Specialists Philosophy - Keith Allen · 2013-01-31 · Specialists Philosophy The special teams include a variety of players form the offense and defense. In addition, we will have

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Specialists Philosophy

The special teams include a variety of players form the offense and defense. In addition, we will have a

few players that play major roles on special teams. These are our specialists, e.g. kicker, punter, holder,

long snapper, returner, and blockers. We have to be able to unify all players to a strong special team

unit.

Being a member of the Bearcat Special Teams is an honor and a challenge. You must be intense,

aggressive, and consciences. As a specialist you have to understand that you are a valuable member of

this unit and that the team relies greatly on your abilities. However, the success of the outcome of a play

never depends on only one player but is always a team effort.

Games are won and lost due to field position. As a special teams unit, we control the plays that result in

the biggest exchange of yardage in the game. No other team plays such a large role in determining field

position as does the special teams unit. Because there is such a large exchange of field position in

special team’s play, we have the special opportunity to create a big play. Every player has to go on the

field with the attitude that this phase of the game will create a big play for us.

As a specialist you have to become a leader of the special teams unit on the field. You have to

understand the whole concept of the play and take charge. You are the one that players will come to with

questions on the field.

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Keys to Success on Special Teams

Avoid any negative plays and penalties.

Make big plays.

Set goals.

Know your substitutions.

Be aware of field position.

Timing!

Times for Punters, Snappers, and Kickers

Punt:

Snap 0.6 – 0.8 sec

Catch & Kick 1.20 – 1.30 sec

Total 1.80 – 2.10 sec

Hang Time 4.00 sec

Per yard over 40 +0.10 sec

Field Goal & PAT Kicks:

Snap 0.6 – 0.8 sec

Hold & Kick 1.10 – 1.20 sec

Kick Off:

Hang Time 4.00 sec

Responsibilities of a Specialist

As a specialist you have to work very hard on your skills to make the unit successful.

Be prepared for the Specialists Period in practice. This is your individual segment.

At times you will have to work on your own or with other specialists without the direct supervision of a

coach. Make sure you work hard and follow the workout.

Make an effort to watch as much film as possible. It will make you a better player.

During the game you are responsible to stay warm and focused at all times. Be ready in crucial

situations and have your equipment ready to go.

You are responsible for the specialists practice equipment, e.g. balls, tees, etc.

If you need any extra practice time make sure you talk to Coach Allen to set it up. Don’t be afraid to

work hard!

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PUNTING

Stance:

Comfortable staggered athletic football stance.

Ready to catch the football. Hands in front of you.

12-14 yards behind center.

Reach out for balls and get back on the target line as quickly as possible.

Catch, Mold, and Hold:

Catch the ball with both hands and mold the ball immediately. Keep the laces up. Look down the

field along the laces. The front of the ball can have a sight inside tilt with the nose slightly down.

Hold the ball with both hands. One hand underneath the ball with the middle finger on the seam, the

other hand on the side to supports it. Hold the ball with your finger tips.

Put the ball on the drop table with your arms slightly bend about chest high. Squeeze elbow in.

Table height and nose direction varies for normal, pooch, and line drive punts.

Shuffle and Steps:

Shuffle while catching the ball.

Take two steps and punt on your third step. This will get the ball out of your hands quickly. Drive

step with your kicking foot and plant with the other foot.

Take regular length steps without over-striding.

Always step in the direction you want to punt at. Your hips aiming at the target.

Open up off arm to your shoulder on the second step and close it again on the punt.

Toss and Drop:

Drop the ball as late as possible. The later you drop the ball the less time it is in the air.

Toss from the drop table the ball slightly up and forward for a drop straight in front of you.

The ball should hit the ground flat and bounce straight up. If you tilt the nose slightly down it might

bounce backwards just a little bit.

Leg Swing:

Bring your lower leg to a parallel position with the ground on your back swing.

Swing your leg straight forward through your kicking eye/ear.

Hit the ball with your toes fully extended at about knee level. Hit the ball with the top of your foot.

Your kicking knee must be locked when you hit the ball.

