1. Kicking Game
Notes, plays, comments, etc. on the kicking game for the 2012 Washington Huskies football program

2. Kicking Philosophy
We take an aggressive and progressive approach to kicking teams play. We execute our kicking teams at a high level and force our opponents to prepare well or risk losing this phase of the game.
We set the tone by utilizing speed and physical play. We want to be the aggressor and establish a toughness mentality. We pressure every punt or kick and hit return teams hard. We are relentless in our effort and intensity in every situation.
Kicking teams that execute at a high level will consistently help shift the momentum in our favor. Winning the field-position battle, blocking a kick or punt, or scoring a kicking teams touchdown can deflate an opponent and give us the momentum.

3. Special Teams
Great teams have great special teams. Place the same emphasis on special teams as we do on offense defense.
Evaluate special teams just like we do the offense and defense
Choose great athletes who take pride and use good judgement
Be aggressive and use special teams to change the momentum of the game
Be diverse and force our opponent to prepare thoroughly or risk defeat
Study, watch video, and develop a solid special teams game plan each week

4. Special Teams Landmarks
Hold opponents to fewer than 20 yards per kickoff return
Hold opponents to fewer than 10 yards per punt return
Average at least 35 yards per kickoff return
Average at least 15 yards per punt return
Allow no blocked kicks or punts
Block at least 3 punts or kicks
No foolish penalties called on defense due to lack of discipline or effort

5. Kickoff

6. Types of kicks
Deep – Into the end zone/within the 10. Looking to pin them deep
Pooch – High, shorter kick. Looking for fair catch
Squib – Kick it hard and low, bouncing it along the ground. Looking for confusion
On-side – Attempt to get the high bounce and recover the kick.

7. Kickoff Coverage Kicker, count your team.
Don’t be offside – End men on line call across.
Free ball after ten yards or if touched by a receiving team player.
You will run past most potential blockers – if you run.
Keep your spacing.
Evade early blockers to the ball side and return to proper lane.
Run through blocker immediately in front of ball carrier.
Contain man; be alert for reverse and unusual returns.
Know your onside or squib kick responsibility. Know who folds as safety and contain.
Go after the ball.
FORCE THE OPPONENT TO PUT THE BALL IN PLAY INSIDE HIS 20-YD. LINE

8. Kickoff Parameters Kick Direction Starting Position Left Right Middle
Left hash
Right hash

9. Kickoff – Kick Types and Coverage
Objective & Description
Coverage
Note
Deep
Into the end zone/within the 10. Looking to pin them deep
Prefer that this goes into the EZ for a touchback.
Pooch
High, shorter kick. Looking for fair catch.
Height of kick gives our KO team time to get to the area.
Squib
Kick it hard and low, bouncing it along the ground. Looking for confusion
Onside
Try to recover the kick
Various types here so a couple must be identified and implemented.
Hash
Variation of Pooch – Kick it to between hash and sideline.

10. Kickoff – Pooch Kick Drill40 40
Kick from hash toward the other hash
Award points based on where the ball lands
Target areas are 5 yds x 5 yds. Markloff the area with 12 cones. Have someone else keep score and shag.
Kicks outside the area are worth 0 points
Divide total points by 50 to determine % 50 50 40 40 30 30 1 3 5 1 3 5 20 20
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 % 10 10 G

11. Kickoff 20
Target Area 30 40 50 40 K L5 L4 L3 L2 L1 R1 R2 R3 R4 R5

12. Kickoff – Base Alignments and Assignments
Position
Players
Alignment
Assignment L5
Next to L4
Shallow safety L4
Next to L3
Middle safety L3
Next to L2
Contain, stay in lane L2
Next to L1
Base coverage, do not cross hash L1
Next to kicker, left side
Gunner – 1st to the ball K
Place ball on right hash,
Kick to the outside the hash, do not kick out of bounds.
After kick be the middle safety R1
Next to kicker, right side R2
Next to R1
Base coverage, stay in lane R3
Next to R2 R4
Next to R3 R5
Next to R4
Sideline contain
Note:
The idea is that if our kicker cannot put it into the end zone that we will not give the return team the chance to return the kick. We do not want a nice floating ball coming down to their best return guy on a full sprint. Kick the ball to the area in the yard lines, outside of the hash. We will either kick it high so our defenders can get down and prevent the return, or pound it on the ground to cause bounces and hops.

