Punt Return/Punt Punt Return/Punt Block/Kick-Off ReturnBlock/Kick-Off Return

Vista Murrieta High SchoolVista Murrieta High School

Special TeamsSpecial Teams

• BIG PLAYS and Field PositionBIG PLAYS and Field Position• 2010/2009/2008 - Varsity2010/2009/2008 - Varsity

• Punt- Average 43.5 yards, 36 Punts inside the 20, 5 TD’sPunt- Average 43.5 yards, 36 Punts inside the 20, 5 TD’s

• Punt Return- 26 Blocked Kicks, 11TD’s Returns, average 19.8 Punt Return- 26 Blocked Kicks, 11TD’s Returns, average 19.8 yards per returnyards per return

• Kick-Return- 6 TD’s, average 32.8 yards per return Kick-Return- 6 TD’s, average 32.8 yards per return

• Kick-Off- 14.4 yards per return, average starting position 17.4 Kick-Off- 14.4 yards per return, average starting position 17.4 yard-line (23 stops inside the 10 yard-line)yard-line (23 stops inside the 10 yard-line)

Special Teams PhilosophySpecial Teams Philosophy

• Head Coach is Special Teams CoordinatorHead Coach is Special Teams Coordinator

• Use All CoachesUse All Coaches

• Best Athletes that are overachievers/Work Ethic GuysBest Athletes that are overachievers/Work Ethic Guys

• Find a Job for a 2Find a Job for a 2ndnd or 3 or 3rdrd string/Find Players string/Find Players

• ““It’s All About the Ball”- Get it and Protect ItIt’s All About the Ball”- Get it and Protect It

• Attack/Look for Big PlaysAttack/Look for Big Plays

• Teach One Thing and Do it Well (Except Block Schemes)Teach One Thing and Do it Well (Except Block Schemes)

Special Teams Coaching Responsibility

Specailties Junior Varsity Kick-Off Junior Varsity Kick-Off Return Junior Varsity

Returners Hubarth Rt Contain,Rt 4 outside Nicholas Returner,Lead Through Hubarth

Punters Nicholas Rt Knives Nicholas/Daarstad Kick-Out #1, #2 Olson

Kicker/Holders Olson Post Players Daarstad The Wall- #3,#4,#5 Daarstad

Snappers Ruth Lt Knives Ruth/Daarstad Hook, Line, Spring Nicholas

Extras- Daarstad Lt Contain Lt 4 Outside Ruth Scout Ruth

Extras- Scout Hubarth

Blocks Daarstad Kicker Olson

D-Line Files

O-Line Mac

O-Line Mac

D-Line Files

Punt Junior Varsity Punt Return Junior Varsity PAT Junior Varsity

Snapper/RT Up/G Ruth Returner/Lead Through Hubarth Snapper Ruth

Lt Upback/G Daarstad Corners Hubarth Right G and T Mac

RT T , E Olson PL, #2, Olson Right End and Wing Daarstad

Lt T , E Daarstad #3, #4 Nicholas Left G and T Files

Punter/Personal Pro Nicholas Rushers #5,#6, #P Daarstad Left End and Wing Nicholas

Scout Hubarth Scout Ruth Holder and Kicker Olson

Timer Mac

QB QB Scout Hubarth

O-Line Mac O-Line Mac QB

D-Line Files D-Line Files

Special Teams AwardsSpecial Teams Awards

• AwardsAwards• 10 Ways to Win Ten Games10 Ways to Win Ten Games

• Special Teams BoardSpecial Teams Board

• Animal PointsAnimal Points

• Elite 11Elite 11

Special Teams PracticeSpecial Teams Practice

• SpringSpring• 2 Days of Each Special Team (15 Minutes Each Day)2 Days of Each Special Team (15 Minutes Each Day)

• Coverage- Everyday (5 Minutes)Coverage- Everyday (5 Minutes)

• SummerSummer• Nothing/2 Times at Team CampNothing/2 Times at Team Camp

• Pre-Season (August)Pre-Season (August)• 25 Minutes- 2 Different Special Teams Each Day25 Minutes- 2 Different Special Teams Each Day

Special Teams PracticeSpecial Teams Practice

• Season – Junior VarsitySeason – Junior Varsity• PAT- EverydayPAT- Everyday

• Punt- EverydayPunt- Everyday

• Kick-Off-EverydayKick-Off-Everyday

• Punt Return- EverydayPunt Return- Everyday

• Kick-Off Return- Wednesday Kick-Off Return- Wednesday

Punt Return/Punt Block Punt Return/Punt Block StatsStats

• Blocked KicksBlocked Kicks• 2010- 6 Blocked Punts, 2 TD’s (3 Bad Snap Blocks)2010- 6 Blocked Punts, 2 TD’s (3 Bad Snap Blocks)

