PUNT

MENLO COLLEGEFRED GUIDICI

HEAD COACH

&

SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR

650-543-3763

fguidici@menlo.edu

“LOCK & LOAD!”

EXPECTATIONS

1. CONSISTENT & PROMPT SUBSTITUTION.

2. CONSISTENT SNAP, PROTECTION, GETAWAY (NO BLOCKS)

3. CONSISTENT COVERAGE 3 YARD AVERAGE LIMIT PER RETURN NO RETURNS 10 OVER YARDSPUNT NET AVERAGE OF 37 YARDS PLUS

4. 100% SUCCESS ON

FAKES/GADGETS

5. MAKE AT LEAST 1 BIG PLAY EVERY GAMEKILL BALL INSIDE 10 YARD LINEFORCE AND RECOVER A FUMBLE

NO PENALTIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PUNT PROTECTION PHILOSOPHYMAN IN ZONE

WE ARE A “MAN IN ZONE” PROTECTION SCHEME, USING A MAN COUNTING SYSTEM WITH A ZONE DROP. WE WILL ALWAYS USE OUR “KICK SLIDE” TECHNIQUE AND THINK “MAN-ON-TO-OUTSIDE GAP” IN ORDER TO INSURE OUR VERTICAL SET AND CONSTANT SPLIT RELATIONSHIP (NO GAPS). THE OBJECTIVE OF PUNT PROTECTION IS TO PROTECT THE SPOT FROM WHICH OUR PUNTER IS PUNTING THE BALL (KICK POINT).

PROTECT THE KICKPOINTGIVE GROUND TO GAIN GROUND

WIDE, EXPANDED ALIGNMENTS, STACKS, STUNTS, LOADS, OVERLOADS, AND TWO MAN SIDES ALL HAVE ONE OBJECTIVE - TO REACH A SPOT 9 TO 9 1/2 YARDS BEHIND OUR TWO GUARDS. CONSEQUENTLY WE WILL GIVE GROUND IN ORDER TO SHORTENOUR DISTANCE TO PROTECT THE KICKPOINT.

DEPTH OF DROPDEPENDS ON THE NUMBER OF RUSHERS AND THEIR ALIGNMENT. THE GREATER THE NUMBER OF RUSHERS THE MORE DEPTH WE MUST GIVE. ON THE L.O.S. COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER - LOOK FOR STAGGERED ALIGNMENTS (STUNT ALERT), RECOGNIZE STACKS (STACK ALERT), AND ADJUST TO FLOATERS AND SNEAKS. THE GREATER THE NUMBER OF RUSHERS THE MORE DEPTH WE MUST GIVE.

MAN COUNTING IT IS NOT WHERE THEY LINE UP, BUT WHERE THEY WIND UP!USING OUR TECHNIQUE ALLOWS US TO PICK UP TWISTS, STUNTS, AND STACK RUSHES. OUR COUNT CAN AND WILL ADJUST DUE TO MOVEMENT BE THE PUNT RETURN TEAM.

THE KEY TO PROTECTION IS PROTECTING THE KICKPOINT AND NOT CHASING A MAN.

RG

R

STEPS WHEN COVERING A 43-YARD PUNT

PUNT TEAM PROGRESSION

3. RELEASE - USE VARIOUS TECHNIQUES

2. COMMUNICATION HAVE A PRE-SNAP READ BY ALIGNMENT WHETHER RETURN OR RUSH. (ALWAYS ASSUME A RUSH!)

TACKLE

CTB

5 YARDS

5. SQUEEZE TO THE BALL

1. ASSIGNMENT - PROTECTION TECHNIQUE - KICK SLIDE (DEPTH)

4 YARDSFROM RETURNER

AFTER LANDMARKSTART SQUEEZE

7. TACKLE

6. COME TO BALANCE (SHIMMY)

18 - 22 YARDLANDMARK

4. COVERAGE: LOCATE THE RETURNER LANDMARK: 18- 22 YARDS LEVEARAGE RESPONSIBILITY COVERAGE RESPONSIBILITY

KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE!

RTRG

RT

RTRG

RG

RC

RT

RC

RTRG RG

GENERAL PHILOSOPHY OF PROTECTION

B. EACH BLOCKER'S ZONE IS STRUCTURED TO ENABLE THEM TO BLOCK THE RUSHERS WITH INSIDE / OUT LEVERAGE. BLOCKING THE RUSH WITH INSIDE / OUT LEVERAGE LENGTHENS THE RUSHER'S DISTANCE TO THE BLOCK POINT AND MAINTAINS THE INTEGRITY OF THE KICKPOINT.

V

CORRECT INCORRECT

V VV V V V V V

INCORRECT

A. OUR PUNT PROTECTION IS BASED ON A "MAN IN ZONE" CONCEPT. EACH PLAYER HAS A MAN IN AN AREA THAT THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR BLOCKING.

