SPECIAL FORCES:

2003

Hodag special teams weekly goals:

Each week we will strive to the best special teams unit in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, and in order to do this we must strive each week to the reach the following goals:

1. Penalty free game. 2. No bad snaps or blocked kicks. 3. Make a "Big Play" each game (block a kick, score, return to scrimmage, and/or create a turn over). 4. On each kick off - hold opponents inside the -30 yard line. 5. Hold opponent's punt return average to less than 8 yards. 6. Bring the ball out past the 35 yard line on kickoff returns 7. Field all returnable kicks. 8. Make 100% of all PAT's & FG's inside the 20-yard line. 9. Do not allow opponents to score or to return a ball to scrimmage on a kicking play. 10. No mental mistakes (not enough players on the field, losing contain, missed assignments) 11. WIN THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Special Teams Pre-practice Routine:

We MUST be prepared on all special teams. Take advantage of every opportunity to make yourself and your team better on Special Teams. KICKERS: 1. No Step Drill (5x's) 2. 1 Step Drill (5x's) 3. Goal Post Drill 4. Field Goal Kicks - start at PAT distance, kick 3 from left, middle, right hash - continue to back up 10 yards until out of range 5. Kickoffs (5x's) 6. Onside Kicks (5x's) OPTIONAL: Horseshoe Drill PUNTERS: 1. Toss Drill (15-20x's) 2. Drop Drill (20 perfect drops) 3. Catch Drill (10 -15x's) 4. Step and Swing Drill (sideline to sideline) 5. Down the Line (10x's) 6. Punt with Snappers RETURNERS: 1. Toss Drill (10x's) 2. On the Ground Drill (5-8x's) 3. Reverse Path (5-8x's) 4. Field Punts and Kicks SNAPPERS: 1. Wind Mill Pitch - start 15 yards apart and continue back until out of range 2. Overhead Snaps (10-15x's) 3. Shoot Drill (2 sets of 5 yards) 4. Long Snap (10x's) 5. Short Snaps (10x's) 6. Snap with Punters and Kickers HOLDERS: 1. Finger Tip Push-Ups (10) 2. To-the-Spot Drill (10x's) 3. Bad Snap Drill (8-10x's) 4. Holds for Kickers and Punters QB CENTER EXCHANGE: - QB's take snaps from center (20 shotgun snaps; 5 under center)

FIELD GOALS and EXTRA POINTS:

Reminders: 1. We will line up on the field for field goals. 2. No movement can occur after the "SET" command 3. Everyone should be alert for a "FIRE" call 4. Total operation time will be 1.3 seconds or better. 5. Our goal on this team is to make 100% of our extra points and 100% of all field goals inside the 20-yardline.

REGULAR FIELD GOAL FORMATION:

FIELD GOAL ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS: CENTER: Good comfortable stance Keep square to LOS Snap anytime after "set" Make sure 7 yards deep and directly behind the center Make sure that the kicker and the team are ready - when ready put hands up to receive the snap and call "set" In case of a bad snap call "fire" - look to run or pass Line up your spot 7 yards away from the line of scrimmage and directly behind the center Take your alignment steps Make the kick

HOLDER:

KICKER:

GUARDS, TACKLES and ENDS: Line up in a 2 pt. stance; feet shoulder width apart, inside foot back Align your inside toe to the instep of the player's foot inside of you On the snap of the ball, take a short jab step behind the outside foot of the inside man Keep your outside foot planted and shoulder square to the LOS Protect inside gap - if there is no threat to the inside gap, help to the outside WINGS: Line up in a 2pt. stance Line up by splitting the end's stance in half at a 45 degree angle with NO separation between your inside leg and the end's rear Protect inside gap - keep your inside foot cemented to the ground On snap take a 6" step with your outside foot; jab with outside hand Keep shoulders square

"FIRE" CALL
With a bad or fumbled snap, the holder will scream "FIRE" and all react as diagrammed below. The holder has the option to either run or pass the football. "FIRE" can also be called in the huddle as a possible fake "FIRE" ROUTES FOR RIGHT-FOOTED KICKER

"FIRE" ROUTES FOR LEFT-FOOTED KICKER:

"FIRE" ASSIGNMENTS: INTERIOR: Field goal protection; do not go downfield END TOWARDS KICKER: Run a corner pattern END AWAY FROM KICKER: Drag across the formation at depth of goalline or 1st down WING TOWARDS KICKER: Run an out at goalline or 1st down depth WING AWAY FROM KICKER: Run away from flow to goalline or 1st down depth (find an open area) HOLDER: Sprintout in the direction that you are facing when holding; read deep to short to backside (run the ball if possible) KICKER: Kick through the ball and then look to block first threat; look first to the backside.

"MUDDLE" EXTRA POINT:

For extra points the varsity and sophomores will always line up in the muddle formation. We will line up in this formation immediately and there will be no huddling. The holder will look to the sideline to get the call about whether we will be kicking the P.A.T. (the coach will have both arms over his head - like a touchdown signal)' going for two (the coach will have both up and out to his side - like a "T"), or the holder's choice (the coach will have one arm over his head and the other arm out to his side - like a "L"). If we are going for two or if its the holder's choice, the holder will make the decision of what play will be called based upon how the defense lines up to the muddle huddle. MUDDLE HUDDLE FORMATION:
Snapper should have eligible #

5 yds.

