Special Teams Manual

7/28/2019 Special Teams Manual

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SPECIAL FORCES:

2003


2/31

Hodag special teams weekly goals:

Each week we will strive to the best special teams unit in the Wisconsin

Valley Conference, and in order to do this we must strive each week to the

reach the following goals:

1. Penalty free game.

2. No bad snaps or blocked kicks.

3. Make a "Big Play" each game

(block a kick, score, return to scrimmage, and/or create a turn

over).

4. On each kick off - hold opponents inside the -30 yard line.

5. Hold opponent's punt return average to less than 8 yards.

6. Bring the ball out past the 35 yard line on kickoff returns

7. Field all returnable kicks.

8. Make 100% of all PAT's & FG's inside the 20-yard line.

9. Do not allow opponents to score or to return a ball to scrimmage

on a kicking play.10. No mental mistakes (not enough players on the field, losing

contain, missed assignments)

11. WIN THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!


3/31

Special Teams Pre-practice Routine:We MUST be prepared on all special teams. Take advantage of every opportunity to make yourself and your teambetter on Special Teams.

KICKERS:

1. No Step Drill (5x's)

2. 1 Step Drill (5x's)

3. Goal Post Drill4. Field Goal Kicks

-start at PAT distance, kick 3 from left, middle, right hash

- continue to back up 10 yards until out of range

5. Kickoffs (5x's)6. Onside Kicks (5x's)

OPTIONAL: Horseshoe Drill

PUNTERS:

1. Toss Drill (15-20x's)2. Drop Drill (20 perfect drops)

3. Catch Drill (10 -15x's)

4. Step and Swing Drill (sideline to sideline)5. Down the Line (10x's)

6. Punt with Snappers

RETURNERS:

1. Toss Drill (10x's)

2. On the Ground Drill (5-8x's)

3. Reverse Path (5-8x's)4. Field Punts and Kicks

SNAPPERS:

1. Wind Mill Pitch- start 15 yards apart and continue back until out of range

2. Overhead Snaps (10-15x's)3. Shoot Drill (2 sets of 5 yards)

4. Long Snap (10x's)

5. Short Snaps (10x's)6. Snap with Punters and Kickers

HOLDERS:

1. Finger Tip Push-Ups (10)2. To-the-Spot Drill (10x's)

3. Bad Snap Drill (8-10x's)4. Holds for Kickers and Punters

QB CENTER EXCHANGE:

- QB's take snaps from center (20 shotgun snaps; 5 under center)


4/31

FIELD GOALS and EXTRA POINTS:

Reminders:

1. We will line up on the field for field goals.

2. No movement can occur after the "SET" command3. Everyone should be alert for a "FIRE" call

4. Total operation time will be 1.3 seconds or better.

5. Our goal on this team is to make 100% of our extra points and 100% of all field goals inside the 20-yardline.

REGULAR FIELD GOAL FORMATION:

FIELD GOAL ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS:

CENTER: Good comfortable stanceKeep square to LOS

Snap anytime after "set"

HOLDER: Make sure 7 yards deep and directly behind the centerMake sure that the kicker and the team are ready - when ready put hands up to receive the snap and

call "set"

In case of a bad snap call "fire" - look to run or pass

KICKER: Line up your spot 7 yards away from the line of scrimmage and directly behind the center

Take your alignment stepsMake the kick

GUARDS, TACKLES and ENDS:

Line up in a 2 pt. stance; feet shoulder width apart, inside foot back

Align your inside toe to the instep of the player's foot inside of you

On the snap of the ball, take a short jab step behind the outside foot of the inside man

Keep your outside foot planted and shoulder square to the LOSProtect inside gap - if there is no threat to the inside gap, help to the outside

WINGS: Line up in a 2pt. stanceLine up by splitting the end's stance in half at a 45 degree angle with NO separation between your

inside leg and the end's rear

Protect inside gap - keep your inside foot cemented to the groundOn snap take a 6" step with your outside foot; jab with outside hand

Keep shoulders square


5/31

"FIRE" CALLWith a bad or fumbled snap, the holder will scream "FIRE" and all react as diagrammed below. The holder has theoption to either run or pass the football.