• 2009- 10 Blocked Punts 2 TD’s (4 Bad Snap Blocks)2009- 10 Blocked Punts 2 TD’s (4 Bad Snap Blocks)

• 2008- 6 Blocked Punts 1 TD (3 Bad Snap Blocks)2008- 6 Blocked Punts 1 TD (3 Bad Snap Blocks)

• 2007- 3 Blocked Punts, 2TD’s2007- 3 Blocked Punts, 2TD’s

• ReturnsReturns• 2010-19 returns, 365 yards, 19.2 average, 3 TD’s2010-19 returns, 365 yards, 19.2 average, 3 TD’s

• 2009-18 returns, 281 yards, 15.6 average, 2 TD’s 2009-18 returns, 281 yards, 15.6 average, 2 TD’s

• 2008-10 returns, 288 yards, 28.8 average, 1 TD2008-10 returns, 288 yards, 28.8 average, 1 TD

• 2007-17 returns, 231 yards, average 13.6, 1 TD2007-17 returns, 231 yards, average 13.6, 1 TD

Punt Return/Punt Block Punt Return/Punt Block PhilosophyPhilosophy

• Block Punts/ Field PuntsBlock Punts/ Field Punts• Game Plan 3 Different Blocks for each weekGame Plan 3 Different Blocks for each week

• Run the Block one side/ Return other side Run the Block one side/ Return other side

• Set-up Return Game Based on protection and Set-up Return Game Based on protection and coveragecoverage

Punt Return-Alignment Punt Return-Alignment BaseBase

RR

CC LTh H4 LTh H4 C C

R5R5 3 3 MR MR2 PL RP 2 PL RP

OO O O X O O O O X O O O O O O O O

OO

PP

Punt Return- PicketPunt Return- Picket

PL- Picket LeaderPL- Picket Leader

#2- 2#2- 2ndnd in the Picket in the Picket

#3- 3#3- 3rdrd in the Picket in the Picket

H4- Hold-Up (maybe #4 in the Picket)H4- Hold-Up (maybe #4 in the Picket)

R5- Outside Rush/ 5R5- Outside Rush/ 5thth in the Picket in the Picket

MR- Middle Rush/ 6MR- Middle Rush/ 6thth in the Picket in the Picket

RP- Outside Rush/ On PunterRP- Outside Rush/ On Punter

LTh- Lead ThroughLTh- Lead Through

C- Corners (2) R- ReturnerC- Corners (2) R- Returner

Punt Return- AssignmentsPunt Return- Assignments

• Picket Leader (PL)-Picket Leader (PL)- PL in gages and drive the tackle backwards PL in gages and drive the tackle backwards for a count of 2 then says “GO”. The PL then runs at an angle to for a count of 2 then says “GO”. The PL then runs at an angle to the number “10 yard angle” (to the hash if on the other hash). the number “10 yard angle” (to the hash if on the other hash). After getting to the numbers, he will run straight up the numbers After getting to the numbers, he will run straight up the numbers maintaining his width. Once the PR starts running towards the maintaining his width. Once the PR starts running towards the sideline, the PL turns towards him and run the arch through his sideline, the PL turns towards him and run the arch through his inside shoulder looking for a big hit.inside shoulder looking for a big hit.

• Picket runners 2 and 3Picket runners 2 and 3 will engage the man in front of them will engage the man in front of them until the PL says “GO” then they will get into the picket. Width is until the PL says “GO” then they will get into the picket. Width is is the most important teaching point. Do not be in a hurry to find is the most important teaching point. Do not be in a hurry to find someone to block. They will come to you. Once the returner gets someone to block. They will come to you. Once the returner gets 8 yards from you, look inside and forward (Never Back, Penalty)8 yards from you, look inside and forward (Never Back, Penalty)

• Picket runner C4Picket runner C4 is responsible for holding up the snapper for a is responsible for holding up the snapper for a count of 4 then gets into the picket (More important to hold up count of 4 then gets into the picket (More important to hold up then get into the picket)then get into the picket)

Punt Return- AssignmentsPunt Return- Assignments

• R5 and R6R5 and R6 will try to block the punt or make sure the punter will try to block the punt or make sure the punter punts the ball. After the punt is gone, they will get into the punts the ball. After the punt is gone, they will get into the picket, again do not be in a hurrypicket, again do not be in a hurry

• RPRP will try to block the punt or make sure the punter punts will try to block the punt or make sure the punter punts the ball. After the punt is gone, he will run towards the return the ball. After the punt is gone, he will run towards the return side sideline keeping his eye on the punter. When the side sideline keeping his eye on the punter. When the returner get within 15 yards the RP will engage the punter.returner get within 15 yards the RP will engage the punter.

