In flight, the ball spins about its long axis, instead of end over end (as the drop punt does) or not at all (as a typical punt kick does), making the flight of the ball more aerodynamic, but more difficult to catch (or mark in some football codes).
The pointier ends make the ball easier to catch in American Football.
With extra distance, this type of kick is also more difficult to accurately judge depth.
Essendon's Dustin Fletcher was especially regarded for his use of the torpedo as both a defensive and offensive weapon.
[2] Alex Moffat is credited with creating the torpedo punt in the United States.