EXAMPLE: RIGHT GUARD'S ZONE IS FROM THE OUTSIDE LEG OF CENTER TO THE INSIDE LEG OF THE RIGHT TACKLE.

fig 1a

fig 1a fig 2a fig 2b

fig 2a & fig 2b

C. "CONSTANT SPLIT RELATIONSHIP" IN USING A "MAN IN ZONE" CONCEPT, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE BLOCKERS MAINTAIN THEIR RELATIONSHIP (SPLITS) TO EACH OTHER (CONSTANT SPLIT). WITH A VERTICAL (STRAIGHT BACK) SET.

EXAMPLE: IF THE RIGHT TACKLE OR CONTAINER BLOCKS OUTSIDE AND AWAY (DIAGONAL LINE) FROM THE RIGHT GUARD, HE FORCES THE RIGHT GUARD TO BLOCK MORE AREA (AND POSSIBLY MEN) THAN HE IS CAPABLE OF BLOCKING. BY DOING THIS, THE RIGHT TACKLE HAS LOST THE "CONSTANT SPLIT RELATIONSHIP" WITH THE RIGHT GUARD.

RTRG

D. VERTICAL SET HAVE MORE WEIGHT ON THE INSIDE FOOT FOR BETTER PUSH OFF. YOUR OUTSIDE IS USED TO GUIDE YOU LIKE A RUDDER (KICK SLIDE). IN ORDER TO AVOID A LOSS IN "CONSTANT SPLIT RELATIONSHIP" IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE BLOCKERS TO GET OFF THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE FAST ON A VERTICAL LINE INSTEAD OF A DIAGONAL LINE. GET DEPTH!

THEORY OF THE PROTECTION

E. TOP OF THE SET AS YOU GET TO YOUR PROPER DEPTH, YOU WILL REACH THE TOP OF THE SET WHERE THE RUSHER WILL COME TO YOU. TURN YOUR SHOULDERS SLIGHTLY OUT (NEVER MORE THAN A 45 DEGREE ANGLE). DO NOT STEP OUT TO THE RUSHER OUT. THIS INSURES PROTECTION.

A. THE WEAKNESS OF THE PROTECTION IS THE INSIDE A-GAPS AND BETWEEN THE TACKLE & CONTAINER C-GAP TO THE PUNTER'S KICKING LEG.

B. THE STRENGTH OF THE PROTECTION IS THE OUTSIDE WITH THE CONTAINERS ALIGNED OFF THE L.O.S. IN EXCELLENT POSITION TO PICK UP AN OUTSIDE SPEED RUSHER.

C. THE GUARDS, TACKLES AND CONTAINERS WILL MAINTAIN THEIR ALIGNMENT AND SPLITS, ALL WORKING TO THE SAME LEVEL, BUILDING A WALL OF PROTECTION WITH THE CENTER AND JACK BLOCKING ON THE INSIDE EDGES.

THE SUCCESSFUL BLOCKER WILL KNOW HIS ASSIGNMENT AND WILL:

1. BUST THE RUSHERS MOMENTUM 2. STOP THE RUSHER STILL 3. MAKE THE RUSHER START OVER 4. MAINTAIN PROPER HAND AND FOOT PLACEMENT WITH KNEES BENT.

1. KICK SLIDE VERTICALLY FAST OFF THE L.O.S. 2. DO NOT STEP TO HIM - LET HIM COME TO YOU. 3. IF HE DOESN'T COME, GET DEPTH BY: a. MOVING YOUR FEET b. KEEP YOUR KNEES BENT AND YOUR HEAD UP. 4. ATTACK ANY OUTSIDE MAN (MAN RESPONSIBILITY IN YOUR ZONE) AS HE COMES. YOU WILL MEET AT A "JUNCTION POINT" WHERE YOU MUST "TAKE A STAND". PUNCH HIM WHEN YOU CAN: a. SMELL HIS BREATH b. STEP ON HIS TOES

P

LH LT LG C RG RT RH

J

LC RC

3 TO 6" 3 TO 6" 3 TO 6" 3 TO 6"

5 YARDS

HEELS AT 14 YARDS

PUNT PROTECTION ALIGNMENT

A. HUDDLE:HUDDLE WILL BE EITHER ON THE SIDELINE OR ON THE FIELD. THE COACH WILL CALL OUT “PUNT ALERT” ON 3rd DOWN THE PUNT TEAM WILL HUDDLE ON HIM AND RECEIVE THE CALL. THE COACH WILL SEND THE PUNT TEAM ON 4TH DOWN. SPRINT TO THE L.O.S. AND GET ALIGNED AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.

B. CADENCE:THIS PROTECTION IS BASED ON THE JACK GIVING A CALL AND DESIGNATING AN OVERLOAD OR CALL SIDETHIS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT. THE CALL IS ALWAYS MADE TO THE CENTER, WHICH ALERTS HIM TO BLOCK IN THAT DIRECTION (“RIVER” TO THE RIGHT OR “LAKE” TO THE LEFT). ALWAYS BE ALERT FOR TWISTING AND MOVEMENT. IF THE FRONT SHIFTS FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER OR FROM ONE OVERLOAD TO ANOTHER, THE JACK WILL GIVE THE CENTER ANOTHER CALL TO THAT DIRECTION.

