A
kickoff specialist (
KOS) is a seldom-used position in
gridiron football. Kickoff specialists are members of the
special teams. They are responsible for kicking the ball in the
kickoff. These players tend to have a strong leg, often capable of making
touchbacks, and capable of keeping a ball in the bounds of the field of play but do not have the accuracy or technique required to be a full-time
placekicker or
punter. Some kickoff specialists later become full-time placekickers, while some are marginal placekickers who are soon out of football.