Special Teams Game Plan Design

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In no other phase of the game can field position be changed so dramatically in just one play as in the kicking game; yet, coaches often minimize weekly preparation in the kicking game just to get a few more offensive or defensive reps. Also, in no other phase of the game can one play be so emotionally uplifting, or, conversely, so demoralizing as in the kicking game.

Additionally, consider that nearly one-third of the game is consumed by some phase of the kicking game and that for every additional 10 yards gained on a kickoff or punt return, one less first down must be earned by the offensive unit. On the other hand, successful containment of the opponent’s kick return game places an additional burden on its offensive unit in that their offensive eleven must earn additional first downs to get into scoring position.

A more simplistic approach that magnifies the significance of the kicking game is to preach that a kickoff or punt return really is the first offensive play of the new series and that a kickoff or punt coverage play is the first defensive snap of the opponent’s offensive series.

Initial assessment of the opponent’s kicking game units should single out which individual or which unit presents the most problems and threats for successful game day execution. Identify that player and emphasize his identity throughout the week by having a scout team player on the practice squad wear that player’s jersey number. Also, make sure the player imitating the opponent possesses the same skills and speed that coverage units will be facing on game day. If that opponent is a rush player, make sure the scout team player mimics the rush techniques exhibited during all prep work.

If it is a return man who has big play abilities, consider directional kicking. If the threat is a coverage player, consider altering blocking and protection schemes to negate that individual’s impact.

A second factor that plays significantly in kicking game success is weather. Kicking a wet or semi-frozen ball contributes to shanked kicks or much shorter distances. Gusting winds or kicking in stadiums where prevailing winds dominate the conditions may require adjusting the depth of the return men or even necessitate taking a time out prior to the end of a quarter so that your unit (punt or FG) can kick with the wind or force the opponent to kick (punt or FG) against the wind.

If conditions are so adverse, the staff should consider kicking off to start the game even after winning the coin toss. Forcing the opponent to play into the wind in the opening quarter may prove to be more advantageous than one additional offensive possession for your team.

Another factor that weighs heavily in game day kicking game management is injuries. A depth chart for every kick and return game unit must be adjusted every time a player goes down. The kicking game coordinator must remain in constant communication with the trainer and the head coach for injury updates and then notify the individual or individuals who must replace the injured player or players. How often has a team had to burn a time out because only 10 players were on the field? Also, notification needs to be made if a previously injured player is returning to action.

In addition, each kicking game unit should be coached on when it is necessary to take a time out or to take a delay of game penalty if the eleventh man does get onto the field in time. Each kicking game unit should have a designated individual on that unit who is responsible for counting players. It also helps if the kicking game coordinator has the unit that is to take the field huddle on the sidelines at the 50-yard line to ensure that all players to be substituted are present. This is also an appropriate time to give any last minute instructions or coaching points.

If the return unit is going onto the field, and the return man is part of the defensive unit already on the field, make sure a player is designated, or a signal given from the bench, to give the return man indication of the direction of the return or the upcoming block attempt.

A kicking game plan also must coordinate with the game philosophies and aggressiveness of offensive and defensive units. If an offensive unit is facing a stout defense and estimates that it will have trouble mounting long drives, kick block opportunities may provide a shorter field for a scoring opportunity. Defensive units facing an offensive juggernaut may demand exploring more punt fake options so that the offensive unit can maintain control of the ball and keep the opposing offensive unit off the field.

Kicking game coordinators also must dissect opponent’s punt and FG rush schemes to see if any gadgets can be utilized against them. Conversely, when game planning against the opponent’s punt and FG units, ensure that coverage responsibility and awareness of potential fakes are emphasized. It is not a bad idea each week to draw up a couple of fakes to be employed by scout team units just to make sure all bases are covered. How will the punt return unit respond when the opposing punter walks up under center on 4th and 2 at your 45-yard line?

As kicking game coordinator, it is important to realize that the opponent may unveil rush schemes (overloads) or change-ups on return blocking schemes that previously have not been seen in video exchanges. Therefore, on-the-field adjustments will be critical to each unit’s success on future kicking plays. Compounding the situation is that players on the unit to which an adjustment needs to be made often are back out on the field with either the offensive or defensive unit; therefore, addressing those players is a separate task that has to be handled when they come off the field.

Often overlooked during special team’s preparation is knowledge of the rules governing each special teams unit. Players should be quizzed about such things as first touch rules; live ball and dead ball rulings; out of bounds clarifications; downing the ball; touchback rules; ball impetus; eligible receiver and fair catch and muff rules.

After the conclusion of the final practice on the day prior to the game, a staff meeting to review offensive, defensive and special team’s game plans provides a good opportunity to discuss an overview of each phase. At this time, each coach has spent six days working on the opponent and this meeting usually is one of the rare occasions that all staff members are together at the same time.

Each coordinator orally presents his plan, and, in summary, the Kicking Game Coordinator usually discusses these issues:

1. Which individual on return or coverage units presents the most problems for us?

2. Can we control field position on this team?

3. Are there any gadgets that can be utilized against them?
a. Field goal
b. Punt coverage

4. Does the opponent have any unique alignments or overloads?
a. Field goal block
b. Punt block
c. Swinging Gate on PAT attempts

5. What are the fake tendencies of the opponent?

6. Does the opponent run any reverses or throwbacks on punt or kickoff returns?

7. Is anybody other than the punter or the holder a threat to throw the ball on a kick fake?

8. Is the holder a QB?

9. Substitutions for:
a. Field goal & extra point
b. Punt overage
c. Punt return
d. Kickoff Coverage
e. Kickoff Return
f. Onside prevent / Onside kick

10. Is weather or wind going to be a factor in the game?

11. Will we be using directional kicking?

12. If they directionally kick against us, will we use a double safety?

13. Are we ready for a punt safe call?

14. Do they pooch punt from FG formation?

15. Are we prepared…

Coach Tom Walsh can be reached at twalsh@silverstar.com.

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