C. BLOCKING RULES:CENTER:BLOCK IN THE DIRECTION OF THE CALL. (Ex. “LAKE” LEFT SIDE A-GAP TO RIGHT SIDE A-GAP)#5 or #6 CHECK FOR LOOPER AND COME BACK AND BLOCK HIM.

(CALL SIDE):CONTAINER - BLOCK #2 TACKLE - BLOCK #3GUARD - BLOCK #4

(FAR SIDE):CONTAINER- BLOCK #2 TACKLE – BLOCK #3GUARD – BLOCK #4JACK - BLOCK #5 OR #6

CENTER

STANCE: NORMAL SNAPPING POSITIONALIGNMENT: OVER THE FOOTBALLASSIGNMENT: #5 OR 6 TO CALL SIDE

BLOCKING RULES:LISTEN FOR CALL FROM THE JACK (“RIVER” / “LAKE”) TAKE YOUR TIME (NON-RYTHMIC). CONCENTRATE ON MAKING ON THE PERFECT SNAP.BLOCK NO MORE THAN ONE MAN OVER TO EITHER SIDE (#5 OR #6), VS 64/46 WIDE IF #5 IS TOO WIDE, YOU WILL EXCHANGE RESPONSIBILITIES WITH JACK. AND BLOCK #6 ALERT 54 TWISTS. KEEP EYES UP AND LOOK OVER BACK OF #5.

TWIST RULE: IF YOU SEE AN ASS, LOOK FOR A FACE, DON’T CHASE!

“ZEKE” CALL: (GET READY AND PULL THE TRIGGER.NOW)“ZORRO” CALL PUTS YOU IN A-GAP AWAY FROM JACK. TECHNIQUE:

AFTER YOU RELEASE THE BALL, EXPLODE THROUGH WITH HIPS STRAIGHT BACK, WITH YOUR HEAD UP, STAYING SQUARE TO THE L.O.S. WITH POSITIVE SHIN ANGLES (FEET WIDE WITH KNEES SLIGHTLY IN)

SNAP THE EYES TO THE SIDE YOU WANT TO BLOCK, ALERT TWISTS AND PULLS. IF READING AN “I STACK” AND BOTH RUSHERS GO AWAY FROM YOU, POST ON YOUR OUTSIDE FOOT AND COME BACK TO PICK-OFF STACK MAN.PUNCH WHEN YOU CAN “SMELL HIS BREATH” PUNCH HIM FROM LOW TO HIGH WITH THE HEEL OF YOUR HANDS ELBOWS INSIDE THE KNIFE WITH A 90-DEGREE BREAK AND LATCH ON. PUNCH THRU HIM, NOT TO HIM! KEEP A 65% - 35% INSIDE OUT RATIO OF YOUR HIPS TO HIS HIPS.YOUR HEAD SHOULD HAVE 45-DEGREE TILT WITH YOUR EYES AT HIS THROAT.REDIRECT HIM LATERALLY.AFTER THE BALL IS KICKED. RELEASE INTO COVERAGE (BROOMS) AND MAKE THE TACKLE!

JACK

STANCE: 2-POINT STANCE, SQUARE AT SHOULDER WIDTH. HANDS AT HIPS (HOLSTERS) FINGERS RELAXED

ALIGNMENT: BEHIND GUARD TO PUNTER’S LEG SIDE (5 YDS). INSIDE LEG SPLITS THE GUARDS BUTT

ASSIGNMENT: #5 OR 6 AWAY FROM CALL SIDE

BLOCKING RULES:TAKE CHARGE OF THE UNIT. COUNT 11 MEN ON THE FIELD (COUNT YOURSELF) KEY DEEP FOR SAFETIES WHILE GETTING SET UP. READ FRONTALIGNMENT FOR EVEN OR OVERLOADS. MAKE YOUR CALL AND CHECK YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CATCH THE DEFENSE MOVING. BLOCK YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IF HE DOESN’T COME - CHECK STRONG TO WEAK FOR ANY LEAKAGE. BE ALERT FOR CREEP OFF VICE LOOK. IF EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT MAKE A ZONE CALL (ZORRO) AND BLOCK THE A-GAP TO YOUR SIDE OR MAKE AN “EASY” CALL CHANGE THE PROTECTION OR CALL THE HITMEN DOWN.

TECHNIQUE:AFTER THE BALL IS SNAPPED, SNAP THE EYES TO THE SIDE YOU WANT TO BLOCK. SPRINT AND GATHER. CHECK #5 / #6 IF HE DOES NOT COME, HELP CENTER OR FIND ANY LEAKAGE AND STOP IT.PUNCH WHEN YOU CAN “SMELL HIS BREATH” PUNCH HIM FROM LOW TO HIGH WITH THE HEEL OF YOUR HANDS ELBOWS INSIDE THE KNIFE WITH A 90-DEGREE BREAK AND LATCH ON. PUNCH THRU HIM, NOT TO HIM! KEEP A 100% MID-LINE RATIO OF YOUR HIPS TO HIS HIPS.YOUR HEAD SHOULD HAVE 45-DEGREE TILT WITH YOUR EYES AT HIS THROAT.REDIRECT HIM LATERALLY.YOU ARE THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE! BLOCK UNTIL BALL IS KICKEDECHO DIRECTION CALL AND FIND THE BALL IN FLIGHT. RELEASE INSIDE THE GUARD BOX (BROOMS). GET OUTSIDE ANY WALLS OR FILL ANY LANES AND MAKE THE TACKLE!

