Special Teams NotebookIntensity, Desire, Effort, Discipline, Concentration

and Enthusiasm

Special Teams Player Philosophy

Bottom Line for Special Team Player

1. Must be committed to the value and importance of the kicking game

2. Must be coachable

3. Must play every down full speed

4. Must be fundamentally solid

As we all know, the “Kicking Game” has been a deciding factor in many ball games. It may be the part of a football contest that can create the greatest number of momentum changes. Consider these elements of Special Teams: 

1. One out of every 5 plays in a football game is a Special Teams play. 

2. Each play normally involves a change of possession. 

3. Plays that do not involve a change of possession are direct attempts of scoring or defending a scoring attempt. 

4. Sizeable amounts of yardage can be gained or lost. 

5. Statistically, approximately 40% of high school football games are won or lost by the Special Teams. 

Therefore, we MUST be thoroughly prepared on every Special Teams play to accomplish our goals.  Good Special Teams are:

1. Consistent and Efficient

2. Take Intensity, Desire, Effort, Discipline, Concentration and Enthusiasm

The kicking game is not a place for a guy who will loaf or not give a 100% effort. You will do everything with the intent of causing a fumble, blocking a kick, throwing the key block, making a tackle or scoring points!!!! 

Remember, we are not striving to be “GOOD”. We are GOING to be the “BEST”!!!!! 

 "Special Teams greatest asset is the ability to give your team better field positions!" 

How important is field position???          Offense starts on...                                                    Chances of scoring...                            Percentage

Inside the  - 20 yard line 1 out of 30 score  3% 

                - 40 yard line 1 out of  8  score 13% 

                  50 yard line 1 out of  5  score 20% 

                +40 yard line 1 out of  3  score  33%

                +30 yard line 1 out of  2  score  50%

                Inside the +20 2 out of  3  score   66%

****Special Teams can give our team the best field position.....which means our team has the greatest chances of scoring. Like wise, our kicking game can put our opponents in poor field position giving them a lower percentage of scoring. 

SPECIAL TEAMS GOALS

To be successful, you must have a way to measure results. Results are measured by accomplishing GOALS and OBJECTIVES. We break these GOALS down into two distinct Categories: SEASON GOALS AND WEEKLY GOALS. 

Our SEASON GOALS are:1. Win a game as a direct result of the kicking game. 2. Score three Touchdowns from our Special Teams.  3. Block 2 or more x-pts. 4. Force 5 or more turnovers during the course of the season. 5. Place the opponents inside the 10 yard line on 4 occasions. 

Our WEEKLY GOALS are:   1.   Penalty free game. 2.   No bad snaps or blocked kicks. 3.   Make a “Big Play”....(Block a kick, Score or set up a score, create a turnover) 4.   Hold opponents Punt Return average under 5 yards. 5.   Hold opponents Kick-Off return average to under 18 yards. 6.   Our Punt Return average more than 10 yards. 7.   Our Kick-Off Return average more than 25 yards. 8.   Field all returnable kicks. 9.   Make 100% of X-Pts. 10. Make a Field Goal 12. Not allow the opponent to score, or set up a score, on a kicking play. 13. No mental mistakes (not enough players on the field, losing contain, missed assignments, ect.) 14. WIN THE GAME!!!! 

                             

Punting Game

Of all the phases of the Kicking Game the Punt Coverage is without a doubt the most important part of the Special Teams. The punt is a compromise between protection and coverage. A team could have excellent protection if its players never left the line of scrimmage. On the other hand, the same team could have excellent coverage if they sprinted downfield on the snap of the ball. Either of these situations could lead to disaster in the punting game. 

A successful punt coverage team must be able to do both. Our scheme is designed to allow for protection so that the punter will have the opportunity to get the ball off and at the same time allow us to cover the punt with maximum efficiency. Of the two protection takes priority.  WE CAN NEVER HAVE A PUNT BLOCKED!!!!!!!! 