13. Balanced – Middle Kick – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Wedge
Between K & L2
Stay in lane, cover the field, 5-yard spacing. L2
Between L1 & L3 L3
Spy
Between L2 & L4
Locate ball, stay in front. Act as Safety L4
Contain
Between L3 & L5
Cover outside-in. Nothing gets outside L5
Force
5-6 yards from sideline
Take direct path to the ball. Be under control but attack the ball aggressively. R1
Between K & R2 R2
Between R1 & R3 R3
Between R2 & R4 R4
Between R3 & R5 R5 K
Kicker, Safety
Middle of the field
After kicking, stay yards in front of ball, act as Safety

14. After Safety – Schematic
We can kickoff or punt the ball. If we punt you MUST stay behind the punter or you will be offsides.

15. Balanced – Middle Kick – Schematic

16. Balanced – Corner – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Force
Between K & L2
SPRINT! Take direct path to the ball. Be under control but attack the ball aggressively. L2
Wedge
Between L1 & L3
Stay in lane, unload on blockers with recklessness L3
Just outside hash, between L2 & L4 L4
Between L3 & L5 L5
Contain
5-6 yards from sideline
Stay outside. Fold back and contain the ball. R1
Between R2 & K R2
Spy
Between R1 & R3
Sprint down field, fill where needed R3
Between R2 & R4 R4
Between R3 & R5 R5
Sprint to goal post. Stay outside. Cut field in half. K
Kicker, Safety
Middle of the field
After kicking high and deep to outside hash, stay yards in front of ball, act as Safety

17. Balanced – Corner – Schematic

18. Balanced – Onside Middle – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Blocker
Between R1 & L2
Block middle player L2
Recover
Between L1 & L3
Go for football. If not recovered then block in front of the ball L3
Between L2 & L4 L4
Between L3 & L5
Block 2nd player in L5
Safety
5-6 yards from sideline
Act as Safety R1
Between K& R2 R2
Between R1 & R3 R3
Between R2 & R4 R4
Between R3 & R5 R5 K
Kicker, Safety
Middle of field
Kick ball with good topspin, act as Safety

19. Balanced – Onside Middle – Schematic

20. Balanced – Onside Plow – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Blocker
Between R1 & L2
Block middle player – Bury him! L2
Recover
Between L1 & L3
Follow the ball, recover after it goes the 10 yards. L3
Block
Between L2 & L4
Block 2nd player in L4
Between L3 & L5 L5
Safety
5-6 yards from sideline
Act as Safety. Have contain responsibility as well. R1
Between K& R2 R2
Between R1 & R3 R3
Blockwe
Between R2 & R4 R4
Between R3 & R5 R5 K
Kicker, Safety
Middle of field
Place ball sideways on top of kicking tee. Kick ball with topspin so it rolls slowly. Act as Safety

21. Unbalanced – Onside Plow – Schematic

22. Unbalanced – Middle Kick – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Wedge
Between R1 & L2
Stay in lane, cover the field, 5-yard spacing. L2
Between L1 & L3 L3
Contain
Just outside hash, between L2 & L4
Cover outside-in. Nothing gets outside L4
Force
Between L3 & L5
Take direct path to the ball. Be under control but attack the ball aggressively. L5
Spy
5-6 yards from sideline
Locate ball, stay in front. Act as Safety R1
Between R2 & L1 R2
Between K & R1 R3
Between K & R4 R4
Between R3 & R5 R5 K
Kicker, Safety
Right or left hash
After kicking, stay yards in front of ball, act as Safety