"FIRE" can also be called in the huddle as a possible fake

"FIRE" ROUTES FOR RIGHT-FOOTED KICKER

"FIRE" ROUTES FOR LEFT-FOOTED KICKER:

"FIRE" ASSIGNMENTS:

INTERIOR: Field goal protection; do not go downfield

END TOWARDS KICKER: Run a corner pattern

END AWAY FROM KICKER: Drag across the formation at depth of goalline or 1 st down

WING TOWARDS KICKER: Run an out at goalline or 1st down depth

WING AWAY FROM KICKER: Run away from flow to goalline or 1st down depth (find an open area)

HOLDER: Sprintout in the direction that you are facing when holding; read deep to short to backside (run the ba

if possible)

KICKER: Kick through the ball and then look to block first threat; look first to the backside.


6/31

"MUDDLE" EXTRA POINT:For extra points the varsity and sophomores will always line up in the muddle formation. We will line up in thisformation immediately and there will be no huddling. The holder will look to the sideline to get the call about

whether we will be kicking the P.A.T. (the coach will have both arms over his head - like a touchdown signal)'

going for two (the coach will have both up and out to his side - like a "T"), or the holder's choice (the coach will

have one arm over his head and the other arm out to his side - like a "L"). If we are going for two or if its theholder's choice, the holder will make the decision of what play will be called based upon how the defense lines up

to the muddle huddle.

MUDDLE HUDDLE FORMATION:

HOLDER: Set kicking block at 7 yards; then stand directly in back of block waiting for the snap

KICKER: Take your first three steps back of our alignment steps; you should be in a stacked position behind the

holder

MUDDLE HUDDLE CALLS:

1.) "OVER" - Holder will call "OVER." Line will shift over and kick normal extra point.

- Holder's rule: Call "OVER" if the call is given from the sideline to kick it or when defense has correctlylined up to the formation.

KICKER: After the line has shifted over take your two steps to the side.

HOLDER: Set up for hold

5 yds.12 yds.

Snapper should have eligible #


7/31

2.) "FOX" - Holder will call "FOX." Holder will give the signal for the snap. The center will underhand snap theball to the left wing. The line will wedge block and the wing will score. The holder, kicker, and right wing will fak

like it is a pass, and the right wing will run a corner route.

- Holder's Rule : Call "FOX" when the defense is not ready for a run play or when there are four or moredefenders to the right of the center (Four run on the Floor)

3.) "FALCON": Holder will give the signal for the snap and throw to an open receiver.-Holder's Rule: Call "FALCON" when the defense is not set and not in proper position to cover an eligible

receiver, or when there are three or less defenders to the right of the center. (Three Throw in the Tree)

TACKLES &GUARDS: Block solid; do NOT go downfield.

LEFT END: Release and find void on the backside.

LEFT WING: Run a drag at the back of the endzone.

CENTER: Run an out at goalline or first down depth

HOLDER: Run the ball in or throw to the open receiver.

KICKER: Block for the holder on sprint out.

RIGHT WING: Run a corner route


8/31

P.A.T. and FIELD GOAL BLOCK:We will use regular defensive personnel for this team. Your alignment and responsibilities will be determined bywhat defensive position you are at when the opposing team scores or when a field goal is attempted (you will

remain in the game unless substituted for). This team is designed to block the kick with either an inside or outside

rush.

Reminders:1. The block point is two yards in front of the holder.2. If the ball is blocked and does not cross the line of scrimmage (LOS), both teams can advance it.

3. If the ball is blocked and does cross the LOS, scream "POISON" and scatter away from the ball. In this situatithe ball is dead unless we touch the ball on our side of the LOS.

4. Be onsides and key the football.

The block will always be called to the field side (widest side); if the ball is in the middle of the field call the block

to the "left" (because most kickers are right footed). This will be a game planned decision.

