Kicking is one of the most overlooked skills in Retro Bowl, but it decides close games. A reliable kicker turns stalled drives into points, protects your defense with better field position, and gives you confidence to play smarter football in the fourth quarter. This Retro Bowl Kicker Guide explains how kicking works, when to attempt field goals, and how to build a special-teams plan that wins tight matchups.
Many Retro Bowl games are decided by one possession. If you can convert drives into 3 points consistently, you do not need perfect offense every time. You also reduce the pressure to force risky throws on third down, because “field goal range” becomes a real strategic option.
The exact kick meter can feel simple, but consistency comes from routine. Treat every kick the same way: set your aim, control the power, and avoid last-second panic. Distance changes your margin for error, so be realistic about long attempts—especially on higher difficulty.
The best decision depends on score, time, and where you are on the field. Use these rules as a baseline:
Extra points are the “default” safe choice. Two-point conversions add upside but also add variance. If your offense is strong and you have a favorite short passing concept, two-point conversions can be worth it. If your offense is inconsistent, take the extra point and keep the game manageable.
Special teams are not only kicking. They are field position and risk control. If your kicker is weak, you may need to play more aggressively on fourth down to avoid punts and long kicks. If your kicker is strong, you can accept shorter gains, run the clock, and still collect points.
A star kicker is not always your first upgrade, but they are one of the best “value” players for stable teams. If you often lose by a small margin, upgrading your kicker can be more impactful than adding a third offensive weapon. Also remember: a stronger offense means fewer desperate long kicks—so balance your investments.
If you are in range with little time left, your goal is to avoid turnovers and set up a comfortable kick. Do not chase extra yards with risky throws unless you truly need them. The clock is a weapon: use short completions and safe runs to drain time, then kick.
Retro Bowl rewards smart decision-making. A good kicker makes your decisions easier: you can play for points, protect leads, and win games even when your offense is not perfect. If you want more consistency, start treating special teams as part of your game plan, not an afterthought.
Once you trust your kicker, you can design drives around “getting into range” rather than forcing big plays. That means more runs on second-and-short, more quick throws that avoid sacks, and fewer desperate fourth downs. Over a full season, this reduces turnovers and stabilizes your record.
If you miss too many kicks, do not overthink it—create a repeatable routine. Pick a consistent aim point, use the same timing, and accept that longer kicks are naturally less accurate. The best kickers feel “boring” because the process is identical every time.
Even when you cannot directly control every special-teams detail, the concept still matters: points plus good field position equals fewer opponent possessions and fewer comeback opportunities. A reliable kicker supports that plan by rewarding you for safe, disciplined drives.