The causes of a blocked punt usually fall into one of three categories: 

1. A bad snap from the center. 2. A bobble of the ball by the punter. (slow handling time) 3. A breakdown in protection, a linemen or upback allowing a rusher a straight rush at the punter. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT A PUNT IS THE CENTER’S SNAP!! IT MUST BE PERFECT 

The centers snap is so important to the success of this play that we want nothing to interfere with it. For this reason the center has no blocking responsibilities and snaps the ball whenever he is ready. 

Get-Off Times Needed: ALL KICKERS AND DEEP SNAPPERS NEED TO KNOW THESE TIMES!! 

.75 SECONDS -CENTER SNAP TO PUNTER 

1.35 SECONDS -PUNTERS HANDLING TIME 

2.1 SECONDS -TOTAL GET-OFF TIME (ELAPSED TIME UNTIL BALL HITS THE PUNTERS FOOT) 

3.8 SECONDS -ACCEPTABLE HAND TIME 

. 

GENERAL INFORMATION AND RULES

1. The receiver of a punt must have a 2 yard circle in which to have the opportunity to catch the punt. When the ball hits the ground protection for the receiver is terminated. 

2. If any member of the receiving team gives a valid fair catch signal, the ball can not be advanced by the receiving team. 

3. RULE OF FIRST TOUCH - If the ball is touched by the kicking team, the receiving team can advance the ball without risk of losing possession. 

4. When downing a punt “hatch” it. ( pick it up and hand it to the official) 

5. A blocked punt or a partially blocked punt that does not cross the Line of Scrimmage is not a kicked ball and can be advance by either team. 

6. When a punt that has crossed the LOS is touched by the receiving team it becomes a free ball and can be recovered by either team. 

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

NORMAL PUNT ALIGNMENTS

GUARDS: Lt Guard and Rt Guard places their toes off their inside foot on the heels of the center. Lt Tackles and Rt Tackles inside foot should be in a straight line with Lt. Guards and Rt Guards inside foot.  Outside foot should be approximately shoulders width, staggered toe to heel and slightly angled out. Hands are on the thigh pads......NOT THE KNEES! 

TACKLES Lt Tackles and Rt Tackles places their toes of their inside foot on the heels of the Guards. Outside foot should be approximately shoulders width, staggered toe to heel and slightly angled out. Hands are on the thigh pads......NOT THE KNEES!  TIGHT ENDS: X and Y places their toes of their inside foot on the heels of the Guards. Outside foot should be approximately shoulders width, staggered toe to heel and slightly angled out. Hands are on the thigh pads......NOT THE KNEES! 

PERSONAL PROTECTORS A and C: 5 1/2 yards deep. Line up in the A gaps.

PLUGGER or B: The plugger will line up behind the right personal protector and fill the gap between the personal protector after the ball has been snapped.

PUNTER: 12 yards deep. Need to be aware of the rush teams front, whether an 8,9,or 10 man rush or a punt safe alignment.

SPLITS 4 foot splits all the way across the front line!!!

STANCE: Two point stance, hands on thigh pads, drop butt, head up. Eyes cut inside to the ball. DO NOT REACT TO DEFENDERS MOVEMENT!!!!!!!! 

BLOCKING RESPONSIBILITIES

CENTER: Has no blocking assignment. Can not be grabbed or pulled. You should be one of the first men down field. 

RIGHT GUARD: You are responsible for you outside gap. “Unless four in middle call” and then you would “gap it” and take the first man to your inside gap. VERBALLY call out your man. You will kick slide, kick slide, push your man up field and then fill your lane. RUN STRAIGHT DOWN FIELD.

RIGHT TACKLE: You are responsible for you outside gap. “Unless four in middle call” and then you would “gap it” and take the first man to your inside gap. VERBALLY call out your man. You will kick slide, kick slide, push your man up field and then fill your lane. RUN STRAIGHT DOWN FIELD.

Y: You are responsible for you outside gap. “Unless four in middle call” and then you would “gap it” and take the first man to your inside gap. VERBALLY call out your man. You will kick slide only once and push your man up field and then fill your lane. YOU ARE THE GUNNER, GET TO THE BALL, FORM THE TRIANGLE WITH X and DEEP SNAPPER.

LT GUARD: You are responsible for you outside gap. “Unless four in middle call” and then you would “gap it” and take the first man to your inside gap. VERBALLY call out your man. You will kick slide, kick slide, push your man up field and then fill your lane. RUN

STRAIGHT DOWN FIELD.

