In American Football, a muffed punt is defined as "touching of the ball prior to possessing the ball."

A muffed punt occurs when there is an "uncontrolled touch" of the football by a player on the returning team after it is punted. This can occur when:

• The kicking team interferes with the other team's right to catch the punt
• A player on the kicking team is struck unaware by the football running downfield to cover the punt.
• A player attempts to return the ball, makes contact with it but cannot retain the ball in his hands and comes loose.

Rules vary by league about how to handle a muffed punt.

A muffed punt is not a fumble. To be a fumble, the receiving team must possess the football, then lose control. In this case, the ball is live and can be returned by the team that recovers the fumble. It is then possible for the punting team to recover the ball and continue the drive. Instead, a player from the kicking team may recover it from the spot where the ball currently is.

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