GUARDS & TACKLES

STANCE: 2-POINT STANCE. NO MORE THAN SHOULDER WIDTH. STAGGER OUTSIDE FOOT BACK. YOUR WEIGHT SHOULD BE ON THE BALL OF YOUR INSIDE FOOT. YOUR OUTSIDE

FOOT HEEL SHOULD BE OFF THE GROUND. KNEES SHOULD BE BENT. HANDS AT YOUR HIPS (HOLSTERS).

HEAD UP AND BENT OVER AT THE WAIST.ALIGNMENT: GUARDS - 3 TO 6 INCH SPLIT, LINE INSIDE TOE ON CENTERS HEELS WITH OUTSIDE FOOT BACK. TACKLES - 3 TO 6 INCH SPLIT, LINE INSIDE TOE ON THE HEAL OF THE GUARDS INSIDE FOOT WITH OUTSIDE FOOT BACK.* HEADS MUST BREAK THE WAIST OF THE CENTER TO BE ALIGNED LEGAL ON THE L.O.S.ASSIGNMENT: COUNT FROM THE OUTSIDE-IN AND FIND YOUR

BLOCKING RESPONSIBILITY AND LOCATE YOUR SHOCK MAN. LISTEN FOR CALL AT THE L.O.S. (GUARDS ALERT PICK FROM CENTER)

GUARDS – BLOCK #4TACKLES - BLOCK #3

BLOCKING RULES:KEY THE BACK OF THE BALL FOR MOVEMENT. ON THE SNAP, USE CORRECT FOOTWORK (KICK SLIDE). KEY ALIGNMENT:WHEN YOUR MAN IS ALIGNED WIDE (GET DEPTH)

WHEN YOUR MAN IS ALIGNED TIGHT (ALERT TWISTS)

TECHNIQUE:PUNCH WHEN YOU CAN “SMELL HIS BREATH” PUNCH HIM FROM LOW TO HIGH WITH THE HEEL OF YOUR HANDS ELBOWS INSIDE THE KNIFE WITH A 90-DEGREE BREAK AND LATCH ON.

PUNCH THRU HIM, NOT TO HIM! KEEP A 65% - 35% INSIDE OUT RATIO OF YOUR HIPS TO HIS HIPS.

YOUR HEAD SHOULD HAVE 45-DEGREE TILT WITH YOUR EYES AT HIS THROAT.REDIRECT HIM LATERALLY.AFTER THE BALL IS KICKED. RELEASE INTO COVERAGE (BROOMS). GET TO 18-22 YARD LANDMARK AND MAKE THE TACKLE!

CONTAINERS

STANCE: 2-POINT STANCE. NO MORE THAN SHOULDER WIDTH. STAGGER OUTSIDE FOOT BACK. YOUR WEIGHT SHOULD BE ON THE BALL OF YOUR INSIDE FOOT. YOUR OUTSIDE

FOOT HEEL SHOULD BE OFF THE GROUND. KNEES SHOULD BE BENT. HANDS AT YOUR HIPS (HOLSTERS).

HEAD UP AND BENT OVER AT THE WAIST.ALIGNMENT: ALIGN YOUR INSIDE FOOT TO THE INSIDE OF THE

OUTSIDE FOOT OF THE TACKLE WITH INSIDE FOOT BACK ENOUGH NOT TO BE STEPPED ON. (YOU CAN BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR DEPTH)

ASSIGNMENT: COUNT FROM THE OUTSIDE-IN AND FIND YOUR BLOCKING RESPONSIBILITY. (#2 FROM THE OUTSIDE)

BLOCKING RULES:KEY THE BALL FOR MOVEMENT. ON THE SNAP, USE CORRECT FOOTWORK (KICK SLIDE). ALERT TWISTS. KEY ALIGNMENT:WHEN YOUR MAN IS ALIGNED WIDE (GET DEPTH)

WHEN YOUR MAN IS ALIGNED TIGHT (ALERT TWISTS)

TECHNIQUE:STAY SQUARE TO THE L.O.S., LET THE RUSH GET UPFIELD ON YOUR OUTSIDE SHOULDER. DON’T FALL FOR SPEED MOVE (3 STEPS) OR GO FOR ANY HEAD FAKES. ALERT FOR THE UP AND UNDER MOVE. BE PATIENT!PUNCH WHEN YOU CAN “SMELL HIS BREATH” PUNCH HIM FROM LOW TO HIGH WITH THE HEEL OF YOUR HANDS ELBOWS INSIDE THE KNIFE WITH A 90-DEGREE BREAK AND LATCH ON. PUNCH THRU HIM, NOT TO HIM!

