A placekicker is a specialized player in American football responsible for kicking the ball during field goals and extra point attempts. They typically line up behind the center and aim to kick the ball through the goalposts, which are positioned at the end of the field. Placekickers must have strong leg strength and accuracy to score points for their team. In addition to field goals, placekickers also handle kickoffs, where they kick the ball to the opposing team at the start of a half or after a touchdown. Successful placekickers, like Adam Vinatieri and Justin Tucker, are often celebrated for their ability to perform under pressure in crucial game situations.