BLOCK "RIGHT"

BLOCK "LEFT"


9/31

P.A.T./FIELD GOAL BLOCK ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS:

INSIDE LINEBACKER TO THE CALL: Align on outside of the wing

Rush in blitz technique upfield to a point where the wing can not tou

you, and then bend hard to the block point

Block the kick

LEFT CORNER: Align head up on the wing to your side

Attack the wing and cover man to man

DEFENSIVE LINE: Tackles align in A gaps; Ends in B gaps

Get skinny and rush your gap

RIGHT CORNER: Align head up on the wing to your side

Attack the wing and cover man to man

INSIDE LINEBACKER AWAY FROM THE CALL: Align on outside shoulder of wing away from call side

Rush through the outside shoulder of the wing to a

point even with the holderLook for the ball - "Scoop and Score"

SAFETY: Align to the call side of the formationFree rush from the blockside (will be a game planned decision, but most likely between the

wing and TE)

LOU: Align on the line of scrimmage in your angle 7 technique on the TE to your side

Attack the TE and cover man to man

ROB: Align on the line of scrimmage in your angle 7 technique on the TE to your sideAttack the TE and cover man to man


10/31

DEFENSE VS. MUDDLE HUDDLE:

MUDDLE HUDDLE DEFENSE ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS:

CORNERS: Cover wings man to man; left corner play off technique; right corner play press technique

SAFETY: Cover holder man to man

LOU: Cover the end man on the line of scrimmage to the left side of the formation man to man; play your normal

tilt technique

MEL: Cover the punter man to manMARK: Align in the center of the offensive line; play the run

ROB: Cover the end man on the line of scrimmage to the right side of the formation man to man; play your normatilt technique

TACKLES & ENDS - align in the gaps; shoot the gaps


11/31

PUNT TEAM:Reminders:1. Always be ready on the sideline on 3rd down

2. Huddle on the sideline, get the call, and then hustle onto the field and line up3. The receiver of a punt must have a 2 yard circle in which to have the opportunity to catch the ball. When the

ball hits the ground, protection for the receiver is terminated.

4. When downing a punt, pick it up and hand it to the official.5. A blocked punt or partially blocked punt that does not cross the LOS is not a kicked ball and can be advanced

by either team, therefore recover the ball.6. When a punt that crossed the LOS is touched by the receiving team, it becomes a free ball and can be recovere

by either team, therefore recover the ball.

7. A partially blocked punt that crossed the LOS is treated as a kick, and all rules are still in effect.

8. Operation times = 2.1 to 2.3 seconds (snap time = .9; punt time =1.4)

9. Our goal on this team to have no punts blocked and to hold our opponents to under 8 yards on the return.

PUNT PROTECTION FUNDAMENTALS:

1. First step is straight back with the outside foot, then slide the inside foot straight back, maintaining a shoulder

width stance. Punch with inside hand and get eyes to the outside gap

2. Then take a second shuffle step to get depth and to be able to read the rushers. Shuffle straight back; do notjump outside or attack rushers at the line of scrimmage (LOS)

3. After two shuffle steps, attack the appropriate numbered rusher. Each position will be assigned a rusher based

upon a number. The rushers will be numbered, starting with one, from the outside in on each side of the center

4. When blocking the rusher, punch through him forcing him to restart or redirect ("SHUFFLE, SHUFFLE,ATTACK")

PUNT COVERAGE FUNDAMENTALS:

1. Block and go. Rip off rushers to get into coverage lanes - If your zone is not attacked after your shuffle steps,

then release down the field into your coverage lane.

2. Stay in YOUR lane. Never follow the same colored jersey downfield.3. Keep the ball inside and in front of you at all times. Never let the ball cross your face to the outside.

4. Key the returner. Do not look up for the ball.5. Break down five yards from the returner. Stay Square. Wrap up. Gang tackle. Look to strip the football.