KEEP A 65% - 35% INSIDE OUT RATIO OF YOUR HIPS TO HIS HIPS.YOUR HEAD SHOULD HAVE 45-DEGREE TILT WITH YOUR EYES AT HIS THROAT.REDIRECT HIM LATERALLY.AFTER THE BALL IS KICKED. RELEASE INTO COVERAGE (BROOMS)GET TO 18-22 YARD LANDMARK AND MAKE THE TACKLE!

HITMEN

“I AM ALWAYS GOING TO MAKE THE TACKLE”

“BLOCKING ME WITH ONE JAMMER IS AN INSULT”

STANCE: 2-POINT STANCE, FEET SLIGHTLY

STAGGERED.FORWARD BODY LEAN 80% OF YOUR

WEIGHT ON THE BALL OF THE FRONT FOOT.

HANDS: VS OFF MAN – IN RUNNING POSITION WITH YOUR LEGSVS PRESS MAN – SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE

HANDS OF THE JAMMER(S)

ALIGNMENT: ON THE L.O.S., BUT OFF AS LEGAL AS POSSIBLE

.SPLITS DEPEND ON THE SPOT OF THE BALL

AND/OR THE DIRECTION OF KICK.

ASSIGNMENT: DESTROY THE RETURNER!COVERAGE:

AIMIING POINT IS THE NEAR PEC OF THE RETURNER.

MAKE HIM BOUNCE OUTSIDE. NEVER LET HIM SPLIT YOU DOWN THE

MIDDLE

“BEAT HIM WITH YOUR FEET”

TECH NIQUE:EYE THE BACK TIP OF THE BALL.

ON BALL MOVEMENT, DRIVE THE FRONT KNEE DOWN AND ROLL OVER THE TOE WHILE PUMPING THE ARMS.

VS OFF MAN –ATTACK THE JAMMER. HEAD & EYE FIXATE INSIDE AND REDUCE YOUR HIP & SHOULDER OUTSIDE (BROOMS). LEAN ON HIM (SCRAPE PAINT) AND GET TO THE MIDLINE (STACK) BEHIND THE HIM SO HE CANNOT BLOCK YOU.

VS PRESS MAN – SWAT THE JAMMERS NEAR WRIST WITH YOUR OUTSIDE HAND. REDUCE YOUR HIP & SHOULDER (BROOMS). TOMAHAWKS CHOP HIS OFF HAND, LEAN ON HIM (SCRAPE PAINT) AND GET TO THE MIDLINE (STACK) BEHIND THE HIM SO HE CANNOT BLOCK YOU.

BLOCKING RULES:IF CALLED DOWN BY THE JACK, POSITION YOURSELF INSIDE YOUR MAN (#1) ON THE L.O.S. EXECUTE A PIVOT, PUNCH AND HIGH SLAM TECHNIQUE BEFORE RELEASING DOWN THE FIELD.

GOLDEN RULES“NEVER BREAK DOWN YOUR STRIDE LENGTH”“KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE”

ONCE YOU ARE PAST THE DEFENDER REGARDLESS OF TECHNIQUE USED, WORK HARD TO GET ON TOP OF HIM(STACK). DO NOT RUN SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH DEFENDERS,BUT CUT OFF HIS ABILITY TO BLOCK YOU AGAINDOWNFIELD.

11 4 5

1 3 4 5 4 3 2 15

"CREEP" ALERT

1 3 4 5 4 3 2 15

"CREEP" ALERT

1 3 4 5 4 3 2 15

"CREEP" ALERT

1 3 4 5 4 3 25

"CREEP" ALERT

1 3 4 5 4 3 25

"CREEP" ALERT

DO NOT CHASE YOURMAN. BLOCK MAN ON TO ZONE OUTSIDE.

2

1 2 3 4 6 5 4 3 2 1

4 J

J

32 3

J

COUNTING RESPONSIBILITIES 55 ALIGNMENT (BALANCED)

64 ALIGNMENT (OVERLOAD)

COUNT EXTRA MAN OR MAN OVER CENTER TO THE OVERLOAD SIDE

1 2 3

44 5

5 3 2 1

IF STACKED, INSIDE MAN COUNTS THE STACKER

55 ALIGNMENT (BALANCED "O-STACK")J

2

"LAKE"

"LAKE"

"RIVER"

"LAKE"

HITMEN: 1'sCONTAINERS: 2'sTACKLES: 3'sGUARDS: 4'sCENTER/JACK: 5's & 6's

RT LEGGED PUNTER

5

CENTER NEVER BLOCKS MAN HEAD UP, ALWAYS NEXT MAN TO CALL SIDE.

5 6 5

55 ALIGNMENT (VICE / CREEP)

"CREEP" ALERT

PUNT COVERAGE

PUNT COVERAGE RESPONSIBILITIES

HITMEN (RH/LH)LEVERAGE POINT: NEAR PEC OF THE RETURNER. FORCE HIM TO BOUNCE OUTSIDE.