23. Unbalanced – Middle Kick – Schematic

24. Unbalanced – Hash – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Wedge
Between R1 & L2
Stay in lane, cover the field, 5-yard spacing. L2
Between L1 & L3 L3
Spy
Just outside hash, between L2 & L4
Locate ball, stay in front. Act as Safety L4
Force
Between L3 & L5
Take direct path to the ball. Be under control but attack the ball aggressively. L5
Contain
5-6 yards from sideline
Cover outside-in. Nothing gets outside R1
Suicide
Between R2 & L1
Swing around between L1 & L2. Take direct path to the ball. R2
Between K & R1
Swing around between L2 & L3. Take direct path to the ball. R3
Between K & R4 R4
Between R3 & R5 R5 K
Kicker, Safety
Right or left hash
After kicking to opposite hash, stay yards in front of ball, act as Safety

25. Unbalanced – Hash – Schematic

26. Unbalanced – Onside Right – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Blocker
Between R1 & L2
Block offensive player to your side. Do not let him recover the ball. L2
Safety
Between L1 & K
Cross behind right side, act as Safety. L3
Defender
Between K & L4
Protect vs. reverse/return to your side. L4
Between L3 & L5 L5
5-6 yards from sideline R1
Between R2 & L1 R2
Recover
Between R3 & R1
Recover the football R3
Between R2 & R4 R4
Between R3 & R5 R5
Contain
Contain the ball, do not let it get out of bounds. K
Kicker, Safety
Left hash
Onside kick to opposite hash, go to the ball and act as Safety

27. Unbalanced – Onside Right – Schematic

28. Unbalanced – Onside Left – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Blocker
Between R1 & L2
Block offensive player to your side. Do not let him recover the ball. L2
Recover
Between L1 & L3
Recover the football L3
Just outside hash, between L2 & L4 L4
Between L3 & L5 L5
Contain
5-6 yards from sideline
Contain the ball, do not let it get out of bounds. R1
Between R2 & L1 R2
Safety
Between K & R1
Cross behind right side, act as Safety. R3
Defender
Between K & R4
Protect vs. reverse/return to your side. R4
Between R3 & R5 R5
Contain the ball. Watch return to your side. K
Kicker, Safety
Right hash
Onside kick to opposite hash, go to the ball and act as Safety

29. Unbalanced – Onside Left – Schematic

30. Overload – Onside – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Recover
Between R1 & L2
Go for the ball – FLY! L2
Between L1 & L3 L3
Just outside hash, between L2 & L4 L4
Between L3 & L5 L5
5-6 yards from sideline
Go for the ball – Keep ball in bounds R1
Between R2 & L1 R2
Between K & R1 R3
Between K & R4 R4
Safety
On hash between K & R5
Act as Safety. R5
Safety, Contain
Split between hash and sideline
Act as Safety, Contain. K
Kicker, Safety
Middle of the field
Top the ball so it bounces to the middle of our rush.

31. Overload – Onside – Schematic

32. After Safety – Assignments
Position
Assignment
Alignment
Coaching Points L1
Wedge
Between R1 & L2
3-point stance behind K
Stay in lane, cover the field, 5-yard spacing. L2
Between L1 & L3 L3
Between L2 & L4 L4
Force
Between L3 & L5
Take direct path to the ball. Be under control but attack the ball aggressively. L5
Contain
5-6 yards from sideline
Cover outside-in. Nothing gets outside R1
Between R2 & K R2
Between R1 & R2 R3
Between R2 & R4 R4
Between R3 & R5 R5 K
Kicker, Safety
Middle of field. Kick – normal alignment. Punt – slightly ahead of team
Kick for height and distance. Stay yards in front of ball, act as Safety

33. After Safety – Schematic
We can kickoff or punt the ball. If we punt you MUST stay behind the punter or you will be offsides.

34. Kickoff Return

35. Things to Know about Kickoff Returns
After 10 yards, it is a free ball. It must be handled.
Five or four men between ten yards and fifteen yards from ball. Middle man is group leader. Make sure you have a complete team.
Be sure of deep kick before turning your back on ball.
Know approximate depth and location of ball before executing block.
Safe man, use judgment on handling and returning ball from end zone.
Safeties, know who is “Call” man and direction of return.
Know your onside return and regular return.
NO PENALTIES, FOR WITH EXTRA EFFORT THIS CAN BE A GAME BREAKER.