Always keep your head down when punting the ball. Crunch on foot-ball contact.

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ASK THE COACH

The ball spirals to the left:

Cross-overed with leg- drop was too far inside

Move drop arm out so the drop arm elbow is over the hip and walk straight down the field

Drills: Ball Drop and Down the Line

The ball spirals to the right:

Drop was outside or stepped off mid-line

Move drop arm in so the drop arm elbow is over the hip and walk straight down the field

Drills: Ball Drop and Down the Line

The ball travels straight but end over end:

Toe was up, nose was down, Drop was too high on the ankle

Keep your shoulders in athletic position throughout the motion

Walk straight down the field

Straighten the nose of the football to point down the field

Drills: Leg Swing and Down the Line

The ball travels left and end over end:

Cross-overed with leg- drop was too far inside; Toe was up, nose was down, Drop was too high on

the ankle

Keep your shoulders in athletic position throughout the motion

Move drop arm out so the drop arm elbow is over the hip and walk straight down the field

Walk straight down the field

Straighten the nose of the football to point down the field

Drills: Leg Swing, Cone to the Right, Down the Line, Ball Drops

The ball travels straight with nose up but doesn’t turn over

Make sure wrist is straight, not pointing upward or downward

Drills: Ball Drops

The ball goes high but not far

Drop is close and too high

Guide the ball down from chest level down the drop line

Drills: Ball Drops and Goal Post Drill

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The ball goes far but not high

Drop is too far and too low

Release the football smoothly

Guide the ball down from chest level down the drop line- do not push the ball down or drop it too fast

Drills: Ball Drops and Hang Time drill

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Punt Drills

Partner Toss Drill / Rotating Laces Coaching Points:

Work on stance and catching Mold and hold the ball Get body behind bad snap and stay straight

Comfortable stance Extend arms Ball chest high

Variation: Bad snap

Line Walk Drill Coaching Points:

Work on straight leg swing Work on steps down a line Swing and land punt leg over line

Keep toes pointed Stay on the line Keep head down

Variation: Include in Partner Toss Drill

Drop Drill Coaching Points:

Work on drop of the ball Drop ball straight down, laces up Ball bounces straight up Ball slightly tilted to inside

Arms extended Ball chest high Drop 6-8” above waist

Variation: Catch and drop

Leg Swing Drill Coaching Points:

Work on straight leg swing Step with plant foot + swing Focus on point 6’ in front of you Leg through punt side eye + ear

Straight swing Point toes Keep head down Don’t open shoulders

Variation: Punter drops ball and coach catches it before contact/punt

Down the Line Drill Coaching Points:

Work on straight leg swing Step and punt on straight line Punter should land on the line Ball should land not more than 1-2 yds. off the line

Punter should land on the line Ball should land on the line

Variation: Include snap

Line Drive Drill Coaching Points:

Work on drop consistency Improve leg speed Punter should land on the line Ball should land not more than 1-2 yds. off the line

Punter should land on the line Ball should land on the line

Variation: Include snap

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Towel Drill Coaching Points:

Work on not over striding and not reaching the block point 2 towels 3 yards apart Heel of back foot 2-4” in front of towel Catch and punt

Don’t over stride Keep head down One fluid motion, create a rhythm Focus on landmark

Variation: Include snap

Cone to the Right/Left Drill Coaching Points:

Work on straight leg swing 1

st cone 40 yds. deep, 2

nd cone 10 to the right of 1

st

cone Punt and try to swing leg through second cone

Create a rhythm Keep head down Straight leg swing

Variation: Include snap

Up the Field Drill Coaching Points:

Work on field situation punting Drive punt inside 30 Regular Punt inside 40 Pooch Punt past 40

Keep mechanics the same Focus on landmark and type of punt necessary

Through the Goalpost Drill Coaching Points:

Work on drive punting Keep mechanics the same Focus on Driving ball through goal post

Variations: Directional Include snap

Hang Time Drill Coaching Points:

Work on getting great hang time and explosion on punt

Keep mechanics the same Focus on Same steps and clearing goal post

Variations: Directional Include snap

Directional Punt Drill Coaching Points:

Turning the hips in the punt direction Catch and step into desired direction Stay on imaginary straight line with landmark

Keep mechanics the same Focus on landmark

Variations: Include snap Include towels

Gauntlet Drill: Emphasize staying inside cones

Punt on the Run Coaching Points:

Work on Fielding all snaps Make quick decision to punt on the run, run for the first down

Field ball first Make Good decisions- know field position Keep mechanics the same

Variations: Run to Right Run to Left

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Partner Toss Drill (Bad Snaps)

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Catch & Mold

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Partner

PURPOSE: Work on stance, shuffle and catching. Mold and hold the ball. Catch bad snaps and get back on the lane.

PROCEDURES: 1. Partners are 8-10 yards apart and toss the ball to each other. 2. Punter works on stance, shuffle, catch, and molding the ball. 3. Extend the arms with the ball chest height.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Include bad snaps. 2. Reach out to get bad snaps and get back on the lane. 3. On bad snaps to the left you might have to catch, turn around to the right, loose

ground and kick on the run

BAD SNAPS: - Over the Head - High - High left - High right - At knees - At ankles - On the ground - Far right - Far left - Slow and wobbly

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Rotating Laces Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Catch & Mold

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Partner

PURPOSE: Work on stance, shuffle and catching. Mold and hold the ball. Catch bad snaps and get back on the lane.

PROCEDURES: 1. Partners are 2-3 yards apart and toss the ball to each other. 2. Punter works on receiving the ball and adjusting laces. 3. Extend the arms with the ball chest height. 4. Toss the ball back to the coach as soon as possible and repeat

COACHING POINTS: 1. Include bad snaps. 2. Reach out to get bad snaps and get back on the lane. 3. Punter should always be in a good, balanced stance with well distributed weight

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Line Walk Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Approach

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Yard lines.

PURPOSE: Work on straight leg swing. Work on steps down a line. Swing and land punt leg over line.

PROCEDURES: 1. Walk down the line with ball in perfect position on the table 2. Swing punting leg straight over the line and follow through with leg and opposite arm. 3. Don’t kick the ball.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Keep toes pointed. 2. Stay on the line. 3. Keep head down. 4. Watch upper body. 5. Include in Partner Toss Drill.

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Drop Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Drop of the ball

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Ball

PURPOSE: Work on drop of the ball.

PROCEDURES: 1. Toss ball up and forward while dropping it straight down, laces up. 2. Ball bounces straight up. 3. Ball slightly tilted to inside.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Arms extended. 2. Ball chest high on the table 3. Pop and drop 6-8” above waist. 4. Catch and drop as variation.

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Leg Swing Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Leg Swing

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Line

PURPOSE: Work on straight leg swing. Work on hitting the ball high.

C

PROCEDURES: 1. Step with plant foot + swing. 2. Focus on point 6’ in front of you. 3. Swing leg through punt side eye + ear.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Start with dry kicks. 2. Straight swing. 3. Point toes. 4. Keep head down. 5. Don’t open shoulders. 6. Punter drops ball and coach catches it before contact/punt.

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Down the Line Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Straight leg swing

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Lines

PURPOSE: Work on straight leg swing.

PROCEDURES: 1. Step and punt on straight line. 2. Punter should land on the line. 3. Ball should land not more than 1-2 yards off the line.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Punter should land on the line. 2. Ball should land on the line. 3. Include partner toss or snap.

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Line Drive (Partner Catch) Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Straight leg swing

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Lines, Partner

PURPOSE: To increase drop consistency; improve leg speed and trajectory; improve hand-eye- coordination

PROCEDURES: 1. Drive low angle punts, like passes to a partner. Partners should be 30-50 yards apart 2. Lower your drop and work a quick, sweeping leg swing with your toes completely

depressed 3. Work for a tight spiral.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Punter should make good flat contact with the football and their foot. 2. Punter should follow through properly and not come across their body. 3. Punter needs to maintain a quick pendulum swing to get up and through the ball 4. Ball should land on the line. 5. Maintain a good follow through position with head and eyes focused on the ball

downward.

