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AFM Magazine

AFM Magazine


Letter from the Editor

by: Rex Lardner
Editor American Football Monthly
© More from this issue

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Special Teams: They Can’t Be Over-Emphasized

When the term ‘Special Teams’ is mentioned each of us may have a different image or mindset as to what it means. One may recall a game that was decided by a kickoff or punt return while another may remember a fumble return for a score. There have been many dramatic finishes that ended in a special teams play. One of the most exciting games in college history was decided by not one but two blocked punts, both resulting in touchdowns. In the 1972 Auburn-Alabama game, the Tigers trailed 16-3 in the fourth quarter when they rallied to block two Crimson Tide punts with each one returned for a score. Auburn prevailed, 17-16.

    At almost every level of football there’s always a conversation about special teams and their importance. So often coaches talk about paying as much attention as possible to them and their overall value. As one coach recently told me… “there’s no quicker way to win (or lose) a football game than by means of the kicking game… it could be a blocked punt or field goal or punt or kickoff return. So often a special teams play is the difference.”

    Special teams deserve more attention than ever before. Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank Beamer has a reputation for being the guru of special teams coaches. The Hokies led all Division I-A colleges in the 90’s in blocked punts and during his 20-year tenure in Blacksburg, his special teams have accounted for 37 touchdowns. Don't miss Coach Beamer's responses to your questions on page 44.

      Part of his strategy is to make special teams an integral part of each practice; that is, don’t have the kickers kick and receivers return punts before or after practice – as many practices do – but during the heart of each session. Make it as important as running your offense or developing a defensive scheme for your next opponent.

    One veteran high school coach starts his daily practice with an actual kickoff every day. His point is that’s how each game starts; therefore, we should be familiar with it and try to repeat it enough that there are no surprises. Another college coach coordinates all of his special teams scouting and homework and then prepares a special teams plan before his offense or defensive game plan is installed.

    Many coaches believe that each assistant coach on staff should be involved in special teams and it’s a better situation than having a special teams coach per se. If the line coach is also in charge of the field goal unit and punt return team for example, more of a sense of commitment is created with his players. Of course many high schools and college programs don’t have the luxury of a ‘special teams only’ coach. A coach performs many duties and has a number of responsibilities in most nationwide programs.

    The conclusion: no matter what the situation, special teams play cannot be overemphasized. We hope you enjoy this issue of AFM and, as always, welcome your ideas, thoughts, and comments.

                        Respectfully,
                        Rex Lardner
                        Managing Editor
                        American Football Monthly
                        rlardner@lcclark.com
                        (561-355-5068, x 329)





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