36. Kickoff Return – Base Alignment

37. Kickoff Return – Position Descriptions
Name
Alignment F1 LT
Front Left
Align on the 49 yd. line. Split the difference between the sideline and the numbers to your side. F2 LG
Front Middle Left
Align on the 49 yd. line. Split the difference between the hash mark and the top of the numbers to your side. F3 C
Front Center
Align on the 49 yd. line, slightly off-center to the right or left of the ball. ALWAYS be alert for low, hard squib kicks by soccer-style kicker. F4 RG
Front Middle Right F5 RT
Front Right U1 LE
Up Left
Align on the 30-yd line, on the numbers U2 RE
Up Right D1
LFB
Deep Left
Align on the 25-yd line, slightly outside the hash mark. D2
RFB
Deep Right R1 LS
Return Left
Align on the 5-yd line using the width of the goal posts for spacing. R2 RS
Return Right

38. Kick Return – Depth Chart
Left Tackle
Left Guard
Center
Right Guard
Right Tackle
Left End
Right End
Left Fullback
Right Fullback
Left Return
Right Return

39. Middle Wedge Assignments
Position
Assignment
Coaching Points F1 LT R3
Open to the inside and sprint to the 35 yd. line. Gather by the 30, inside on the #’s, Work for inside-out leverage on R3 F2 LG R2
Same technique as F1 only work for inside-out leverage on R2 F3 C R4
Open to R1. At a point between the break out and block R4. Try to work under the F1 and F2, inside-out F4 RG L3
Same as the F2 only block the L3 inside-out F5 RT L4
Same technique as the F1 only block L4 inside-out U1 LE R1
Shuffle inside toward the LFB and work inside-out on R1. Establish contact between yd. line. U2 RE L2
Shuffle inside toward the LFB and work inside-out on L2. Establish contact between yd. line. D1
LFB L1
Same as D2/RFB – On the “Go” call will double with the RFB on L1 D2
RFB
Drop and shuffle to a spot 12 yds. in front of the ball carrier. Responsible for forming the wedge and double on L1 LS
If you catch the ball: Start upfield for 5 yards and break with the wedge.
If you do not catch the ball: Get over and make sure the ball is caught. Yell “Go” and then block any defender that threatens. RS

40. Middle Wedge Schematic

41. Sideline Return (Right) Assignments
Position
Assignment
Coaching Points F1 LT
Wall – #1
#1, top of the alley. Get up in the wall (#1, top of the alley). Block to the inside. F2 LG
Wall – #2
Set up in the wall (#2 in the alley). Block to the inside. F3 C
R1/L1 (MDM)
Block R1 or L1 (most dangerous man) to the return side. Go after him NOW. Be very aggressive. F4 RG
Wall – #3
Sprint back to get into the wall (#3 in the alley). Setup 3-5 yards from the RT. Block to the inside. F5 RT
Wall – #4
Sprint to the yd. line. Set up wall on the hash (#4 in the alley, the bottom). Block to the inside. U1 LE
Wedge – #1
Set up wedge – #1 in the wedge, the top-most player. Get close enough to touch adjacent teammate. U2 RE
Wedge – #3
Set up wedge – #3 in the wedge. Get close enough to touch adjacent teammate. D1
LFB
Wedge – #2
Set up wedge – #2 in the wedge. Get close enough to touch adjacent teammate. D2
RFB
Wedge – #4
Set up wedge – #4 in the wedge. Form the base of the wedge 3-5 yards from the ball. Get close enough to touch adjacent teammate. R1 LS
Catch the ball: Get into the alley between the hash to sideline.
Do not catch the ball: Ensure the ball is caught. Make the “Go” call and lead the play with the FB’s and E’s. R2 RS

42. Sideline Return (Right) Schematic

43. Sideline Return (Left) Schematic

44. Punt

45. A PUNT MUST NEVER BE BLOCKED ON US. HAVE PRIDE IN YOUR PROTECTION.
Punt – Protection
Be sure you are in a legal formation!!!
Cut down splits when kicking within 3-yard line. Punter check dead line of the end zone.
Personal protector, check your position in relationship to punter – 8 yards in front and remind punter of end line.
Personal protector, do not give ground and take alignment on correct side. Get into return alley.
Personal protector calls when all set, and alters for overload. Know clocking rules and be ready for alert call.
Early down kicks should never be blocked.
Be alert for punt check-off (Fake Punt)
Line may adjust splits until personal protector gives “Set” command.
Center must wait 1 full second after “Set” command before snap.
Punter alerts team to ball direction. “Right” “Left” “Short”
A PUNT MUST NEVER BE BLOCKED ON US. HAVE PRIDE IN YOUR PROTECTION.

