We formulate and solve a location problem that determines where to position
punt returners to maximize the number of punts caught. The problem is unus
ual within the location literature because it includes the dimension of tim
e as well as Euclidean distance. The parameters of the model are estimated
from actual punt return data. Our major finding is that the standard horizo
ntal configuration of two punt returners results in only a small increase i
n the percentage of punts fielded over the case where a single returner is
used. Moreover if a punter is not "directionalizing,'' the vertical configu
ration of two returners (the punter and two returners are colinear) outperf
orms a horizontal configuration.