4 Technical Components of Punt Coverage

by: Granville Eastman
© More from this issue

          
At Austin Peay, we are a spread punt team. We like the spread punt because we believe it gives us big play capability in the coverage part of the punt as well as a chance to cover our punts more efficiently. To us, our punt is like a defensive play that occurs some 35-40 yards downfield. We like to directional kick so that we can put our ends (also referred to as ‘Gunners’) into play. Because every phase of our kicking game is installed and taught as a ‘Part to Whole’ concept, we break down our punt coverage into four basic components. Each component has an assignment and technique to be used with that position.

1. Penetrators/Ball men: Ends and Long Snapper

With our ends we have ‘on the ball man’ or spill player and an ‘off the ball man’ or force player. The direction of the kick will dictate assignment and technique for the ends. Once the ball is snapped, ends should work their releases and get downfield. The end to the side of the kick has the freedom to make the big play taking a 45-degree angle approach. We want the Return Specialist (RS) to either go the sideline or backup. No matter what happens, the ball can not be allowed to go vertical. The RS must bounce to the outside. The end away from the direction of the kick should take an ‘outside in’ approach and come to balance three yards off the RS. He plays off the ‘on the ball man.’ If one of the ball men is eliminated from penetration due to a double team, then the assignments are exchanged. For a middle punt, ‘on the ball man’ is determined by the punter’s call. The ends should be the leading tacklers (See Diagram l).

Diagram 1. Longsnapper

Diagram l. Longsnapper: He must snap, protect, and go directly to the ball nosing up the RS to make the tackle. Players should expect the ball to spill and must not allow it to go vertical.

2. Leverage Players: Guards, Tackles and sometimes Personal Protector

Once we protect and get the punt off, our guards, tackles, and Personal Protector have lanes to fill. Their lane assignments are based off of landmarks and the direction of the kick. We will use the numbers, 2 yards inside and outside of the hash marks, as landmarks for our leverage players and contain players. It is very important that we fight to get to our landmarks while seeing the RS at the same time.

Guards: After releasing to their landmarks, they should attack the RS and maintain an inside-out leverage on him. They must not allow the ball to go vertical.

Tackles: After releasing to their landmarks, they should attack the RS and maintain a head up to outside leverage on him. They must not allow the ball to go vertical.

Personal Protector: Once you release, fit off of the longsnapper (LS). Personal protector should go opposite of where he is and lag behind five yards. You should always look to maintain an inside out relationship on the RS. Personal Protector is the scrape linebacker in this coverage (See Diagram 2).

Diagram 2. Guards, tackles and Personal
Protectorr

3.Contain: Slots

Our contain player release are based on the direction of the kick. As a starting point for teaching, we have them release to the top of the numbers, gaining width as they cover down the field. Once the ball has been punted, slots should release to their landmarks. If uncovered, they should think release sooner and must always maintain outside leverage (contain) on the RS. They must not allow the ball to get outside of them. Away from the return side, slots should be ready to fold inside once they rule out the threat of a reverse (See Diagram 3).

Diagram 3. Slots

4. Safety:

Punter should stay inside out on the RS and can use the sideline as an extra defender. If they can not make the tackle, force the cutback. They should always give ground and try to buy time for help (See Diagram 4).

Diagram 4. Safety

Here are some rules for our punt coverage releases for ends:

1. Vs. l Man Press:

A. Speed release outside
B. Dip and rip
C. Juke/foot fake

2. Vs. Double Press:

A. Down the Line (flat lateral release)
B. Double move (try to split defenders)
C. Speed release outside (foot fake inside first)

The overall punt team coverage progression is seen in its entirety (See Diagram 5) as well as the base theory of lane coverage (See Diagram 6).

Diagram 5. Base Theory of Lane Coverage

Diagram 6. Base theory of lane coverage

NEW BOOK!

Digital Download - 304 Pages of Football Forms for the Winning Coach