46. To Punt or Not
The decision to punt is dependent upon many factors, including (but not limited to):
Field position – yardline, hash
Distance for 1st down
Morale
Condition/ability of the kicker
Condition/ability of the snapper
Weather
Quarter
Time remaining
Score
While these factors must be considered when making the decision, there are general rules that will be established to help in the decision process:
We will always punt inside the -30
Between the -30 and 50 we will decide
We will never punt once we cross the 50
If we do it will be with the intent to pin the opponent within the 10 yard-line

47. Punt – Coverage
Know our coverage call. Review Cover “1” and Cover “2”.
Don’t hold back – Run full speed – After 10 yds. Locate ball over inside shoulder.
Stay in lanes and fan out.
First man down, take a shot across the bow. (Gunner)
If you have contain, you must contain. Be aware of a reverse.
Don’t overrun ball, balance up and take hitting position.
If a fair catch signal is give, always anticipate fumble.
Do not interfere with safety man’s right to catch ball.
Down the ball only if it is going to end zone or bouncing toward your goal line.
If a fair catch signal is given on 10 anticipate fake fair catch.
You cannot touch ball until it touches the ground or your opponent.
On downing ball, do not leave it. Official stops the play.
Ball bouncing into end zone untouched is dead. (Know your muff rules)
PUNT COVERAGE IS A TRUE INDICATOR OF A TEAM’S DESIRE TO WIN.
PUNT RETURNS ARE ALLOWED THROUGH CARELESSNESS OR LACK OF CHARACTER.

48. Punt – Kick Types and Coverage
Punt Type
Objective & Description
Coverage
Note
Boom
Get the ball down the field as far as possible
Corner
Aim for a corner inside the 10
Pooch
Very high, shorter, going for a fair catch or stop within the 10
Away
Keep the ball away from a specific player
Rugby
Low line-drive kick aiming for a side, looking to get roll

49. Huskies – Base Formation

50. Huskies – Alignments Ball middle – Huskies AWAY FROM OUR SIDELINE
Ball on the left hash - Huskies to RIGHT
Ball on the left hash - Huskies to RIGHT

51. Punt – Depth Chart Gunner Tank Grenade Snapper Huskies Headhunter
Punter

52. Punt Calls
The PUNTER is the quarterback for the punt team and will make all calls
In the huddle the call will be Green, Black, Gold, or White
Red or Blue will be made once the team is in formation
The play (Green, Black, Gold, White) will be signaled to the PUNTER
The sequence and cadence will be:
PUNTER makes sure the Huskies is on the correct side of the formation and checks for defensive overload
Once the team is in formation the PUNTER makes the call to the team
Huskies Green, Huskies Red, Huskies Blue, Huskies Black, Huskies Gold, Huskies White
After the call the PUNTER will call “Set” and the Huskies and GUNNER will make their shift
After the Huskies has been set for 1 second the GUNNER will go in motion
This is an automatic move by the GUNNER
Once the Gunner is in the proper position (based on the call) the PUNTER calls for the ball. The SNAPPER snaps the ball and the play is executed
Call
Meaning
Note/Coaching Points
Green
Good to go
Regular punt
Red
Right – There is a possible overload to the right of the formation
The motion GUNNER will motion to the right side of the formation and settle a an extra blocker from the wing position
Blue
Left– There is a possible overload to the left of the formation
The motion GUNNER will motion to the left side of the formation and settle a an extra blocker from the wing position
Black
RAIDER fake
Pass to the Huskies side of the formation
Gold
49ER fake
Run to the Huskies side of the formation
White
COLT fake
Run away from the Huskies side of the formation

