Squib Kick: Low bouncing kick that prevents long returns but gives better starting field position.

Onside Kick: Short 10-yard kick aimed to recover possession. Timing and luck play huge roles.

Directional Kick: Aim toward the sideline to limit return options.

Kickoff Strategies

Force Touchbacks: If you have a strong kicker, boot it out the back to avoid dangerous returners.

Pin to Sideline: Kick close to the sideline but inbounds to reduce return angles.

Surprise Onside: Occasionally effective in online play, but risky if predicted.

Squib vs Elite Returners: Against top-tier return specialists, a squib kick might save you from a touchdown.

Kicker & Punter Ratings Explained

Not all special teams players are created equal. Madden 26 rates kickers and punters on several attributes:

KPW (Kick Power): Determines max distance.

KAC (Kick Accuracy): Affects how easy it is to hit accuracy zones.

AWR (Awareness): Impacts decision-making in simulation.

SPD / ACC (Speed & Acceleration): Rarely important but helps if your kicker must tackle.

Tip: When building a franchise team, invest in a kicker with at least 90+ KPW and 85+ KAC. The consistency pays off in tight games.

Special Teams Situational Tips

Late-Game Field Goals

Always center the ball before attempting a game-winner. Run a short dive play to adjust field position.

Pinning Opponents

Inside the opponent’s 45-yard line, consider a sky punt rather than a long field goal attempt.

Fake Plays

Fake field goals and punts are high-risk. Save them for must-win moments or online mind games.

Dealing with “Ice the Kicker”

Stay calm during the shaky screen effect. Focus on your meter rhythm instead of visuals.

Practice Mode & Skill Training

Madden 26’s Practice Mode lets you rehearse special teams without game pressure. Use it to:

Test kicker range in different stadiums.

Practice coffin corner punts.

Get used to online latency for accuracy timing.

Final Thoughts

Special teams might not get the highlight reels in Madden 26, but mastering field goals, punts, and kickoffs will make you a more complete player. A reliable kicker secures points, a skilled punter flips field position, and smart kickoffs control momentum.

Win enough close games, and you’ll realize: special teams aren’t secondary — they’re the secret weapon to buy Mut 26 coins.