LEFT TACKLE: You are responsible for you outside gap. “Unless four in middle call” and then you would “gap it” and take the first man to your inside gap. VERBALLY call out your man. You will kick slide, kick slide, push your man up field and then fill your lane. RUN STRAIGHT DOWN FIELD.

X:You are responsible for you outside gap. “Unless four in middle call” and then you would “gap it” and take the first man to your inside gap. VERBALLY call out your man. You will kick slide only once and push your man up field and then fill your lane. YOU ARE THE GUNNER, GET TO THE BALL, FORM THE TRIANGLE WITH Y and DEEP SNAPPER..  

PERSONAL PROTECTORS and PLUGGER: Responsible for any leakage that shows. You should look in the following order: MIDDLE to the EDGE. When you block, be aggressive and attack; Never back-up. The Personal Protectors are outside contain to their side. The plugger is safety to the left and the punter is safety to the right.

BLOCKING TECHNIQUES

GUARDS: Key ball. On the snap, step with inside foot and punch with both hands outside the frame of your body. Make yourself as big as possible to plug up the gap. Keep your shoulders parallel to the LOS as you kick slide. Stop momentum of your man by punching him in the numbers. Call OUT LOUD “kick-slide, kick-slide.” Then release into coverage. ***With a “4 in the middle call” - Make the call, step with inside foot and punch with both hands outside the frame of your body, be an aggressive blocker...do not “catch” your man. Get your hands into their numbers and keep you shoulders parallel to the LOS. REMEMBER PROTECTION TAKES PRIORITY OVER COVERAGE. 

TACKLES: Key ball. On the snap, step with inside foot and punch with both hands outside the frame of your body. Make yourself as big as possible to plug up the gap. Keep your shoulders parallel to the LOS as you kick slide. Stop momentum of your man by punching him in the numbers. Call OUT LOUD “kick-slide, kick-slide.” Then release into coverage. ***With a “4 in the middle call” - Make the call, step with inside foot and punch with both hands outside the frame of your body, be an aggressive blocker...do not “catch” your man. Get your hands into their numbers and keep you shoulders parallel to the LOS. REMEMBER PROTECTION TAKES PRIORITY OVER COVERAGE. 

X and Y: Because of alignment you will be further from your man, this doesn’t matter. Key the ball. On the snap, be aggressive and attack your man. Call OUT LOUD “ Kick Slide and

release.” Then release into coverage. Be an aggressive blocker...do not “catch” your man. Get your hands into their numbers and keep your shoulders parallel to the LOS. REMEMBER PROTECTION TAKES A PRIORITY OVER COVERAGE so do not be in too big a hurry, in coverage keep your outside shoulder on all blocks and do not lose leverage on the ball carrier. 

PERSONAL PROTECTOR and PLUGGER: Responsible for any leakage that shows. You should look in the following order: MIDDLE to the EDGE. Remember you can NOT give ground, the punter is right behind you. Therefore, when you block, you must attack....do not “catch” your man. If more than one player breaks through the protection....you must make a decision and pick up the most immediate threat. 

COVERAGE NOTES AND RULES 

Covering punts is based on sprinting when you have completed your blocking assignment. The punt should be off in 2.1 seconds or less. You will get a feel of the amount of time that you will have to protect (approx. 2 counts). This is the reason we call out loud Kick-Slide, Kick-Slide......then we release into coverage. 

1. Sprint in YOUR lane, this is why we have the large splits, you are lined up in your lane and should work slightly to the outside as you sprint downfield. Converge on the returner. Never follow your own colored jersey. Have awareness of the blockers position...this will tell you if they have a wall return, wedge return, or a kick out return. 

2. Key the RETURNER. Do not look up for the ball, unless it is a POOCH situation. 

3. Keep shoulders parallel at all times. Gang tackle. 

4. Call out “FAIR CATCH” if it is signaled. 

5. Know where the ball is. Do not let it hit you. Be alert for the “Get Away” call. ***Remember a “Get Away” call is yelled when a kicked ball has a chance to hit one of the punt return teams players. If you hear a “Get Away” call look for the ball, but remember.....they can still return it, so don’t forget about defending the return man. You should however be aware of the location of the ball. 