53. Huskies – Base Punt Position Assignment Coaching Points LT Tank
Block zone/gap on the C-gap
Contain
Don’t allow any returns outside and funnel all returns inside the coverage LG
Grenade
Step up and block B-gap
Fan out between Tank and Snapper C
Snapper
SNAP THE BALL!
Run right to the return man
First priority is to snap the ball to the punter. RG RT LE
Gunner
To Huskies Side: Step off the LOS, go in motion across the LOS. Protect any threat off of edge RE
Away from Huskies: Attack return man.
Take the most direct path to the return man
LUB
Headhunter
Step up and fill the A-gap
Fill lane between Snapper and Grenade to his side.
RUB WC
Husky
Step onto the LOS, making sure the Gunner steps off. Fan outside of Tank P
Punter
Punt the ball to the 1/3 of the field to the short side (away from Huskies). Be safety to punt side.

54. Ball on the left hash - Huskies to RIGHT
Huskies – Base Punt
Ball on the left hash - Huskies to RIGHT

55. Huskies – Fake Punt – RAIDER
Position
Assignment
Coaching Points LT
Tank
Scoop/zone block to the Huskies side LG
Grenade C
Snapper
First priority is to snap the ball to the punter. RG RT LE
Gunner
Run a Fade (9) route
To keep things proper the GUNNER should go in motion for 1-2 steps before the PUNTER calls the snap RE
Away from Huskies: Attack deep safety
Try to get the attention of the return man and get in his way.
LUB
Headhunter
RUB WC
Husky
Step onto the LOS, making sure the Gunner steps off. Run a 5-yd out (3 quick) P
Punter
Receive the snap and roll out to the Huskies side. Throw, or run.
Read the cover on the GUNNER. If he goes with GUNNER throw to Huskies.

56. Huskies – Fake Punt – RAIDER
Post-shift – Husky and Gunner have changed position
If a fake is to be called, the PUNTER will relay the audible to the punt team.
This fake will be run if the opponent does not cover the Huskies. The GUNNER will not go in motion. Regular cadence is called and when the ball is snapped the PUNTER will roll out toward the Huskies. The Huskies will run a 5-yd. out (3 quick). The playside GUNNER will run a fade (9). The PUNTER reads the coverage on the GUNNER. If the defender goes with the GUNNER the ball is thrown to the Huskies. If the Huskies is covered throw to the GUNNER. PUNTER can run if both receivers are covered.

57. Huskies – Fake Punt – 49er Position Assignment Coaching Points LT Tank
Scoop/zone block to the Huskies side LG
Grenade C
Snapper
First priority is to snap the ball to the punter. RG RT LE
Gunner
To Huskies: Go in motion across the formation
Away from Huskies: Attack deep safety RE
LUB
Headhunter
Pull out and log block 1st defender to inside
Playside HEADHUNTER will turn up inside first.
RUB WC
Huskies
Step onto the LOS, making sure the Gunner steps off. Scoop/zone block to the Huskies side P
Punter
Receive the snap and sprint to the Huskies side.
This is a ‘right now’ play where the PUNTER takes the ball and runs without hesitation.

58. Post-shift – Husky and Gunner have changed position
Huskies – Fake Punt – 49er
Post-shift – Husky and Gunner have changed position
If a fake is to be called, the PUNTER will relay the audible to the punt team.
This fake will be run if the opponent covers the Huskies with man coverage. The GUNNER and Huskies will employ the regular punt shift. This time the read will be the defender on the GUNNER. If the defender follows the GUNNER then we will run the sweep to the sideline. The HEADHUNTERS will pull out and log block any defender flying to the ball from the inside. The line will scoop/zone block to the nearest defender. The PUNTER will take the snap and sprint to the numbers and up the sideline.