SPREAD PUNT FORMATION:


12/31

SPREAD PUNT TEAM ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS:

CENTER: Make a great snap (operation time = .9 seconds)

Block #4 to the direction that the personal protector makes ("LION" = left; "RAM" = right)

Cover straight to the ball; mirror the ball

GUARDS: Align 6" split - inside toe lined up with heels of the centerFeet shoulder width apart - outside foot back; toe to heel relationship; weight on the balls of your feet

Hands on thighs -thumbs pointed to the sky

Shuffle, shuffle, set; work straight back and keep shoulders squareProtect the outside gap

Block #3 to your side

Release and maintain a lane 5 yards outside the ball

Stay square and keep the ball on your inside shoulder

TACKLES: Align 6" split - inside foot lined up with inside foot of guard

Feet shoulder width apart - outside foot back; toe to heel relationship; weight on the balls of your feet


Shuffle, shuffle, set; work straight back and keep shoulders square

Protect the outside gap


Release and maintain a lane 10 yards outside the ballStay square and keep the ball on your inside shoulder

WINGS: Align inside foot directly behind outside foot of the end manArm length behind end man



Shuffle, shuffle, set; work straight back and keep shoulders square


Release outside for width and maintain a lane 15 yards outside the ball

You are contain - always maintain the ball carrier on inside shoulder. If the returner takes the ball up the

field, get to the depth of the returner and "fold" from the outside-in

ENDS: Split the difference between the sideline and end of formation - use the sideline official to make sure that

you are on the LOS

Wide receiver's stance

Release directly to the football.

Don't break down unless the returner gives a fair catch signal - "Seek and Destroy"

PERSONAL PROTECTOR: Align heels 5 yards behind the right guard (if the punter is a left-footed

punter, align behind the left guard)

Call out the rush - once everyone is set, you will make a "LION" or a "RAM" call.This is determined by what side of the snapper has the largest amount of rushers. If

the largest amount of rushers is on the left side you will make a "LION" call. If the

largest amount of rushers is on the right side you will make a "RAM" call. If thereare an even number of rushers to each side of the snapper, you will make a "LION"

call.

Protect the "A" gap that is on the opposite side of your directional call; block #4

opposite your directional call - attack block; never back up to block

Cover to the ball. Mirror the returner. Game plan to cover either to the right or left vs.

wall return

PUNTER: Align at 12 yards deep

You will use a two-step approach

Operation time (punt time = 1.4 seconds)

If inside backed up inside our 30 yard-line and you can not get the kick off, take a safety by running out

of the endzoneAfter your punt, you are the safety


13/31

SPREAD PUNT COVERAGE ASSIGNMENTS:

5 yrdsoutside ball

5 yrdsoutside ball

10 yrdsoutside ball

10 yrdsoutside ball

15 yrds

outside ball

-CONTAIN-

15 yrds

outside ball

-CONTAIN-

FOLDFOLD

SAFETY

BALL


14/31

TITE PUNT FORMATION:

TITE PUNT TEAM ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS:

Tite punt will be used when we are backed up inside the 5-yard line or when we want to widen the opponent's rushangles. The same techniques and principles will used as in regular punt. The only things to change are the ends'

responsibilities and the blocking assignments.

CENTERS: Block #5 to the direction that the personal protector makes ("LION" = left; "RAM" = right)

GUARDS: Block #4 to your side

TACKLES: Block #3 to your side

ENDS: Align 6" split - inside foot lined up with inside foot of the tackle



Shuffle, shuffle, set; work straight back and keep shoulders squareProtect the outside gap

Block #2 to your sideRelease to the football - "Seek and Destroy"

WINGS: Block #1 to your side

PERSONAL PROTECTOR: Block #5 to the opposite side of your directional call

If punting from the endzone, line-up 3 yrds from the goalline

PUNTER: Align at 12 yards deepIf punting from endzone align at least one foot from the endline to avoid stepping on it while catching

the ball

If backed up inside our 30 yard-line and you can not get the kick off, take a safety by running out

of the endzone


15/31

TITE PUNT COVERAGE ASSIGNMENTS:

5 yrdsoutside ball

5 yrdsoutside ball

10 yrdsoutside ball

10 yrdsoutside ball

15 yrds

outside ball

-CONTAIN-

15 yrds

outside ball

-CONTAIN-

FOLDFOLD

SAFETY

BALL


16/31

PUNT FAKES:We will have three fake calls. Our run fake will be called "FOX" and our pass fake will be called "FALCON".These fakes will be called on the sideline. In addition we will also be able to call "FALCON" at the line if the

opposing team does not cover an end in our spread puntformation.