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Towel Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Stride lenght

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 2 towels

PURPOSE: Work on not over striding and not reaching the block point.

PROCEDURES: 1. 2 towels 3-4 yards apart (depends on punters approach and depth). 2. Heel of back foot 2-4” in front of towel. 3. Catch and punt. 4. Try to stay within the limited area.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Don’t over stride. 2. Keep head down. 3. One fluid motion, create a rhythm. 4. Focus on landmark. 5. Include partner toss or snap.

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Cone to the Right

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Straight punt

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: 2 cones

Lines

PURPOSE: Work on straight leg swing.

PROCEDURES: 1. 1st cone 40 yards deep, 2nd cone 10 yards to the right/left (depends on punt foot) of 1st

cone. 2. Punt and try to swing leg through second cone. 3. Ball should land straight down the line near the 1st cone.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Create a rhythm. 2. Keep head down. 3. Straight leg swing. 4. Include partner toss or snap.

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Up the Field Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Field position Punting

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Lines

PURPOSE: To work on the ability to punt the football according to field position.

1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0

1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0

PROCEDURES: 1. Place two balls on the -10, -20, -30, -40, 50, +40 yard lines- have someone snap

the balls 2. -10, -20 should be Drive Punt- more distance than hang time; 3. -30, -40 should be good punts with good hang time and good distance 4. 50, +40 should be Pooch Punts- more Hang Time than distance

COACHING POINTS: 1. Punter should work on all fundamentals 2. Ball should land on the line- could vary with directional punt. 3. Include partner toss or snap.

DRIVE PUNT

REGULAR PUNT

HANG TIME PUNT

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Through the Goal Post Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Drive Punting

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Goal Post

PURPOSE: To work on the ability to punt the football with distance and accuracy

1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0

1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0

PROCEDURES: 1. Start at the 50 yard line- try to punt the football through the uprights with proper

mechanics 2. Can change position on field to work directional punting (Coffin Kicks)

COACHING POINTS: 1. Punter should concentrate on driving the ball 2. Ball should land on the line- could vary with directional punt. 3. Include partner toss or snap.

DRIVE PUNT

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Hang Time (Cross Bar) Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Hang Time Punting

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Goal Post

PURPOSE: To work on the ability to punt the football with Good Hang Time and Elevation, improve leg extension and flexibility

PROCEDURES: 1. Start 3 yards behind the Uprights. Try to punt the football through the uprights

with proper mechanics

COACHING POINTS: 1. Punter’s leg extension should be checked and compared with his natural leg

swing. 2. Finish square to the crossbars. 3. This drill emphasizes upward explosion from the hips 4. Include partner toss or snap.

HANG TIME PUNT

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Directional Punt

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Directional punt

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Lines

Cones

PURPOSE: Turning the hips in the punt direction.

PROCEDURES: 1. Place cones 40 yards down the field at the desired landmark. 2. Catch and step into desired direction. 3. Stay on imaginary straight line with landmark.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Keep mechanics the same as on straight punts. 2. Focus on landmark. 3. Include towels.

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Gauntlet Punt

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Directional punt

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Lines

Cones

PURPOSE: Turning the hips in the punt direction and reinforce linear principles

PROCEDURES:

1. Place cones 40 yards down the field at the desired target areas. 2. Using 6 cones create a gauntlet one yard wide and four yards across facing the

target areas (Launch area) 3. Catch and step into desired direction. 4. Stay within the gauntlet during the entire movement of the punt.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Keep mechanics the same as on straight punts. 2. Remain in the gauntlet at all times; follow through should not break the plane of

the gauntlet 3. Focus on target area- stay square to target 4. Include towels.

Middle Punt Right Punt

P P

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Punt on the Run

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Punt after bad snap

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Partner

PURPOSE: Work on getting the ball off or covering up a muff after a bad snap.

PROCEDURES: 1. Partner simulates a bad snap/toss. 2. Punter has to secure the ball and judge if he has still time to punt or not. 3. Punt on the run, cover up the muff, or run for the first down.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Recover the ball first. 2. Make good judgment weather to still kick the ball or not. 3. Have a blocker rush the punter for timing.