59. Huskies – Fake Punt - Colts
Position
Assignment
Coaching Points LT
Tank
Scoop/zone block away from the Huskies side LG
Grenade C
Snapper
First priority is to snap the ball to the punter. RG RT LE
Gunner
To Huskies: Go in motion across the formation.
Scoop/zone nearest defender
Away from Huskies: crack 1st defender coming from inside. RE
LUB
Headhunter
Pull out and log block 1st defender to inside
Playside HEADHUNTER will turn up inside first.
RUB WC
Husky
Step onto the LOS, making sure the Gunner steps off. Scoop/zone block away from the Huskies side P
Punter
Receive the snap and sprint away from the Huskies side.
This is a ‘right now’ play where the PUNTER takes the ball and runs without hesitation.

60. Huskies – Fake Punt – COLTS
Post-shift – Huskies and Gunner have changed position
If a fake is to be called, the PUNTER will relay the audible to the punt team.
This fake will be run if the opponent does not follow the GUNNER across the formation. We will run a sweep to the overloaded side using the motion man to gain a numbers advantage. The motion GUNNER will scoop/zone the nearest defender. The playside GUNNER will crack on the nearest defender flying out to the football from the inside. The HEADHUNTERS will pull out and either log block or execute a kick-out block. The PUNTER will sprint to the numbers and up the sideline or cut up inside the kickout block by the HEADHUNTER(S).

61. Punt – Pooch/Corner Kick Drill
Kick from middle of field toward the corners
Award points based on where the ball lands
Target areas are 5 yds x 5 yds. Mark off the area with 15 cones. Have someone else keep score and shag.
Kicks outside the area are worth 0 points
Divide total points by 50 to determine % 40 40 50 50 40 40 30 30 20 20
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 % 1 3 5 10 1 3 5 10 10 10 G

62. Punting Overview Formations
Tight – Formation used when snapping from inside our own 5/10
Stupid – Rugby-style from 4 yds behind LOS
Spread – Normal punting formation

63. Ball and Shoulder Coverage
Objective:
To teach Punt/Kickoff Team about lane responsibility and how to maintain leverage on the Return Man.
Description:
We set up 3 Lines 5 yards apart. 20 Yards away we place one cone right in the middle. Set up two cones 5 yards deeper 15 yards apart. Put a return man in the middle with a football. On the whistle the coverage team sprints down full speed breaking down 2 yards prior to first cone with the #2 man being just in front of the cone and other defenders maintaining their 5 yard relationship.
On the whistle return man will move side to side and force the defender to shuffle and keep the ball on his inside shoulder. On Second whistle return man will explode upfield, defenders will close quickly from each side and hide on.
Equipment:
3 Cones, 2 Footballs, Whistle
Coach:
Preach full sprint into coverage lanes, and leverage on the return man. Make sure they keep square and in a good football position. Have second man in strip the ball.

64. Punt Return

65. A BLOCKED PUNT IS USUALLY GOOD FOR A T.D.
Punt Block
Get off with ball; should not be offside.
Look at the ball.
Go to kicking area.
Don’t rough the kicker.
Automatic return away from block side or wide side of field. Option on automatic return.
Partially blocked punt crossing line of scrimmage is as if it had not been touched.
Fourth down put not crossing line of scrimmage will be our ball, so try to advance it. (Do not fumble)
Third down punt not crossing line of scrimmage is free ball, so get possession.
Field goal block and return procedures same as punt block and return procedures.
Know who has “spy” responsibility, and know which side is rushing.
A BLOCKED PUNT IS USUALLY GOOD FOR A T.D.

66. Punt Return
Check signal man (usually player over the center) for return or block. Safety responsible to set backs to cover field. Refer to two deep or three deep. Know where you field ball in relation to return.
Don’t’ be offside. End men on line call across.
Don’t rough the punter.
Don’t let the ball hit the ground.
Don’t clip – Stamp block. (High in the numbers)
Call “Peter” if not handling ball. (Peter call designates to the remainder of the team to pull off blocks and stay away from ball)
Know who has “spy" responsibility on return and block.
Generally, do not handle punts inside our ten-yard line. (Astro-turf, inside eight-yard line)
Never go into return unless sure punting situation. Know our procedure for quick kicks and unsure kicking downs.
Know rule of first touch. Official downs the ball.
EASY WAY TO MAKE BIG YARDS. EACH TIME THE SITUATION COMES UP, YOU MUST THINK THIS IS THE BIG PLAY.

