Rowan University's Special Teams Philosophy and Punt Team Techniques
by: Jay Accorsi Head Coach Rowan University©
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We think our approach to special teams is very sound. We utilize all players, both starters and reserves, on special teams and use players from both sides of the ball. Also, we will reward certain players for outstanding play by allowing them to participate on special teams.
We identify every players strengths and incorporate them into special teams. We cannot afford to spend an inordinate amount of time teaching skills that players have already mastered. We keep the schemes relatively simple and are willing to use as many players as possible.
The two main goals of special teams are to create advantages in field position and score points. We use special plays when specific opportunities arise within the game. The order of importance will be FG/XPT, Punt, Punt Return, FG/XPT Block, Kick Off, Kick Off Return, Hands Team and Onside Kick. To give you an idea of how detailed our special team preparation is, here is our coaching outline for punting:
Punting Team Rules
1. No bad snaps.
2. No blocked kicks.
3. No bad kicks.
4. No long returns.
5. Eliminate missed tackles.
6. Create turnovers.
7. Eliminate penalties.
8. Exhibit speed.
9. Exhibit good judgment.
PRACTICE PUNTING SITUATIONS
To have effective special teams, you must practice punting in different situations to expose your team to all situations that can happen in a game.
Surprises happen when mistakes are made. There are a number of key situations that your punt team should be prepared to face.
Key Practice Situations:
Punting from the hash marks
Punting from your end zone
Punting from your red zone
Punting from the 40-50 yard line
Punting from bad snaps
Covering the fair catch
Reaction to a blocked kick
Reaction to a partial block
SPREAD PUNT
Diagam 1.
Diagram2.
Diagram3.
The spread punt can be a very effective tool (Diagram 1). It can be used in a variety of situations and helps place your players in one-on-one situations (Diagrams 2 and 3). More specifically, the spread punt:
1. Provides great cover situations
Creates one-on-one opportunities
Center protection rule
3s & 4s (LBs) in space
2s (TEs and FBs) get width
Hides personal protection
2. Provides manageable numbers to block
8 vs. 8
7 vs. 8
6 vs. 8
5 vs. 8
CADENCE
Ready-Ready
Count number of possible rushers
Number in box immediate rushers balanced, unbalanced or overload
Identify Protection zone, man or a combination
Call
INTERIOR PROTECTIONS
5-MAN (Center Position)
Snap the ball properly
Good solid base
Be able to move slightly to the block
4- & 3-MAN (Guard and Tackle Positions)
Inside foot one foot away from the inside mans outside foot
Inside feet of 4s and 3s line up
Inside foot forward
Outside toe in line with heel of inside foot
Feet less than shoulder width
Hands on thighs
Head looking forward
Shoulders over thighs
Weight slightly on front foot
Up on the balls of the feet
Balanced
Ball is snapped
Reach back with outside foot
Push off with inside foot
Inside arm comes up and stay balanced
Slide and lean on inside foot for next movement
Next movement
Reach back with outside foot again
Push off with inside foot again
Outside arm comes up
Stay balanced
Slide inside foot back to outside foot
Prepare for engagement
2-MAN (End Position)
Inside foot two feet away from inside mans outside foot
Inside foot a hand touch away from 3s hip
Inside foot forward
Outside foot back two feet away from heel of inside foot
Feet less than shoulder width
Head looking forward
Hands on thighs
Shoulders over inside thigh
Weight heavily on front foot
Up on balls of feet
Weight backwards
Ball is snapped
Reach back with outside foot
Push off with inside foot
Stay balanced
Slide and lean on inside foot for next movement
Next Movement
Reach back with outside foot again
Push off with inside foot again
Outside arm comes up
Stay balanced
Slide inside foot back to outside foot
Prepare for engagement
Reach out if needed to secure the edge
CRITICAL COACHING POINTS
Listen for the calls
Always communicate
Always point out your defender
Come back as a unit
Come back straight
Get good depth
Do not rush but have a sense of purpose
Always get inside arms up first
Hands should connect with others
Never get shoulders turned
Do not crowd the person next to you
About the Author: Jay Accorsi recently completed his 13th season as head coach at Rowan University. He had previously been an assistant coach at Rowan for nine years and started there as a graduate assistant in 1993. Accorsi graduated from Nichols College (MA) in 1985 where he was a running back for four seasons and team captain as a senior. Before joining the staff at Rowan, Accorsi coached both football and baseball at Nichols.
Coach Accorsi answers your questions on Facebook - just go
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