"FOX" FAKE PUNT from SPREAD FORMATION:

Everyone will take their normal steps, but stay on blocks instead of releasing down field. If no one rushes your gapthen release and block down field. Take the rusher in your zone where he wants to go. Ends will release down fiel

and run off the defender.

PUNTER: Sell the punt; take your normal two steps and than tuck the ball and run to daylight

"FOX" FAKE PUNT from TITE FORMATION:

Everyone will take their normal steps, but stay on blocks instead of releasing down field. If no one rushes your gap

then release and block down field.Take the rusher in your zone where he wants to go.

PUNTER: Sell the punt; take your normal two steps and than tuck the ball and run to daylight


17/31

"FALCON" FAKE PUNT from SPREAD FORMATION:

"FALCON" FAKE PUNT from TITE FORMATION:

PERSONAL PROTECTOR: Make "Falcon" call; receive the direct snap; sprintout to right; read deep to short;

look backside for punter (if rushed, immediately hit the out routes)

PUNTER: Fake the kick; find the void area on the backside

LEFT WING: Go in motion across the formation; run a vertical

LEFT END: Run a crossing route at 15 yards

RIGHT END: Run an out at 11 yards. From spread puntformation, you may have to cheat inside to make surethat you have enough room to the route

RIGHT WING: Run an out at 6 yards

TACKLES, GUARDS, SNAPPER: Block (do not release downfield)


18/31

"FALCON" FAKE PUNT CALLED AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE:

If we come out in our spread punt formation and one of the ends is not covered, the personal protector can make a"falcon" call at the line.

PERSONAL PROTECTOR: Sees that an end is uncovered and makes a "Falcon" call; receives the direct snap

and throws immediately to uncovered or open receiver

PUNTER: Fake the kick

LEFT WING: Run a verticalLEFT END: Run a vertical

RIGHT END: Run a vertical

RIGHT WING: Run a vertical

TACKLES, GUARDS, SNAPPER: Block (do not release downfield)


19/31

PUNT BLOCK:Reminders:1. A partially blocked punt that does not cross the neutral zone is a live ball and can be advanced by either team.

2. On a partially blocked punt or a shanked punt that crosses the neutral zone we will use a "POISON" call. POSION means to find the

ball and get away from it. If the ball were to hit a member of the return team after it has crossed the neutral zone it can be recovered the punting team.

3. Our goal on this team is to block at least one kick a game or force a bad punt.

PUNT BLOCK FUNDAMENTALS:

STANCE: D-line use normal stance

LB's and DB's use blitz technique

Last man on the line of scrimmage looks down to make sure everyone in on side

BLOCK: Stay onside.

The block point is 2 yards in front of where the punter actually kicks the ball (usually around 8 yards)Attack the block point - keep your eyes on the ball

If you are an outside rusher, go across the block point to the opposite side of the kicker

If you are a middle rusher, come off to the side of the kicker's foot you rushed from

Keep your hands down until the last second (allows you to run faster)

- overlap hands

- bring up to waist

- look at the ball

- take the ball off the punter's footStay off of the kicker- we can not afford to give the punt team a first down and fifteen yards

RETURN: If the block is unsuccessful, work to set up the wall to the field (returner will make the call - "LEFT" or

"RIGHT" in the huddle or prior to the punt)

Form a wall on the hash - set up about 3 yards apart on the hash and look in to the middle of the field

Take the wall to the returner - block above the waist; block with your head in front (put your nose on

the front numbers of the man you are blocking; if you can not see the front numbers work upfield to another

man)Attack anyone who tries to get between you and the person you are following

Do not field punts inside the 10-yard line - do not back up beyond the 10-yardline (if ball is kicked

beyond the 10-yard line, fake like you are catching the ball the 10-yard line and run up field)

Returner - must catch the ball and get up field

PUNT BLOCK ALIGNMENTS &ASSIGNMENTS:SAFETY: Align outside; rush to block point (vs. spread punt lock up man to man on the wideout)

LOU: Align angle 7 on the TE ; attack the man and cover him (vs. spread align head up on

wing; attack the wing and cover him)