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Pin Drill

POSITION: Special Teams – Punter SKILL TYPE: Sky punt

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Lines

Cones

PURPOSE: Work on placing the ball inside the 10 yard line when punting from the 50 – +40 yard line. Pooch punt.

P

PROCEDURES: 1. Place cones as landmarks on the 8 yard line in the middle, between hash and

numbers and on the sideline. 2. Punt from anywhere between the 50 – +40 yard line. 3. Raise the drop table and tilt the ball slightly nose up. 4. Get good hang time and place the ball at the landmark.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Keep the head down and hold the ball high. 2. Drop table higher and tilt nose up. 3. Hit the ball at the highest possible point. 4. Have hips pointing towards the landmark. 5. Include punt team to field the ball.

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Field Goal and PAT Kicking

Every kick must be the same. Your motion and strength must be the same on a PAT as well as on a 45

yard field goal.

Stance:

Be ready to step in a comfortable athletic position with your weight slightly forward.

Have your weight mentally on your plant foot.

Approach:

Measure your approach from the point where the holder will set the ball. You always have to use the

same steps to measure your approach. You always have to end up at the same spot.

Your hips and you kicking leg have to be on target line when you measure your approach. The target

line changes depending on field position, the approach does not.

Take two steps before you kick the ball.

Drive step with your kicking foot and plant step with your other foot.

Plant with your foot about 8-12 inches in width of the ball and a ball to instep/heel relationship.

Focus on the holders ground hand and approach the kick as soon as this hand leaves the ground.

Body Position at the Kick:

Hip and shoulders needs to face the target at the time of the kick – when the leg hits the ball.

Most weight on the front foot.

Plant foot toe points at the target, about a foot width away form the ball

Plant foot knee slightly bend.

Plant foot leg is leaning about 60 degree away from the ball.

Right arm on the side, left arm is across the body, head a little behind the ball, head down. Crunch.

Keep shoulders up.

Leg Swing:

On contact with the ball leg has to lock simultaneously, knee has to be extended.

Leg swing inside out, knee driving inside out.

Back swing about parallel to the ground or a little higher, toes go back.

Follow through, get hips, foot and butt down field, drive the leg through straight down field for a bout 2

feet.

After the kick, come off your plant foot and skip forward about 4-5 inches straight forward.

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Adjustments:

Ball is too high and quick rotation backwards, plant foot to far up.

Ball doesn’t get elevation, plant foot to far back, ball hit to high.

Ball goes to the left constantly, right hip at the point of the kick to far back, hip line not pointing at the

target, plant foot to far forward.

Ball goes to the right constantly, right hip at the point of the kick to far up, hip line not pointing at the

target, plant foot to far back.

Pushing the ball to the out side or pulling it to the inside, hip and target line are not perpendicular,

wrong adjustment through leg swing in stead of approach.

Kicking Drills

No Step Foot Position Drill Coaching Points:

Ball in place, kicker sets his plant foot in perfect position, swings and locks

Lock leg, correct plant foot position, hitting ball low, body position, proper leg swing

Variations: Work without shoes

Walk Back Position and Alignment Drill Coaching Points:

Perfect position to the ball, walk back and to the side

Find the same spot all the time, good starting position

Variations: Vary field position Close eyes

Take correct target line

One Step Drill Coaching Points:

In front of goal post, take your drive step and stop, check step, plant step and kick after proper drive step

Work only on plant step and kick

Variations:

Stance – Step – Swing Coaching Points:

Walk back, step and swing, without the ball, be smooth

One smooth motion

Variations: Vary field position

Elevation drill Coaching Points:

On the goal line, regular kick, get over cross bar and move up one yard at the time to 7 yards from the goal post

Foot position on the ball and plant foot

Variations:

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End line post drill Coaching Points:

Kick from the end line-sideline corner over both posts

6 foot window

Variations: Work towards hash marks

Post Accuracy Drill Coaching Points:

Same as end line post drill but 20 yards away straight in front of the goal post on the field

