What must a place kick be controlled on?

A place kick must be controlled on the ground or a tee by a teammate because this is the specific setup required under the rules of football. When a team is preparing to make a place kick, such as during an extra point or field goal attempt, the ball must be stationary and properly positioned for the kicker to strike it effectively.

Using a tee provides a consistent and stable platform, while placing the ball directly on the ground ensures that it remains in place until the kick is executed. This is critical for the accuracy and success of the kick, making it impossible for it to be performed correctly on other suggested surfaces or positions such as a player's shoulder or the sideline. The rules clearly stipulate these conditions to maintain fairness and standardization in the game.