67. Position Assignments – Return Right
Assignments for a punt return to our right
LG – Take their gunner outside down the field
Line – Attack the position in front of you. Make sure the kicker is going to punt, then disengage and run to form wall.
LE – Attack their wing/EMLOS. #1 in the wall
LT – Outside of #1 from center. #2 in the wall
C – Over their snapper. Cannot hit the snapper but can go past on the side. Be back a yard or so. #3 in the wall
RT – Outside of #1 from center. #4 in the wall
RE – Attack their wing/EMLOS. #5 in the wall. Farthest to run so if the wing stays in to block, read the kick and get out of town.
LB’s – Align inside of the EMLOS/OT. Make sure the ball is kicked. Will spy the wing going down field and the kicker. Then peels back in front of the wall
Left LB will spy the kicker.
Right LB will spy the wing, looking for release
Personal Protector – Takes the wing coming downfield and drives him away/past the returner
Return – CATCH THE BALL. Break to sideline to get between the wall and the gunner

68. PAT/Field Goal Defense

69. Field Goal and PAT Defense
Move into your block alignment in sure field goal range and situation.
Know who has “Spy” responsibilities.
Be alert for fake field goal.
Single safety back and be conscious of filed position, time and score.
Automatic return away from the block side or to wide side of field.
Know which is our rush side. Rush from one side only.
DON’T BE OFFSIDE, BUT GET OFF WITH THE BALL – BLOCKING A FIELD GOAL OR EXTRA POINT CAN WIN!

70. PAT/Field Goal

71. To Attempt a Field Goal or Not
The decision to attempt a field goal is dependent upon many factors, including (but not limited to):
Field position – yardline, hash
Distance for 1st down
Morale
Condition/ability of the kicker
Condition/ability of the snapper
Weather
Quarter
Time remaining
Score
While these factors must be considered when making the decision, there are general rules that will be established to help in the decision process:
We will always kick inside the 30 if it is more than 4 yards for a 1st down
The play preceding the attempt will be made with the intent to place the ball most advantageously for the kicker

72. Field Goal and PAT Protection
Kicker will bring in play. (Possible fake)
Be alert for “no huddle,” if time is a factor on field goal.
Field goal must be covered – know your coverage.
Be alert for “Ice” Call on bad snap (or bad hold goes to automatic Run/Pass Option)
Always be alert for possible run back – Use Cover “2”.
Field goal coverage rules are the same as punt rules
This has been used by some teams as a more powerful and/or accurate means of punting the ball.
A PLACE KICK MUST NEVER BE BLOCKED ON US.

73. Notes & Special Items

74. Fair Catch Rules Ball cannot be advanced after fair catch signal.
Only the player signaling “fair catch” is protected.
Protection of receiver ends when the ball touches ground.
You do not have to field it, but you can’t block covering men.
Coverage team, anticipate fair catch fumble.
Do not use fair catch unless necessary.
Cannot interfere with right to fair catch.
Only the man fielding the ball should signal the fair catch.

75. Procedure After Taking Safety
Kickoff coverage team puts ball in play.
Twenty-yard line is restraining line.
Line up on fifteen-yard line.
Five men on each side of kicker. Kicker is safety.
Any intentional safety will be a bench call, and taken from punt formation.
Ball will be put into play either by punt or place kick.

76. Receiving Ball After Safety
Kickoff return team on field. Use normal K.O. return.
Move up restraining line. (Ten yards from ball)
A fair catch may be used in any kicking situation.
May also use 3-deep in this situation with your punt handlers.
IN KICKING SITUATIONS, CHAMPIONS KEEP THE PRESSURE ON.

77. Anytime the ball crosses the goal line on a kick it is a touchback
Touchbacks
Anytime the ball crosses the goal line on a kick it is a touchback
This is normally seen on a kickoff or punt
But it also applies to a field goal attempt
We could line up for a 50 yard field goal and put the ball into the end zone – it’s a touchback and they get the ball on their 20
It might be advantageous to do this if we were worried about our punt protection or punter wasn’t that good

78. Thus spake the master Coach: It is time for you to leave.

79. Parking lot