JACKLANDMARK: MIDDLE OF THE GOAL POSTLEVERAGE POINT: BETWEEN THE PECS OF THE

RETURNER FORCING HIM TO BOUNCE OUTSIDE. TAKE AWAY ANY CUTBACK. INSIDE OUT PLAYER. FILL ANY GAPS.

CENTER LANDMARK: MIDDLE OF THE GOAL POSTLEVERAGE POINT: BETWEEN THE PECS OF THE RETURNER. TAKE AWAY ANY CUTBACK

GUARDS (RG/LG)LANDMARK: INSIDE THE HASHMARKSLEVERAGE POINT: NEAR PEC OF THE RETURNER.

TACKLES (RT/LT) LANDMARK: SPLIT THE MIDDLE BETWEEN THE HASHMARKS AND THE NUMBERS.LEVERAGE POINT: NEAR PEC OF THE RETURNER

CONTAINERS (RC/LC): NEVER GET OUT FLANKED BY RETURNER GUARANTEE YOUR AWARENESS OF IN RELATION TO HIS BLOCKERS. HE CANNOT BREAK CONTAIN.LANDMARK: ON THE NUMBERSLEVERAGE POINT: 8 TO 10 YARDS ABOVE AND OUTSIDE THE RETURNER. KEEP “21” INSIDE: BE AWARE OF ALL THROWBACK

PASSES AND REVERSES!

SAFETY (PUNTER): CALL OUT THE DIRECTION OF THE PUNT (RIGHT/LEFT/MIDDLE OR SHORT) SIDELINE WILL ECHO CALLLANDMARK: 20 YARDS FROM RETURNER.LEVERAGE POINT: MIRROR THE RETURN MAN. INSIDE OUT

PLAYER .YOU ARE THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE.

MAKE THE TACKLE AT ALL COST, BY ANY MEANS!

ALL POSITIONS – SPRINTAFTER THE PUNT WE MUST STOP BLOCKING OR ESCAPE (BROOMS) FROM OUR HOLD UP MAN. HE CANNOT HOLD US UP. GET ON TOP OF HIM (STACK) AND READ THE FLIGHT OF THE BALL. FAN OUT TO OUR 18-22 YARD LANDMARK AND DIAGNOSE THE SET-UP OF THE RETURN. ADJUST OUR ANGLE AND KEEP LEVERAGE ON THE RETURNER. WE MUST SENSE THE BLOCKING PATTERN AT FULL SPEED NEVER BREAKING YOUR STRIDE LENGTH. KEEP YOUR HEAD ON A SWIVEL STAYING SQUARE, NEVER FOLLOW YOUR OWN MAN, GANG TACKLE AND FORCE A FUMBLE!

KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE!

LH LT LG RG RT RH

P

JLC RC

PR

PUNT COVERAGE RESPONSIBILITIES MIDDLE OF FIELD

18 - 22 YARD LANDMARK

LH LT LG RG RT RH

P

JLC RC

PR

18 - 22 YARD LANDMARK

PUNT COVERAGE RESPONSIBILITIES HASH MARK

PUNT PROTECTION

AND COVERAGE

DRILLS

PUNT DRILLS

C.P. - must give the returner adequate room to field the punt. There is no halo rule!

SPREAD PUNT

HITMEN DRILLS

TIME UP DRILL1. GET TO RECEIVER AS HE CATCHES THE BALL AND TIME UP HIT ON YOUR LANDMARK (HIS NEAR PEC). 2. vs FAIR CATCH.

POOCH PUNT DRILLS

1. LOCATE DRILL LOCATING THE BALL INSIDE THE 10 YARD LINE. VS FAIR CATCH OR BLUFF BY THE RETURNER 1ST MAN GOES PAST RETURNER TO THE GOAL LINE 2ND MAN FRONTS UP RETURNER. (FIND THE BALL & DOWN IT IN PLAY)

2. TAP DRILL KEEPING BALL FROM GOING INTO THE ENDZONE. (TAP BACK AND RECOVER)

PR

HHCOACH

PUNT DRILLSSPREAD PUNT

HITMEN DRILLS

BLOCKING DRILL (TIGHT PUNT) IF CALLED DOWN BY JACK (PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM AND GO)

1. PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM & GO VS AIR

2. PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM & GO VS RUSHERS

4 3 2 1G T H C

1. RELEASES (single press) A. RIP B. SWAT AND RIP C. TOMAHAWK CHOP D. STICK AND GO

CAMERA

J J

H H

BALL

10 YARDS

CP: "BROOMS" ON ALL RELEASES / NO SWIMS OR ARM OVERS STAY TIGHT TO JAMMMER DURING RIP GET BACK ON THE MIDLINE (STACK) OF THE JAMMER

DRILLA. BALL MOVEMENT (STICKS) 1. VS AIR 2. VS MAN STANDING STILL 3. VS MAN LIVECP: MAKE IT A RACE FOR 10 YARDS

PUNT DRILLSSPREAD PUNT

2. RELEASES (double press) A. RIP B. SPEED C. DOWN THE LINE

MIRROR DRILL1. TAKE AWAY HANDS OF JAMMER AND GET AROUND HIM.