6. If the receiver does not field the ball or if the ball hits you or one of your team mates, HATCH IT.***HATCH IT...means to pick the ball up and hand it to the referee. 

7. Cover hard. Converge to the ball always keeping it in front of you. Never overrun the returner. Break down five to seven yards from the returner. 

8. Make up your mind that you must sprint forty yards to cover.

9. Punt coverage is a team effort. It takes eleven people to do this job. If one person doesn’t do their job, it can be disastrous for our football team!!! 

10. The secret to good coverage is DESIRE!!! 

11. Punter - Remember that hang time is first and foremost. Distance is second. 

12. BLOCK - SPRINT OUT - CONVERGE - TACKLE - STRIP BALL

Kickoff Team

KICK-OFF COVERAGEBASIC RULES 1. The Kick-Off starts the game, puts the ball into play after a touchdown or successful field goals. The ball will be kicked from the 40 yard line. 

2. Once a kick - off travel 10 yards it is a free ball. A kick - off 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 up with the recovery. 

4. A member of the kicking team can catch a pooched kick in the air. If a fair catch signal is made you can not interfere with his opportunity to catch the ball. Break down and be ready for a fumble. 

5. Blocking below the waist is illegal. We can not bust the wedge or block out an opponent below the waist. 

6. The ball becomes dead and belongs to the receiving team (touchback), when a free kick (kick-off) is untouched by the receiving team and the ball strikes the ground in the end zone. 

7. A kick-off which goes out of bounds between the goal lines with out being touched by the receiving must be re-kicked with a 5 yard penalty or the receiving team can gain possession on the 35 yard line. 

8. Any member of the kicking team may use his hands or arms to ward off blocker or to push him out of the way in a legal attempt to recover the ball. 

FUNDAMENTALS 1. Covering a kick-off is an ALL OUT SPRINT.     A. Speed is important, but the intent to make a tackle is vital. A player shows his true football character on coverage team. 

    B. Each player must believe that every kick will be returned and that he will make the “TOP ROCK PLAY”. 

    C. GANG TACKLE!!! A tackle should never be made by one man. Punish the returner. Relentless pursuit must be         maintained until the ball carrier is down or the whistle blows. 

2. Your all out sprint will carry you past most blockers. Up to the 35 yard line avoid blocks, if you get out of your lane...work back into it as quick as possible. Inside the 35 run through blocks keeping your outside arm free. 

3. If you get knocked down, quickly get back up and close the hole that you opened up. 

4. NEVER BE OFFSIDE. Time your approach so that you are within one yard of the 40 when the ball is kicked. 

5. Our goal is to keep the ball inside the 30 yard line. 

 

FG PAT

A successful field goal or extra point is crucial to the success of our team. Our goal is to be 100% on extra point attempts and 100% on all field goal attempts from inside the 25 yard line. To do this all eleven members of the FG team must execute his job. We will spend quite a bit of time during the year perfecting this aspect of the kicking game. 

HOLDER You are just as responsible for a successful kick as the kicker. After the kicker has told you that he is ready for the placement, alert the team by calling “set”. Before making the call check to see that all the linemen are set. Hold hands forward to accept the snap. When receiving the ball handle it cleanly and place it quickly and precisely at the spot determined by the kicker. The holder is the quarterback of the PAT and FIELDGOAL teams and have the following responsibilities: 

A. Check to make sure that there are 11 men on the field. 

B. Know our time-out rules. 1. The holder is the only person that can call a time-out. 2. Never use a time-out on an extra point, we will take a delay of game penalty. 3. If the field goal attempt is inside the 15 yard line we will not use a time-out. We will take the delay of game penalty. 4. On field goal attempts outside the 15 yard line we WILL use a time out. 

CENTER: Take a comfortable stance, setting feet so that you have a good base that you can work from. The other linemen will set their feet according to your stance. Make the perfect snap when you are ready anytime after the holder says, “set” and has put his hands forward to accept the snap. Hold the middle firm and do not allow yourself to be pulled. Remember, set means that the holder is ready for the snap, pause and snap when your ready. 