• CornersCorners- Press-Man or Loose Man ( Keep the gunner - Press-Man or Loose Man ( Keep the gunner outside the returner)outside the returner)

Punt Return- AssignmentsPunt Return- Assignments

• Lead Through (LT)-Lead Through (LT)- As soon as he knows it is not a fake, he will As soon as he knows it is not a fake, he will turn and run towards the PR. The LT will wait 7 yards from the turn and run towards the PR. The LT will wait 7 yards from the PR and 5 yards to the side of the returner until he catches the PR and 5 yards to the side of the returner until he catches the ball. LT will make sure the ball is catch without interference. ball. LT will make sure the ball is catch without interference. Once the ball is caught, make sure the returner gets to the Once the ball is caught, make sure the returner gets to the picket. He will turn towards the return side looking to kick-out the picket. He will turn towards the return side looking to kick-out the contain man.contain man.

• Punt Return (PR)-Punt Return (PR)- Make sure the football is fielded. After Make sure the football is fielded. After fielding the ball, get towards the sideline and outside of the fielding the ball, get towards the sideline and outside of the picketpicket

• All Members of the Picket All Members of the Picket will follow 7 yards from the person in will follow 7 yards from the person in front of them. Once the returner is 8 yards away from you, plant front of them. Once the returner is 8 yards away from you, plant the outside foot and come towards the middle of the field at a 45-the outside foot and come towards the middle of the field at a 45-degree angle. degree angle. Do not block anyone while running towards Do not block anyone while running towards the returner, it will be a penalty.the returner, it will be a penalty.

Punt Return- DrillsPunt Return- Drills

• Spring, Summer, August- Cone DrillsSpring, Summer, August- Cone Drills

• All DB’s, LB’s, WR’s, RB’s- Learn Every PositionAll DB’s, LB’s, WR’s, RB’s- Learn Every Position

• Start with 4 Line 4 Cones (PL, 2, 3, 4 in Picket)Start with 4 Line 4 Cones (PL, 2, 3, 4 in Picket)

• Slowly add One Cone- One Position When Needed Until Slowly add One Cone- One Position When Needed Until all 11 Players are on the Fieldall 11 Players are on the Field

Punt Return- DrillsPunt Return- Drills

Alignment- Base Block- Alignment- Base Block- Block Rt/ Return LtBlock Rt/ Return Lt

R6 R5 3 MR H4 2 PL LTh R6 R5 3 MR H4 2 PL LTh

O O X O OO O X O O OO O O

OO

PP

Punt Block-TechniquePunt Block-Technique

• Blocking Punts-Blocking Punts- Find 1 to 3 guys that have the knack and work with them Find 1 to 3 guys that have the knack and work with them everydayeveryday

• Block Point-Block Point- 4 to 5 yards from where the punter is standing/ Changes each Week 4 to 5 yards from where the punter is standing/ Changes each Week

• “ “Big Eyes”-Big Eyes”- Punts are blocked with the eyes first Punts are blocked with the eyes first

• Run Straight Lines through the Block Point and the Backside Shoulder of the Run Straight Lines through the Block Point and the Backside Shoulder of the Punter-Punter- No Curves or rounded steps No Curves or rounded steps

• Inside Leg Forward, Inside Arm Down at an angleInside Leg Forward, Inside Arm Down at an angle

• Get Big Through the Block Point (Do not Jump, but ok to dive)Get Big Through the Block Point (Do not Jump, but ok to dive)

• “ “Attack the Foot”- Get your hands on the ball when it comes off the footAttack the Foot”- Get your hands on the ball when it comes off the foot

• If you get blocked, Pause (Do not get width or in the path of another rusher), If you get blocked, Pause (Do not get width or in the path of another rusher), and get into the picketand get into the picket

Punt Block- DrillsPunt Block- Drills

• 1 Step Drill-1 Step Drill-

• Jog-Jog-

• Come Free-Come Free-

Full Run (Outside, Inside) Full Run (Outside, Inside)

• Off the Block- (Outside/Inside)Off the Block- (Outside/Inside)

Bag- Dip and Rip, Lean, Grab Grass (Towel)Bag- Dip and Rip, Lean, Grab Grass (Towel)

Arc- Run the ArcArc- Run the Arc

Bag/Towel/ArcBag/Towel/Arc

• LiveLive

Punt Block- Return GamePunt Block- Return Game

• Each Game the Block and the Return ChangesEach Game the Block and the Return Changes• Every Punt Team Protection has a Weakness or/and a Every Punt Team Protection has a Weakness or/and a

weak playerweak player

• Finding the Weakness is the KEY!!!Finding the Weakness is the KEY!!!

