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Developing an Efficient Kickoff Team – Following a detailed teaching progression for your kickoff team will maximize their potential.by: Juan VasquezSpecial Teams Coach, Florida A & M University © More from this issue There are many factors that contribute to a successful season on special teams. The most important factor is the strong support and focus of the head coach to ensure that players and coaches are committed to this phase of the game. We always begin our practices with special teams and then break to offense and defense. That goes for installation meetings, film review and practice. We start with 20 minutes of special teams and end practice with a field goal or punt. The importance of special teams is understood by everyone in the program. Our special teams are also bolstered by who we have coaching, and who we have on the field during special teams. We have all assistant coaches participate in coaching/teaching special teams. On punt, for example: Finally, we use the “Three Ps” to get us through the season successfully. The first P is Philosophy. Players and coaches must understand the scheme, the how and why. The second P is Personnel. Again, a nice combination of starter and core players can run the scheme effectively. The third P is Personality. We want to develop a personality and identity on each special teams unit. As the season goes on, the players’ thought process becomes like the coach’s. They can finish what you started to say when studying film or making in-game adjustments. One of the most successful units has been our kickoff team. Here is how we implement the “Three P’s” for an exciting and efficient kickoff team. Diagram 1. • Get-offs – Five yards from the ball, we straddle the 30, face inside, and turn and run once the kicker is two yards in front of us. When watching film, end up one yard from ball facing forward, working toward full speed when the ball is kicked. Diagram 2. • Finish – Accelerate, shoot your gap, take your shot, and make the tackle. A circuit of each phase of kickoff scheme drills can also be done individually (Diagram 3).
Here is a guide to the type of players you want at each position: Our 2010/2011 KO teams called themselves, “The Regulators”. The huddle-up call was, “Regulators! Mount Up!” They flew fast and hit hard, and had fun doing it. That team had freshman safeties, walk-on corners, and starting wide receivers running down the field. It was amazing and fun to coach. This is what we strive for every year. Coach Vasquez answers your questions on Facebook - just go Want more articles on this subject: Kickoff Coaching Strategies – December, 2012 |
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