What does NOT constitute a way to apply new force after a grounding?

The correct answer indicates that a legal kick does not constitute a way to apply new force after a grounding. In football, a grounding occurs when a player, typically the quarterback, throws an incomplete pass while under pressure, which results in a loss of down and the ball being declared dead.

When considering what constitutes a way to apply new force after grounding, the focus is on actions that can advance or affect the play. A legal kick, such as a punt, does not fit into this category because, after a grounding, the ball is considered dead, and there is no subsequent play. The rules dictate that the ball cannot be advanced in that scenario because the momentum from the previous play has ended.

On the other hand, a bat, an illegal kick, or a muff all involve methods of interacting with the ball that could apply new force after grounding, whether by attempting to redirect the ball, intentionally touching it with the body (in an illegal manner), or mishandling it following a kick. Thus, only the legal kick is not an avenue for applying new force, aligning with the definition of grounding and the rules governing play continuation.