6 foot window

Variations: Work back to 35 yard line

Horse Shoe Drill Coaching Points:

Kick FG form 5-35 yard line left to right hash Same kick all the time

Variations:

Angle Drill Coaching Points:

On the sideline from the 20-35 yard line, angling ball through uprights

Square hips

Variations:

Scatter drill Coaching Points:

Coach throws 5 footballs from the sideline on the field, wherever the balls land kicker has to kick field goal form that position

Adjust to various field position

Concentration Drill Coaching Points:

Snapper and Holder run in screaming and coach talks to kicker while he is kicking

Focus on the kick

Variations: Music, Rushers

Time Get off Coaching Points:

Snap and Kick in less than 1.3 sec

Variations:

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Foot Position Drills

POSITION: Special Teams – Kicker SKILL TYPE: Foot placement

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Football

Kicking Holder

PURPOSE: Work on perfect foot-ball placement and locking ankle and leg.

No step foot position drill:

One step drill:

One Step

Alignment drill:

Elevation Drill:

PROCEDURES: 1. No step: Ball in place, set plant foot in perfect position, swing kicking foot and lock

ankle and leg. (Dry kicks while holding on to the goal post to simulate body lean.) 2. One step: Ball in place, set plant foot, take one step back. Drive and set plant foot in

perfect position and kick the ball. 3. Alignment drill: Perfect position to ball, walk back, find same spot all the time. 4. Elevation drill: On the goal line, regular kick, get over cross bar and move up one

yard at the time to 6 yards from the goal post.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Keep head down and crunch. 2. Perfect plant foot and foot-ball placement. 3. Find same spot all the time, same approach all the time. 4. Include different field position inside and outside the hash to work on proper angles

and straight lines. 5. Close eyes.

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Kicking Drills

POSITION: Special Teams – Kickers SKILL TYPE: Field Goal

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Goal Posts

Footballs Lines

PURPOSE: Work on accuracy of field goal kicking

End line post drill:

Post accuracy drill:

Horseshoe drill:

Scatter drill:

PROCEDURES: 1. End line post: Kick from the end line-sideline over both goal posts. Work towards the

hash. 2. Post accuracy: Same as End line post drill just on the filed directly in front of one goal

post 3. Horseshoe: Kick field goals from the 5-35 yard line left to right hash. 4. Scatter Drill: Scatter 5-10 footballs on the field inside and outside the hash. Kicker

has to adjust to various angles and distances.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Perfect target line foot placement. 2. Same walk back, approach and kick no matter where you are on the field. 3. Chart field goal attemps.

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Holding

Only a perfect hold will lead to a good field goal kick.

Body Position:

6.5-7.0 yards from the center depending on the lace position of the ball on the snap.

Kneel on your front leg and on the balls of your back foot.

Your back hand is on the ground marking the point where the ball will be set.

Keep your back arm locked and have your elbow braced against your back knee.

Open your chest to the center giving him an aiming point.

Your front arm is extended in front of your chest.

Cadence:

Check if there are 11 players on the field and everyone in the right position.

Check the 25 second and game clock for timing – make your teammates aware of time problems.

After the kicker has finished his approach ask if he is ready.

When the kicker is ready pause shortly, check the center and call ‘READY”.

The center will snap shortly after your call. Anticipate the snap.

Hold:

Move your down hand when the center snaps the ball, not earlier.

Catch the ball with the index finger of your back hand on the tip of the ball.

Set the ball on the point you marked with your hand earlier.

Lock your arm and use your knee as a brace for your elbow.

Hold the ball with the back hand (index and middle finger or index finger and thumb). Pull the other

fingers up and away form the ball.

Rotate the ball with the front hand if necessary – laces forward.

Tilt the ball slightly towards you and back – check for the kickers preference.

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Holding Drills

Perfect set Coaching Points:

Mark the holding spot with your hand Keep ball in front hand and bring it down to the marked spot

Don’t move back hand to quick Lock elbow

Variations: Close eyes

Catch Coaching Points:

Catch the snap and put the ball in the perfect spot Get the ball down

Variations: Bad snap, wet ball

Fake Coaching Points:

Catch the snap, set it down and work the fake

Variations: Various fakes

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Holder Drills

POSITION: Special Teams – Holder SKILL TYPE: Holding for PAT and FG

EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Football

Spray paint to mark spots on the field

PURPOSE: Work on catching, placing, spinning and holding the ball in perfect position for field goals.

