For a kicker to succeed, the focus is usually on the man kicking the ball. But behind every successful field-goal attempt is a holder who has to get everything right in a matter of seconds.
For Saskatchewan Roughriders punter Oscar Chapman, that responsibility has become an important part of his job. With veteran kicker Brett Lauther back in the fold after being reacquired in a trade with the Ottawa Redblacks, Chapman has been working to build the chemistry required to keep the Green and White's field-goal operation running smoothly.
Lauther has already been impressed with what he has seen from the Australian punter, calling Chapman one of the best holders in the Canadian Football League. Chapman, however, is quick to credit hard work and the people around him.
“Oh, I just care about it maybe,” Chapman said. “I don't know what I do differently, but just work pretty hard at it.”
That work has included developing a strong connection with long-snapper Mike Benson, giving the Roughriders a foundation as they work to get comfortable with Lauther again.
“I got Mike Benson. He snaps it really well, and we've got a really good connection, so we've worked pretty hard this year to get it dialled in,” Chapman said. “It's good that Brett feels confident in us to do that.”
For Chapman, holding is a skill that dates back to his college days at Auburn. When he arrived, the Tigers already had a system in place, and he was assigned to the second unit. That gave him an opportunity to learn the finer points of the job while working with high-level players.
“I had a full year to work with guys of high level, and I learned a lot from there,” Chapman said. “Then I just did it, you know, took my time to really understand it and get good at it, and ever since then, I've just been holding.”
The position requires far more than simply placing the football on the ground and keeping it steady. Every kicker has preferences when it comes to the ball's angle, lean and placement, and the holder has to make those adjustments until the operation becomes second nature.
“You just spend the week dialling in how they like it, and you kind of get it to the point where it's just muscle memory,” Chapman said. “So that by the time the ball comes towards you, you get it, you know exactly where you're going.”
Consistency is the priority. Whether a kicker is attempting a short field goal or trying to connect from long range, Chapman said the holder's job is to provide the same look on every attempt. The kicker can make adjustments depending on what he wants, but Chapman said most of the responsibility falls on him to deliver a repeatable hold.
“Most of the time, it's just make it as consistent as possible, and they'll make the adjustment more than I have to,” he said.
The transition to Lauther also comes with some technical details to work through. Saskatchewan has used different kickers with different preferences, including variations in how they approach the football and whether they use a tee.
Chapman said holding for a kicker who uses a tee feels different because the ball can move more on the plastic surface than on softer turf. This is another detail that needs attention, especially as the holder and kicker establish their timing and positioning.
For Chapman and Lauther, communication has been a significant part of that process. Lauther is known for reviewing video of his field-goal attempts, examining everything from his footwork to the hold. Chapman has embraced that approach, encouraging more film work so they can identify any needed adjustments.
“Yeah, we talk a lot about it,” Chapman said. “I say, let's get more film and let's watch it and dial it in.”
Chapman said Lauther has helped build his confidence by giving feedback, whether that means reinforcing what is working or pointing out what needs to be corrected.
“He's been really good at helping my confidence by telling me I'm doing a great job or, you know, if there's anything wrong, he will tell me,” Chapman said. “But he's been fantastic, and, you know, he lets Mike and me really dial us in with what he wants.”
That trust is important for a group that operates under pressure, with little margin for error when the ball is snapped and the kick attempt begins.
Lauther's return gives the Roughriders a familiar veteran at kicker, but the work behind the scenes remains essential. Chapman and Benson must provide a consistent snap-and-hold operation so Lauther can focus on his approach and the kick itself.
Chapman believes the pieces are coming together.
“Yeah, really good,” he said when asked about his comfort level with Lauther. “I mean, we've got the whole operation down really well, we've talked about all the situations, so feeling good.”
For Chapman, the job is about preparation, communication and repetition — the small details that can make a significant difference when the Roughriders need points.
And while the punter from Adelaide, Australia, continues to make his mark with his leg, his work as a holder could prove just as important to Saskatchewan's special teams success.
You can hear Monday’s game on the Rider Broadcast Network starting with the pregame coverage at 8 a.m. SK time.
