A kickoff is a method used to start a game in various sports, most notably in American football and soccer. In American football, the kickoff occurs at the beginning of each half and after a touchdown or field goal. The team that kicks the ball aims to send it down the field for the opposing team to receive and advance. In soccer, a kickoff is used to start the game and restart play after a goal is scored. The ball is placed at the center of the field, and one team passes it to a teammate to begin play. Both sports have specific rules governing how kickoffs are executed.