To execute with the oval ball, a divot would be created with the heel in the direction of the goal; and the ball would be placed at a slight upward angle in the divot with its long axis pointed at the goal. Place kicking was considered the longest and most accurate type of kick for a skilled practitioner, but more erratic than a punt for a player who was less adept. The laws allowed a player to place the ball for a place kick, take a run up, then regather the ball and play on instead of kicking it, in order to catch defenders offguard.