ExampleExample

Block Right Twist, Return Left Block Right Twist, Return Left

The right side is running the block and the left side is The right side is running the block and the left side is running the picket return (after the block attempt, all running the picket return (after the block attempt, all blocker fit into the picket)blocker fit into the picket)

Punt Return-Ready ListPunt Return-Ready List

• Little things that need to be taught. Little things that need to be taught. Fair catch, Fair catch, Hot, Blocked punt, Reverse, 10 yard line, free kickHot, Blocked punt, Reverse, 10 yard line, free kick

VideoVideo

Kick-Off Return StatsKick-Off Return Stats

• 2010- 18 Returns, 41.4 Average, 2 TD’s2010- 18 Returns, 41.4 Average, 2 TD’s

• 2009- 13 Returns, 39.7 Average 3 TD’s2009- 13 Returns, 39.7 Average 3 TD’s

• 2008- 14 Returns, 24.8 Average 1 TD2008- 14 Returns, 24.8 Average 1 TD

Kick-Return PhilosophyKick-Return Philosophy

• Get the Ball outside the 35Get the Ball outside the 35

• Be able to return all deep kicks both directionsBe able to return all deep kicks both directions

Kick-Off Return RulesKick-Off Return Rules

• Count from the side of the return across (do not count the K)Count from the side of the return across (do not count the K)

• Middle Returner Makes all CallsMiddle Returner Makes all Calls

• If kicked to opp. Side (Outside the Hash) return changes If kicked to opp. Side (Outside the Hash) return changes sides.sides.

• Returner must run 10 yards to the middle of the field before Returner must run 10 yards to the middle of the field before making the break to the sidelinesmaking the break to the sidelines

• If kicked to the deep outside on the side of the return, If kicked to the deep outside on the side of the return, middle returner and side returner switch jobsmiddle returner and side returner switch jobs

Kick-Off Return- Kick-Off Return- AssignmentsAssignments

• 3 Parts the Return 3 Parts the Return • ““WallWall” – Drop Step, Never take your eyes off your guy, Get Depth, ” – Drop Step, Never take your eyes off your guy, Get Depth,

Run the Tube, Get to the Hash, Attack Inside ShoulderRun the Tube, Get to the Hash, Attack Inside Shoulder• Double #3, #4, #5Double #3, #4, #5

• ““Hook, Line, and Spring”-Hook, Line, and Spring”-HookHook- Depth, get to the middle, turn inside. (Does not have to be a knock down - Depth, get to the middle, turn inside. (Does not have to be a knock down

block) Do not let them cross-face, block) Do not let them cross-face, Line- Line- Take the correct line to wall off #7, does not have to be a knock down Take the correct line to wall off #7, does not have to be a knock down

block, Push them to the sidelinesblock, Push them to the sidelinesSpring- Spring- Make #8 avoid away from the return, get to the opposite 40 yard line, Make #8 avoid away from the return, get to the opposite 40 yard line,

turn and wait, wait for the return to come to you, look to the endzone for the turn and wait, wait for the return to come to you, look to the endzone for the TD blockTD block

• ““The Diamond”The Diamond”- Kick-out, Lead Through, Run the Lane- Kick-out, Lead Through, Run the LaneKick-Out #1 and #2Kick-Out #1 and #2Backside Lead ThroughBackside Lead ThroughGet to the middle for 10 yards, break to the side of the return (Open Get to the middle for 10 yards, break to the side of the return (Open up between hash and number)up between hash and number)

Kick-Off Return- DrillsKick-Off Return- Drills

• Groups Technique (Spring/August)Groups Technique (Spring/August)

• Group Live (August)Group Live (August)• NormalNormal

• Short Kick, Rolling Kick, Outside Kick, OppositeShort Kick, Rolling Kick, Outside Kick, Opposite

• Whole Team (Season)Whole Team (Season)

• PracticePractice• Spring/August- 10 Minutes every Three DaysSpring/August- 10 Minutes every Three Days

• Season- ONLY 5 MINUTES EACH WEEKSeason- ONLY 5 MINUTES EACH WEEK

Kick-Off Return Ready ListKick-Off Return Ready List

• Little things- Fair catch, 10 yard rule, sideline rule, Little things- Fair catch, 10 yard rule, sideline rule, reverse, onside, hands reverse, onside, hands

Kick-Off Return VideoKick-Off Return Video