Perfect set:

Catch & Hold:

Fake:

PROCEDURES: 1. Perfect set: Mark holding spot with your hand. Keep football in your front hand and

bring it down to the marked spot. Hold ball with the back hand thumb, index and middle finger.

2. Catch & Hold: Catch snap and put ball in perfect spot. Get ball down quickly. Include bad snap. Pin any low balls on the ground first before picking them up.

3. Fake: Catch the snap, set it down and carry out various fakes.

COACHING POINTS: 1. Open up to the center giving him a big target. 2. Mark spot with back hand, bracing back arm with knee. 3. Catch ball with index finger tip of back hand. 4. Place ball exactly on marked spot. 5. Find distance for ball to arrive with laces in the front. 6. Include bad snaps.

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Kickoff

Kicking kickoffs is very similar to PAT and FG kicking. There are a few important points:

Use a longer approach to build up more speed. Don’t get to wide or to deep however. Always use the

same approach because the kickoff team is timing their get off on your approach. Don’t over stride.

Your hip should be over the ball when you kick.

Your hips point at your aiming point – the ball goes to where your hips and plant foot points too.

Land on your kick foot after the kick.

Keep your head down during the kick.

Set the ball in a good spot on the field where you have the most traction – 5 yard window.

Huddle before every kickoff and make sure there are 11 players on the field. Make them aware of the

kid of kick we have planed (Deep, Pooch, Squib)

Give the kickoff team enough time to get set after the whistle is blown.

Alert the kickoff team that your will start your approach by calling ‘READY’. Drop your arm when you

actually start your approach as a signal for the kickoff team.

You are the safety on every kickoff – make a sure tackle, don’t worry about field position.

Onside kicks:

Kick from the hash.

Hit the top of the ball so it bounces high on the second bounce.

Aim for a spot 12-13 yards deep on the far sideline.

Time your approach with the onside kick team’s get off.

Surprise onside:

Your approach has to look like you kick deep.

On left/right use the same aim as you did on onside kicks.

On surprise middle, kick it into a seam straight up the field so the ball bounces and your teammates

can recover it after 10 yards.

33

Kickoff Drills

Approach Coaching Points:

Measure your approach and run through it Always end up in the same spot

Variations: Closed eyes

Directional Kick Coaching Points:

Measure your approach so that your hips will point in the directions you want to kick

Left and right

Variations:

Long, Pooch, Squib Coaching Points:

Practice various kicks set an aiming point for pooch and squib kick

Variations: Put hoops on the field to measure accuracy

Onside Kick Coaching Points:

Regular and Surprise Onside Kick 10 yards

Variations: Recover your Surprise Onside Kick

34

Kicker and Punter Workout

Ask Coach Allen before every practice on what phase of the kicking game you will focus on in specialists

and in special teams. Plan the workout accordingly. Use the drills described in your manual. Always

bring a pen and a stop watch to time and chart kicks during practice.

Warm up:

It is crucial that you warm up extensively before your workout.

5-10 minutes footwork and bag drills.

5 minutes approach for punt, field goal or kickoff.

5-10 minutes on catching the ball and molding it.

5 minutes flex on your own.

Workout:

5-15 minutes individuals during Specialist Period.

10 minutes approach FG or Kickoff. OR 10 minutes catch and drop for Punt.

15 minutes FG/Kickoff/Punt – actual kicks.

10 minutes special situations (e.g. Punt inside the +40, Onside & Surprise, Directional Punt, Pooch &

Squib Kick, Punt on the run, Kick/Punt into or with the wind, FG inside the 10 from the hash, Punt

after Safety, Taking a Safety FG/Punt Fake, etc.).

5-15 Stretching.

Daily Musts:

4 PATs.

3 Onside Kicks.

3 Punts inside the +40.