GUARDS: 3” split between your inside foot and the inside foot of the center. Your toes should be aligned on the heel of the center. Stance will be a 2 point stance, with weight on the outside foot. Key the ball, do not react to the defensive players movement. On movement of the ball, jab step inward with the inside foot, stepping behind the outside foot of the center. Always keep your outside foot planted. Stay square, punch with hands andseal the inside gap. Make yourself “BIG”. 

TACKLES: 3” split between your inside foot and the outside foot of the Guard. Your toes should be aligned on the heel of the Guard. Stance will be a 2 point stance, with weight on the outside foot. Key the ball, do not react to the defensive players movement. On movement of the ball, jab step inward with the inside foot, stepping behind the foot of the Guard. Always keep your outside foot planted. Stay square, punch with hands and seal the inside

gap. Make yourself “BIG”. 

ENDS: 3” split between your inside foot and the Outside foot of the Tackle. Your toes should be aligned on the heel of the Tackle. Stance will be a 2 point stance, with weight on the outside foot. Key the ball, do not react to the defensive players movement. On movement of the ball, jab step inward with the inside foot, stepping behind the outside foot of the Tackle. Always keep your outside foot planted. Stay square, punch with hands and seal the inside gap. Make yourself “BIG”. 

UPBACKS: Line up with your inside foot 4 to 6 inches outside the outside foot of the end and about 12 inches behind the heel of your end facing outward at a 45 degree angle. You will not be able to see the ball, so your key will be the outside hip of the end. When it moves, step down to protect the inside gap. Try to place your head on the outside hip of the end. You must keep your outside foot planted so that you do not shorten the corner. Do not react to the defensive players movement. Worry more about the inside rush. If the ball isblocked from an outside rusher, the kick took too long! 

KICKER: Set your placement spot at 7 yards behind the ball. There will be an exception and that is when the ball is on the hash or within one yard of the hash and we have called an “overload” alignment. The placement spot will be one yard inside the hash or behind the guard when the ball is just snapped from inside the hash. Tell the holder when you are ready, make the perfect kick. CONCENTRATE AND RELAX!!!

                       

FG/PAT PRESSUREAs we all know one point can mean the difference between winning and losing. It can mean the difference of going to the play-offs or watching them. If the FG/Extra Pt Block Team is on the field, one of two things has happened: 1. The opponents Offense has just scored. 2. It is 4th down and the opponent is attempting to kick a field goal. Many times the defense has been on the field for a long time and many of the players are tired, the opponent has just scored and our defense is disappointed for giving up the score. So, we can give them an easy additional point or we can swing momentum back to us by blocking or forcing a bad kick. We will choose to block or force the bad kick. 

                                              RULES & PRINCIPLES 

1. If the ball is blocked and does not cross the LOS, it can be advanced by both teams. 

2. If the ball is blocked and does cross the LOS, the ball is dead unless we touch the ball on our side of the line of scrimmage. 

3. We must avoid penalties. A penalty can give the offense a 1st down or put them in a better situation to go for a 4th down play. A penalty on a extra point attempt can put ffense closer to the goal line and this give them a better opportunity to go for a “2pt conversion”. Any of these situations can be disastrous for our team. 

Common Penalties on the FG/Extra Pt Block Team are: 1. Too many men on the field. 

2. Offside 3. Roughing the kicker 

4. Avoid touching the ball on the defensive side of the ball. 

5. If a wing or the holder was to go in motion the outside saftey to that side would go with him. 

6. KEY THE BALL. Be alert for shifts to try and draw the rush team off sides. 

7. When blocking kicks, do not leave your feet. When you leave your feet you loose control of your body. This will also keep you from roughing the kicker. When attempting the block, do not turn your head away, keep your eyes open and hands together. 

8. Everyone must know the he is the man that is going to get through and block the kick. 

                                           ASSIGNMENTS 

LC Line up head up on the wingback and play him man to man. Do not attempt to block the kick. Contain the holder if he rolls. Tackle him if he rolls out. Look for a blocked kick, pick up and score. 

Rover Line up head up on the TE about 2 yards off the ball and play him man to man. Do not attempt to block the kick but on the snap move to the outside to make the TE come with you and allow the End to come free. If it is a fake, do not let TE release from LOS. Contain the holder if he rolls. Tackle him if he rolls out. Look for a blocked kick, pick up and score. 

Tackle Outside eye of Guard. Eye the ball-on movement-get off quickly, swim or rip the tackle-then drive through the block point. .  

End You will line up in a 1 technique in a low stance. On the snap of the ball fire out low and hard while Force pushes you through the gap. While going through the gap execute a swim technique on the snapper. Once through the gap get you hands up and block the kick.

Nose You will line up in a 1 technique in a low stance. On the snap of the ball fire out low and hard while Force pushes you through the gap. Once through the gap get you hands up and block the kick.

Will Outside eye of Tackle. Eye the ball-on movement-get off quickly, swim or rip the tackle-then drive through the block point. 

Sam Outside eye of Tackle. Eye the ball-on movement-get off quickly, swim or rip the tackle-then drive through the block point. 

Mike Line up stacked behind the Tackle with your outside hand on the small of the DT’s back. On the snap push the DT’s through the hole, not down. As you push the DT’s through the hole execute a swim technique on the Guard and get through the A gap and block the Kick.

RC Line up head up on the wingback and play him man to man. Do not attempt to block the kick. Contain the holder if he rolls. Tackle him if he rolls out. Look for a blocked kick, pick up and score. . 

Force Line up stacked behind the Nose with your outside hand on the small of the DT’s back. On the snap push the DT’s through the hole, not down. As you push the DT’s through the hole execute a swim technique on the Guard and get through the A gap and block the Kick.

FS Line up head up on the TE about 2 yards off the ball and play him man to man. Do not attempt to block the kick but on the snap move to the outside to make the TE come with you and allow the End to come free. If it is a fake, do not let TE release from LOS. Contain the holder if he rolls. Tackle him if he rolls out. Look for a blocked kick, pick up and score. 

Punt Return

                 PUNT RETURN & BLOCK NOTES1. KEY THE BALL. Be alert for shifts to try and draw the rush team off sides. 

2. A partially blocked punt that does not cross the neutral zone is a live ball and can be advanced by either team. Do not fall on the ball, instead try and run with it. 

3. On a partially blocked punt that crosses the neutral zone we will use a “Get Away” call. “Get Away” 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 by the Punting team 

4. If you have poor trail position or you lose your man do not attempt to catch up. Look for another man to block. Looking to the outside first and then up field. 

5. If you knock a man down, stay after him. Do not go after someone else. Many times that person will get up and be able to make the tackle. 

6. When blocking kicks, do not leave your feet. When you leave your feet you loose control and direction of your body. This will keep you from roughing the kicker. When attempting the block, do not turn your head away, keep your eyes open and hands together. 

7. When you are being blocked, stay low on your initial charge and explode through the blocking point. THE BLOCKING POINT IS 7 1/2 TO 8 YARDS DEEP AND YOU WILL TRY TO MEET THE BALL ONE YARD IN FRONT OF THE PUNTER, NOT AT THE PUNTER!!!!!!! 

                         IMPORTANT NOTES FOR RETURN MEN

1. Key the punter.....start moving in the direction that he steps.....do not wait for the ball to be in the air. 2. Get underneath the ball....be in a rocker position as you field the ball.3. Proper techniques for catching the ball: A. Position yourself where the ball is on your nose. B. Look the ball in, do not try to run with it until you have caught it. C. Spread fingers. D. Elbows in. 4. Catch every ball kicked to you. We can not afford to lose field position, because a ball can hit the ground and roll 15 yards. That’s almost two first downs our Offense has to get just to get back were the ball starting

bouncing. 5. Be aware of wind directions and be knowledgeable about the punter. 6. Make your fair catch signal a clear and decisive one. Wave one arm overhead twice. Remember....you do not have to catch the ball even though you have signaled for a fair catch. 7. Never catch a ball inside our own 10 yard line. Make a fair catch signal and influence the punt coverage to go the wrong way when we are backed up to our own end zone. 8. Know the rule of first touch. The official’s whistle downs the ball not the cover team. 9. Know the “Get Away.” call. The term “Get Away” means we do not want to touch the ball downfield. In certain situations, on partially blocked punts and on shanked punts, we will often not want to risk fielding the ball. Make the “Peter” call and use a “wipe away” hand signal to alert our team to get away from the ball. 10. Always run North & South, and most importantly.......BE FEARLESS!! 

                                               PUNT PRESSURETHINGS TO REMEMBER: 

1. Do not be off-sides. (A penalty can give the Offense a 1st down) 2. The landmark for blocks is 5 yards in front of the kicker, not at the punter. 3. See the ball. Drive off the LOS, make yourself “small”. Attack the block point....keep your eyes on the ball, take the ball of the punter’s foot. 4. Do not hit the kicker!!!!!! Never leave your feet.....you lose total control of your body when your feet are not on the ground. 5. You must believe that YOU are the one who is going to block the kick 6. A blocked punt can be picked up and advanced by you. On a blocked 4th down punt, try to advance the ball regardless of risk.........even if they fall on the ball it will be our possession. NOTE: If the punt is blocked and it crosses the LOS, it is considered a punt, at this point regular punt return rules apply. Listen for the “Get Away” call. 7. We are not going to block every punt, but our consistent pressure will cause tension and it will force mistakes!! 

THE KICKING GAME IS NOT A PLACE FOR GUYS WHO WILL LOAF OR WON’T GIVE A100% EFFORT. DO EVERYTHING WITH THE INTENT OF CAUSING A FUMBLE, BLOCKING A KICK, THROWING THE KEY BLOCK, OR SCORING A TOUCHDOWN!!!!! 

Kickoff Return

KICK OFF RETURN NOTES1. We will always huddle on the sideline in front of our bench prior to every return.

2. Never disperse to your position before our opponent’s kicking team breaks their huddle Good alignment - key the ball!

3. Prior to the kick, determine the direction of the kick by identifying which direction the threads on the ball are facing. The angle, spacing and approach of the the kicker will also determine the direction of the kick. The depth of the front line depends on how deep the ball is kicked.

4. Front line, “Don’t leave early.” (Be alert for an on side kick.) See the ball kicked prior to leaving.

5. We can recover the ball once it leaves the kicker’s foot. It does not have to travel 10 yards before we can recover it. After the ball travels 10 yards then our opponents can legally recover it.

6. Never be offside. Always block above the waist!

7. Never clip! Move your feet so you can get your body in proper position and anticipate your man turning. If there is any doubt that you might clip your man it is better that he makes the tackle than to clip him and loose 15 yards plus any additional yards we gained on the return.

8. Front line avoid the ball - let it go through.

9. Each man has an assignment - move quickly to your blocking area. Define where the ball is kicked and maintain proper leverage on the man you’re blocking.

10. Always stay with your man. If you maintain contact and run with him the returner can advance the ball past him. Sustain your block.

11. Timing is a “MUST” for good execution. When we use double team schemes timing is absolutely critical.

12. Wedge Captain get quick reading for calls. Yell loud and clear, “GO” .

13. Squib kicks, or short pooch kicks, dictate only 5 yard sets for the front line on the man you’re responsible for.

14. Any ball caught in the “End Zone” deeper than 5 yards - “Down It!”

15. Our designated safety must COMMUNICATE! Me! Me! You! You! Stay! Stay!

16. Any short pooch kick that our returners can’t catch in the air requires a “poison” call by the returner at which time the up backe/end should catch the ball in the air. Up back and Ends never back up to catch the ball.

17. Receiving a kickoff after a SAFETY - Regular kickoff return team (Punt receivers deep).

Kicking CircuitO2 Take a SafetyO2 Tight PuntO30 Spread PuntT40 Pooch PuntT40 Fake PuntT20 Field GoalT3 Extra PointT35 Pooch Punt Return/Fair CatchO45 Regular Punt ReturnO20 Kickoff after SafetyT20 Kickoff Return after SafetyT40 Kickoff ReturnT40 Hands TeamO40 Regular KickoffO40 Onside KickoffO3 Extra Point Block