Bombers Kicker Sergio Castillo Aims for the Perfect Kick

Sergio Castillo, the kicker for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, continues his pursuit of the elusive perfect kick as the team prepares for its Week 9 matchup against the Toronto Argonauts. Over his nine-year career in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Castillo has successfully executed 234 field goals and 194 extra-point conversions, amounting to a remarkable total of 428 successful kicks out of 485 attempts. His overall success rate stands at an impressive 85.4 percent.

The quest for a perfect kick, however, is akin to a rare phenomenon in football. “To create the perfect kick is just an oddity where you connect with everything,” Castillo explained in an interview with The Winnipeg Sun. He detailed the intricate biomechanics involved, emphasizing the importance of elements such as the jab step, head placement, shoulder alignment, and foot-to-ball contact.

Reflecting on his career, Castillo acknowledged that achieving a perfect kick is rare. “I have had maybe six or seven kicks where everything was perfect,” he shared. These standout moments remain etched in his memory, contrasting with the numerous successful yet less memorable attempts.

Memorable Kicks and the Art of Kicking

While standing at his locker, Castillo reminisced about two particular kicks that stood out. He recalled an exhilarating moment from two years ago when he struck a **53-yard field goal** against Edmonton. “I absolutely crushed it,” he said, the satisfaction evident in his voice. Another memorable kick occurred last year in Saskatchewan, where he achieved a **56-yard field goal** in the fourth quarter, with the ball traveling an astonishing **18 yards deep into the end zone**. “Now, we had some wind in the back, but to go 18 yards deep like that, it was like ‘wow.’ Everything on that kick connected,” he remarked.

The 35-year-old Castillo identified five to seven key body markers that must synchronize to achieve a successful kick. “For me, it is a nice jab and soft on my feet,” he explained. He noted that rigidity could lead to an improper stance, affecting the overall execution. A good plant foot, solid contact with the ball, and maintaining balance throughout the kick are essential components for success.

A jab step, which is a short initial movement with the plant foot, plays a critical role in shifting body weight and preparing for the kick. Castillo’s jab occurs with his left foot, establishing a rhythm that enhances the likelihood of better contact with the ball.

Despite the rarity of perfect kicks, Castillo’s effective approach has allowed him to maintain a successful career. He categorized the rest of his successful field goals as ‘mishits,’ a term he uses to describe kicks that, while not perfect, still achieve the desired outcome. “If the ball is between the sticks, it is a good mishit,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of executing kicks that can still be effective.

The Road Ahead for Castillo

Castillo’s ability to manage his mishits has played a significant role in the longevity of his career. As he prepares for the upcoming game against the Argonauts, it is likely that the **39-yard field goal** he made during the recent match was a mishit, illustrating his notion that the quality of a mishit can define a kicker’s success. “The name of the game is how bad do your mishits look,” he noted.

With the right combination of skill and technique, Castillo believes that achieving five to seven components of a perfect kick distinguishes successful professional kickers from those still striving to reach that level. As he continues to refine his craft, Castillo remains dedicated to the pursuit of the perfect kick, embodying the precision and artistry that the role demands.