I wonder, I've always liked the picket fence return on both punt return and kickoff return. I feel it allows for great sideline running. The picket fence return is particularly good against coverage teams that pursue directly to the ball and punt down the middle of the field. The NFL differs in that most punters are considered directional punters, trying to corner returners to one side of the field giving the coverage the advantage. The other difference is that NFL coverage units are very good at keeping their lanes of pursuit to the ball.
Most players are fast so the best way to get yardage is to attack straight upfield.
Sideline returns are a good change up, but NFL speed seldom allows for these types of plays to develop. Schwarz, Butte, MT Any player can fair catch a kickoff that is kicked immediately in the air. Therefore, since the ball was kicked on the ground, then bounced high in the air, it is anybody's ball from that point. College rules differ from professional rules in kicking and fair catching. I guess the pros want the rules to give an advantage to the team trying to catch up in the game.