HITMEN DRILLS

J

H

20 yards RETURNER

CM BL

COACH

CMBL

RIGHT SIDELEFT SIDE

KNIFE OR BACKDOOR DRILL

"BACKDOOR""KNIFE"

PUNT OR KICK OFF COVERAGE DRILLS

1. BLOCKERS WILL START WITH INSIDE HAND CUPPED ON TRICEP OF COVERMEN,2. ON COACHES COMMAND COVERAGE WILL BEGIN AND RETURNER WILL BREAK TO EITHER SIDE OR UP THE MIDDLE.3. COVERMEN WILL EXECUTE A "KNIFE" TECHNIQUE BY REDUCING THE HIP & SHOULDER (BROOMS) AND PLAY UNDER THE BLOCKER TO GET TO THE RETURNER OR HE MAY USE THE BLOCKERS' MOMENTUM AND EXECUTE A "BACKDOOR" TECHNIQUE BY GRABBING THE BACK OF HIS SHOULDER PADS AND COME BEHIND HIM TO GET TO THE RETURNER.4. COVERMEN MUST KEEP THEIR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE

PUNT DRILLS

X X X

X X X

GT

C

T

C

2 3 4 5

X

X

(CENTERS, JACKS, PUNTERS)

C

J

P

5

5 5C

J

P

5 5C

J

P

5 5

G T

C

2 3 4 5

XG

5

V VV V

"LAKE"

1. VS AIR (RIVER/LAKE)2. VS MAN 2 ON 2 A. TWISTS B. DBL. GAP

J

5

5C

P

V V

X X X X X X

V V V V V V

PROGRESSION (GUARDS, TACKLES, CONTAINERS)

SPREAD PUNT

1. KICK SLIDE VS AIR (vertical sets) GET DEPTH!

2. a. 2 ON 1 (vertical sets) WIDER = DEEPER b. 2 ON 2

3. 1/2 LINE VS AIR A. SPLITS & ALIGNMENT B. KICK SLIDE

4. 1/2 LINE VS MAN A. (vertical sets) B. TWISTS C. STACKS

PROGRESSION

PUNT GROUP

CLT LG

LC

RG RTRC

J

P

C

J

P

3. WHOLE LINE VS MAN TWISTS

P"LAKE"

2 3 4 5 5

LCLT

C RGRT

RC

J

LG

4 3 2

SPREAD PUNT

2

4

5 5

LCLT

C RG RT

RC

J

LG

P

4

3 2

"LAKE"

4. WHOLE LINE VS MAN STACKS

3

2 3 4 5 5

LCLT

C RGRT

RC

J

LG

P

4 3 2

"LAKE"

2 3 4 5 5

LCLT

C RGRT

RC

J

LG

P

4 3 2

"LAKE"

2. WHOLE LINE VS MAN (vertical sets) WIDER = DEEPER

5. WHOLE LINE VS JAMMER RUSH

LH RH

11

"LAKE" "RIVER"

1. HALF LINE VS AIR (vertical sets) GET DEPTH!

20 yards RETURNER

CM BL

COACH

CMBL

RIGHT SIDELEFT SIDE

KNIFE OR BACKDOOR DRILL

"BACKDOOR""KNIFE"

PUNT OR KICK OFF COVERAGE DRILLS

1. BLOCKERS WILL START WITH INSIDE HAND CUPPED ON TRICEP OF COVERMEN,2. ON COACHES COMMAND COVERAGE WILL BEGIN AND RETURNER WILL BREAK TO EITHER SIDE OR UP THE MIDDLE.3. COVERMEN WILL EXECUTE A "KNIFE" TECHNIQUE BY REDUCING THE HIP & SHOULDER (BROOMS) AND PLAY UNDER THE BLOCKER TO GET TO THE RETURNER OR HE MAY USE THE BLOCKERS' MOMENTUM AND EXECUTE A "BACKDOOR" TECHNIQUE BY GRABBING THE BACK OF HIS SHOULDER PADS AND COME BEHIND HIM TO GET TO THE RETURNER.4. COVERMEN MUST KEEP THEIR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE

PUNT DRILLS

C.P. - must give the returner adequate room to field the punt. There is no halo rule!

SPREAD PUNT

HITMEN DRILLS

TIME UP DRILL1. GET TO RECEIVER AS HE CATCHES THE BALL AND TIME UP HIT ON YOUR LANDMARK (HIS NEAR PEC). 2. vs FAIR CATCH.