MEL: Align one yard outside the TE (vs. spread punt line up outside the wing); rush outside to the block point (rushing

responsibilities may change based on opponents scheme or weaknesses)

TACKLES & ENDS: Rush gaps to the block point

ROB: Align angle 7 on the TE ; attack the man and cover him (vs. spread align head up on

wing; attack the wing and cover him)

MARK: Align one yard outside the TE (vs. spread punt line up outside the wing); rush outside to the block point (rushingresponsibilities may change based on opponents scheme or weaknesses)

RIGHT CORNER: Align outside; rush to the block point (vs. spread punt lock up man to man on the wideout)

LEFT CORNER: Return man; call out the return side - "Right" or "Left" (the side the wall will go to); align 30 yards from the LOS or

game planned distance

Note: Safeties will take any motion to their side

Each week we will have a different "spy" (will drop off the line and check for fake); spy is a D-lineman


20/31

PUNT BLOCK ALIGNMENT VS. TIGHT PUNT:

PUNT BLOCK ALIGNMENT VS. SPREAD PUNT:


21/31

KICKOFF RETURN:We will use a directional kickoff return. We huddle on the sideline, get the call, and then line up on the field.

Reminders:

1. Once a kickoff travels 10 yards, it is a free ball and belongs to the recovering team.

2. If the receiving team touches the ball before it goes 10 yards, the ball becomes a free ball and belongs to the

team that recovers it.3. If the ball is kicked out of bounds we have the option to take the ball on the 35 yard line or have them kick it

again with a 5 yard penalty

4. Block above the waist; block with your head in front (put your nose on the front numbers of the man you are

blocking; if you can not see the front numbers work upfield to another man)5. Front five be alert for an onside kick. Begin your drop after the ball has been kicked over your head.

6. Our goal on this team is for first a score, and our second goal is to bring the ball out past the 35-yard line.

KICKOFF RETURN NUMBERING:

We will number the kick-off coverage team in order for us to know who is blocking whom. The way that we

number from depends on the type of return. We will not count the kicker in our numbering schemes.The following are the numbering schemes:

1. Right Return - we will count right to left, 1-10, excluding the kicker.

2. Left Return - we will count left to right, 1-10, excluding the kicker.3. Middle Return - the left side of the return team will start from the right and count to the middle, 1-5, excludin

the kicker

- the right side of the return team will start from the left and count to the middle, 1-5,

excluding the kicker

KICKOFF RETURN ALIGNMENTS:

TACKLES: 12 yards off the ball

6 yards from the sidelines

GUARDS: 12 yards off the ball

Split the difference between the center and tackles

CENTER: 12 yards off the ball

Middle of the field, offset ball to one side or the other

ENDS: On the 35-yard line

Outside the hash

FULLBACKS: On the 25-yard line

Inside the hash

RETURNERS: Heels on the 10-yard line

On the hash


22/31

KICKOFF RETURN ASSIGNMENTS:LEFT TACKLE:

LEFT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #3

MIDDLE RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; kick out # 5

RIGHT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block first man to show

LEFT GUARD:


MIDDLE RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; kick out #4

RIGHT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #6

CENTER:


MIDDLE RETURN - sprint straight back 15 yards ; block #1 (to the side the ball is kicked or double the opponent's

best player as game planned)


RIGHT GUARD:

LEFT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #6MIDDLE RETURN - sprint back 12 yards; kick out #4


RIGHT TACKLE:LEFT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block first man to show

MIDDLE RETURN - sprint back 12 yards; kick out # 5


LEFT END:

LEFT RETURN - block #2 (will be a double team)

MIDDLE RETURN - kick out #3

RIGHT RETURN - block #2 (will be a double team)

RIGHT END:



RIGHT RETURN - block #2 (will be a double team)

LEFT FULLBACK:



RIGHT RETURN - block #1 (will be double team)

RIGHT FULLBACK:


MIDDLE RETURN - kick out #2RIGHT RETURN - block #1 (will be double team)

LEFT & RIGHT RETURNER:

LEFT/RIGHT RETURN - Carry out reverse steps; come straight up field 5 yards hard and turn to the middle

Returner that caught the ball goes in front ( If it is a "RIGHT" return and the right returnercatches the ball, the ball will be handed off to the left returner; If it is a "LEFT" return and t

right returner catches the ball, the handoff will be faked and the right returner will keep the

ball) *NOTE: opposite rules apply to the left returnerBoth returners must run hard - we must sell the reverse

Returner will run to daylight to the return side

MIDDLE RETURN - Returner that catches the ball heads straight up the field 5 yards and then breaks hard to the

middle of the field looking for a seam

Returner without the ball heads straight up the field 5 yards and then breaks hard to the middle

of the field leading up the field; looks to block #1 to the side of the kick or first threat

The steps should look like the reserve steps but there is no reserve fake


23/31

"LEFT" RETURN

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24/31

"RIGHT" RETURN

"MIDDLE" RETURN

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25/31HANDS TEAM:

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26/31

In situations where an onside kick may occur we will substitute in a hands team.

Reminders:

1. Once a kickoff travels 10 yards, it is a free ball and belongs to the recovering team.

2. If the receiving team touches the ball before it goes 10 yards, the ball becomes a free ball and belongs to the

team that recovers it.3. Our goal on this team is to recover all onsides.

HANDS TEAM ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS:

The front row of the hands team should align at the 48-yard line. The second row should align at the 45-yard line.R1 will be aligned at the 20-yard line. R2 will align in the second row to the side of the kicking team with the

greater amount of people; if the kick team is balanced then R2 will align in the middle of the field behind the 40-yard line. Fall on the loose ball and the rest of the team will cover the teammate that has recovered the ball. In the

event the ball is kicked deep, R1 will signal for a fair catch.

KICKOFF COVERAGE:

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27/31

Reminders:

1. The ball will be kicked from the 40-yard line.

2. Once a kick has traveled 10 yards it is a free ball. A kickoff must go 10 yards before the kicking team can

legally touch it.

3. The kicking team can not advance any recovery. Fall on the ball, and make sure that you come with therecovery.

4. If a fair catch signal is made you can not interfere with the returner's opportunity to catch the ball. Break down

and be ready for the fumble.5. A kick-off which goes out of bounds without being touched by the receiving team must be re-kicked with a 5

yard penalty or the receiving can gain possession on the 35-yard line.

6. After a safety we will use the kickoff coverage team. The ball will be placed on the 20-yard line and we havethe option to kick or punt. All kickoff rules apply.

7. Our goal on this team is hold our opponents to inside the 30-yard line.

KICK OFF COVERAGE FUNDAMENTALS:

1. We will kick from the left hash to the left.

2. Our goal is to hold our opponents inside the -30 yard line.3. Covering a kick-off is an ALL OUT SPRINT

4. Stay onsides - time your approach so that you are within one yard of the 40 when the ball is kicked

5. Coverage Zonesa. Speed Zone: First 25 yards (up to the 35-yard line) avoid blockers

If you get out of your lane, work back into it as quickly as possible

b. Hard Hat Zone: After sprinting 25 yards (beyond the 35-yard line), take on all blockersBreak down 5 yards in front of the returner and make the tackle

6. Stay in your lane - do not get forced too wide apart; never follow the same colored jersey

7. GANG TACKLE!!! One man alone should never make a tackle. Look to strip the football.

ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS KICKOFF:

We will have a stacked look on our kickoffs. The players will align in a stagger with #1 and #9 being the farthest

forward (on the 30-yard line). The players will be in a 2-pt stance, facing the kicker. We will kick from the left ha

to the left. When the kicker passes you, you should begin your sprint. Time your approach so that you are withinone yard of the 40-yard line when the ball is kicked.

#1 - 5 yards from the sideline; go directly to the ball

#2 - Stack behind #1; contain; sprint straight down the field; keep the ball to your inside shoulder; no one gets

outside you

#3 - Split the difference between #1 and the near hash; sprint straight downfield; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball

#4 - Stack behind #3; sprint downfield halfway between #3 and the hash; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball

#5 - Stack behind #6; sprint down the hash; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball

#6 - 1 yard outside the goalposts; go directly to the ball

#7 - Stack behind #8; sprint down the middle of the field; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball; make sure to keep the

ball to your inside shoulder#8 - 1 yard outside the goalposts; sprint straight downfield; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball; make sure to keep the

ball to your inside shoulder

#9 - Align 5 yards from the far hash; contain; sprint down the hash; be slow to cross the goalposts; keep the ball to

your inside shoulder; no one gets outside you

#10 - Stack behind #9; safety; sprint to the 40-yard line; settle in the middle of the field; you are

safety to the field side

K- Kick from the left hash; You MUST kick the ball between the hash and sideline; sprint to the 40-yard

line; settle in an area between the hash and sideline; you are safety to the sideline

KICKOFF COVERAGE:


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NOTE: We can change who is in front and who is in back each week in order to create confusion for ouropponents. If this occurs, your lanes and responsibilities will remain the same.

ONSIDE KICK:

10

20

30

40

50

40

G

30

BALL

K


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In the event that we need ball possession we will use a predetermined onside kick. The ball will be placed on the

right hash mark and will kick across the field. We will use our kick off personnel for the onside kick team.

Reminders:

1. Once a kick has traveled 10 yards it is a free ball. Unless the ball is touched by our opponent first, a kickoff

must go 10 yards before the kicking team can legally touch it.2. The kicking team can not advance any recovery. Fall on the loose ball, and the rest of the team will cover the

teammate that has recovered the ball.

3. Members of the onside team cannot block or hit a man on the receiving team ahead of the ball.

ALIGNMENTSAND ASSIGNMENTS:For an onside kick we will line up on the 35-yard line. Fall on the loose ball, and the rest of the team will cover th

teammate that has recovered the ball.

LEFT SIDE:

The left side will be made up of numbers 1 -7. The #1 will align two yards from the sideline and #7 will align 2yards outside the left hash. The rest of the left side will space themselves evenly between #1 and #7. The #1 will

have the responsibility to keep the ball in bounds. The remainder of the left side will go for the ball.

RIGHT SIDE:

The right side will made up of numbers 8-10 and the kicker. The kicker will line the ball on the right hash. Thekicker will hit the ball on the top stripe of the ball and will aim for a point on the left sideline around the 45-yard

line. The #8 will loop behind the kicker as the ball is kicked and sprint to the ball. The #9 will go downfield and b

the contain man. The #10 retreat behind the kicking line to the middle of the field; you are the safety.

SURPRISE ONSIDE:In a surprise onside kick situation, we will take our normal kickoff alignment. The kicker will approach the ball asif he is going to kick the ball deep, but he will onside the ball to the left or a predetermined side based on our

opponent.

K=30

40

50

40

Ball


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FRESHMAN and JUNIOR HIGH KICKOFF COVERAGE :

10

20

30

40

50

40

G

30

BALL

K


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FRESHMAN and JUNIOR HIGH KICKOFF COVERAGE ALIGNMENTS &

ASSIGNMENTS:

#1 - align 3 yards from the sideline; go directly to the ball

#2 - align yourself so you and #3 are evenly spaced between #1 & #4; contain;keep the ball to your inside shoulder; no one gets outside you

#3 - align yourself so you and #2 are evenly spaced between #1 & #4; run down in your lane;

squeeze to the football

#4 - align one yard inside the left hash; run down in your lane; squeeze to the football

#5 - align 1 yard inside the left goalpost; run down in your lane; squeeze to the football#6 - align 1 yard inside the right goalpost; run down in your lane; squeeze to the football

#7 - align one yard inside the right hash; run down the hash; squeeze to the football#8 - align so you and #9 are evenly spaced between #7 & #10; run down in your lane;

squeeze to the football

#9 - align so you and #10 are evenly spaced between #7 & #10; contain;keep the ball to your inside shoulder; no one gets outside you

#10 - align 3 yards from the sideline; go directly to the ball

K - kick from the middle to the middle; you are the safety; run down field to the 50-yard line; settle in the middle

field

Special Teams Manual

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