On the day of the event , he reportedly broke the record five times .
A few days before his record - breaking kick at the May 1886 field day , Duffy had kicked the ball 194 feet in a practice session .
On the day of the event , Duffy reportedly broke the record five times .
A few days before his record - breaking kick at the May 1886 field day , Duffy had kicked the ball 194 feet in a practice session .