POOCH PUNT DRILLS

1. LOCATE DRILL LOCATING THE BALL INSIDE THE 10 YARD LINE. VS FAIR CATCH OR BLUFF BY THE RETURNER 1ST MAN GOES PAST RETURNER TO THE GOAL LINE 2ND MAN FRONTS UP RETURNER. (FIND THE BALL & DOWN IT IN PLAY)

2. TAP DRILL KEEPING BALL FROM GOING INTO THE ENDZONE. (TAP BACK AND RECOVER)

PR

HHCOACH

PUNT DRILLSSPREAD PUNT

HITMEN DRILLS

BLOCKING DRILL (TIGHT PUNT) IF CALLED DOWN BY JACK (PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM AND GO)

1. PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM & GO VS AIR

2. PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM & GO VS RUSHERS

4 3 2 1G T H C

1. RELEASES (single press) A. RIP B. SWAT AND RIP C. TOMAHAWK CHOP D. STICK AND GO

CAMERA

J J

H H

BALL

10 YARDS

CP: "BROOMS" ON ALL RELEASES / NO SWIMS OR ARM OVERS STAY TIGHT TO JAMMMER DURING RIP GET BACK ON THE MIDLINE (STACK) OF THE JAMMER

DRILLA. BALL MOVEMENT (STICKS) 1. VS AIR 2. VS MAN STANDING STILL 3. VS MAN LIVECP: MAKE IT A RACE FOR 10 YARDS

PUNT DRILLSSPREAD PUNT

2. RELEASES (double press) A. RIP B. SPEED C. DOWN THE LINE

MIRROR DRILL1. TAKE AWAY HANDS OF JAMMER AND GET AROUND HIM.

HITMEN DRILLS

J

H

20 yards RETURNER

CM BL

COACH

CMBL

RIGHT SIDELEFT SIDE

KNIFE OR BACKDOOR DRILL

"BACKDOOR""KNIFE"

PUNT OR KICK OFF COVERAGE DRILLS

1. BLOCKERS WILL START WITH INSIDE HAND CUPPED ON TRICEP OF COVERMEN,2. ON COACHES COMMAND COVERAGE WILL BEGIN AND RETURNER WILL BREAK TO EITHER SIDE OR UP THE MIDDLE.3. COVERMEN WILL EXECUTE A "KNIFE" TECHNIQUE BY REDUCING THE HIP & SHOULDER (BROOMS) AND PLAY UNDER THE BLOCKER TO GET TO THE RETURNER OR HE MAY USE THE BLOCKERS' MOMENTUM AND EXECUTE A "BACKDOOR" TECHNIQUE BY GRABBING THE BACK OF HIS SHOULDER PADS AND COME BEHIND HIM TO GET TO THE RETURNER.4. COVERMEN MUST KEEP THEIR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE

PUNT DRILLS

X X X

X X X

GT

C

T

C

2 3 4 5

X

X

(CENTERS, JACKS, PUNTERS)

C

J

P

5

5 5C

J

P

5 5C

J

P

5 5

G T

C

2 3 4 5

XG

5

V VV V

"LAKE"

1. VS AIR (RIVER/LAKE)2. VS MAN 2 ON 2 A. TWISTS B. DBL. GAP

J

5

5C

P

V V

X X X X X X

V V V V V V

PROGRESSION (GUARDS, TACKLES, CONTAINERS)

SPREAD PUNT

1. KICK SLIDE VS AIR (vertical sets) GET DEPTH!

2. a. 2 ON 1 (vertical sets) WIDER = DEEPER b. 2 ON 2

3. 1/2 LINE VS AIR A. SPLITS & ALIGNMENT B. KICK SLIDE

4. 1/2 LINE VS MAN A. (vertical sets) B. TWISTS C. STACKS

PROGRESSION

PUNT GROUP

CLT LG

LC

RG RTRC

J

P

C

J

P

3. WHOLE LINE VS MAN TWISTS

P"LAKE"

2 3 4 5 5

LCLT

C RGRT

RC

J

LG

4 3 2

SPREAD PUNT

2

4

5 5

LCLT

C RG RT

RC

J

LG

P

4

3 2

"LAKE"

4. WHOLE LINE VS MAN STACKS

3

2 3 4 5 5

LCLT

C RGRT

RC

J

LG

P

4 3 2

"LAKE"

2 3 4 5 5

LCLT

C RGRT

RC

J

LG

P

4 3 2

"LAKE"

2. WHOLE LINE VS MAN (vertical sets) WIDER = DEEPER

5. WHOLE LINE VS JAMMER RUSH

LH RH

11

"LAKE" "RIVER"

1. HALF LINE VS AIR (vertical sets) GET DEPTH!

20 yards RETURNER

CM BL

COACH

CMBL

RIGHT SIDELEFT SIDE

KNIFE OR BACKDOOR DRILL

"BACKDOOR""KNIFE"

PUNT OR KICK OFF COVERAGE DRILLS

1. BLOCKERS WILL START WITH INSIDE HAND CUPPED ON TRICEP OF COVERMEN,2. ON COACHES COMMAND COVERAGE WILL BEGIN AND RETURNER WILL BREAK TO EITHER SIDE OR UP THE MIDDLE.3. COVERMEN WILL EXECUTE A "KNIFE" TECHNIQUE BY REDUCING THE HIP & SHOULDER (BROOMS) AND PLAY UNDER THE BLOCKER TO GET TO THE RETURNER OR HE MAY USE THE BLOCKERS' MOMENTUM AND EXECUTE A "BACKDOOR" TECHNIQUE BY GRABBING THE BACK OF HIS SHOULDER PADS AND COME BEHIND HIM TO GET TO THE RETURNER.4. COVERMEN MUST KEEP THEIR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE