Special Teams Notebook

Intensity, 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...
scoring...
Percentage
Inside the - 20 yard line
- 40 yard line
50 yard line
+40 yard line
+30 yard line
Inside the +20

Chances of
1 out of 30 score
1 out of 8 score
1 out of 5 score
1 out of 3 score
1 out of 2 score
2 out of 3 score

3%
13%
20%
33%
50%
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 CENTERS 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 doesnt 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 dont 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
doesnt 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 COVERAGE
BASIC 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 and
seal 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 is
blocked 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 PRESSURE
As 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 DTs
back. On the snap push the DTs through the hole, not down. As you push the DTs
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 DTs
back. On the snap push the DTs through the hole, not down. As you push the DTs
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 NOTES

1. 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. Thats 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 officials 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 PRESSURE
THINGS 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 punters 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 WONT
GIVE A
100% 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 NOTES

1. We will always huddle on the sideline in front of our bench prior to every return.
2. Never disperse to your position before our opponents 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, Dont 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 kickers 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 youre 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 youre 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 cant 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 Circuit
O2 Take a Safety
O2 Tight Punt
O30 Spread Punt
T40 Pooch Punt
T40 Fake Punt
T20 Field Goal
T3 Extra Point
T35 Pooch Punt Return/Fair Catch
O45 Regular Punt Return
O20 Kickoff after Safety
T20 Kickoff Return after Safety
T40 Kickoff Return
T40 Hands Team
O40 Regular Kickoff
O40 Onside Kickoff
O3 Extra Point Block