12 yds.

HOLDER: Set kicking block at 7 yards; then stand directly in back of block waiting for the snap KICKER: Take your first three steps back of our alignment steps; you should be in a stacked position behind the holder

MUDDLE HUDDLE CALLS: 1.) "OVER" - Holder will call "OVER." Line will shift over and kick normal extra point. - Holder's rule: Call "OVER" if the call is given from the sideline to kick it or when defense has correctly lined up to the formation.

KICKER: After the line has shifted over take your two steps to the side. HOLDER: Set up for hold

2.) "FOX" - Holder will call "FOX." Holder will give the signal for the snap. The center will underhand snap the ball to the left wing. The line will wedge block and the wing will score. The holder, kicker, and right wing will fake like it is a pass, and the right wing will run a corner route. - Holder's Rule : Call "FOX" when the defense is not ready for a run play or when there are four or more defenders to the right of the center (Four run on the Floor)

3.) "FALCON": Holder will give the signal for the snap and throw to an open receiver. - Holder's Rule: Call "FALCON" when the defense is not set and not in proper position to cover an eligible receiver, or when there are three or less defenders to the right of the center. (Three Throw in the Tree)

TACKLES &GUARDS: Block solid; do NOT go downfield. LEFT END: Release and find void on the backside. LEFT WING: Run a drag at the back of the endzone. CENTER: Run an out at goalline or first down depth HOLDER: Run the ball in or throw to the open receiver. KICKER: Block for the holder on sprint out. RIGHT WING: Run a corner route

P.A.T. and FIELD GOAL BLOCK:

We will use regular defensive personnel for this team. Your alignment and responsibilities will be determined by what defensive position you are at when the opposing team scores or when a field goal is attempted (you will remain in the game unless substituted for). This team is designed to block the kick with either an inside or outside rush.

Reminders:
1. The block point is two yards in front of the holder. 2. If the ball is blocked and does not cross the line of scrimmage (LOS), both teams can advance it. 3. If the ball is blocked and does cross the LOS, scream "POISON" and scatter away from the ball. In this situation the ball is dead unless we touch the ball on our side of the LOS. 4. Be onsides and key the football. The block will always be called to the field side (widest side); if the ball is in the middle of the field call the block to the "left" (because most kickers are right footed). This will be a game planned decision. BLOCK "RIGHT"

BLOCK "LEFT"

P.A.T./FIELD GOAL BLOCK ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS: INSIDE LINEBACKER TO THE CALL: Align on outside of the wing Rush in blitz technique upfield to a point where the wing can not touch you, and then bend hard to the block point Block the kick LEFT CORNER: Align head up on the wing to your side Attack the wing and cover man to man DEFENSIVE LINE: Tackles align in A gaps; Ends in B gaps Get skinny and rush your gap RIGHT CORNER: Align head up on the wing to your side Attack the wing and cover man to man INSIDE LINEBACKER AWAY FROM THE CALL: Align on outside shoulder of wing away from call side Rush through the outside shoulder of the wing to a point even with the holder Look for the ball - "Scoop and Score"

SAFETY: Align to the call side of the formation Free rush from the blockside (will be a game planned decision, but most likely between the wing and TE) LOU: Align on the line of scrimmage in your angle 7 technique on the TE to your side Attack the TE and cover man to man ROB: Align on the line of scrimmage in your angle 7 technique on the TE to your side Attack the TE and cover man to man

DEFENSE VS. MUDDLE HUDDLE:

MUDDLE HUDDLE DEFENSE ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS: CORNERS: Cover wings man to man; left corner play off technique; right corner play press technique SAFETY: Cover holder man to man LOU: Cover the end man on the line of scrimmage to the left side of the formation man to man; play your normal tilt technique MEL: Cover the punter man to man MARK: Align in the center of the offensive line; play the run ROB: Cover the end man on the line of scrimmage to the right side of the formation man to man; play your normal tilt technique TACKLES & ENDS - align in the gaps; shoot the gaps

PUNT TEAM:
Reminders:
1. Always be ready on the sideline on 3rd down 2. Huddle on the sideline, get the call, and then hustle onto the field and line up 3. The receiver of a punt must have a 2 yard circle in which to have the opportunity to catch the ball. When the ball hits the ground, protection for the receiver is terminated. 4. When downing a punt, pick it up and hand it to the official. 5. A blocked punt or partially blocked punt that does not cross the LOS is not a kicked ball and can be advanced by either team, therefore recover the ball. 6. When a punt that crossed the LOS is touched by the receiving team, it becomes a free ball and can be recovered by either team, therefore recover the ball. 7. A partially blocked punt that crossed the LOS is treated as a kick, and all rules are still in effect. 8. Operation times = 2.1 to 2.3 seconds (snap time = .9; punt time =1.4) 9. Our goal on this team to have no punts blocked and to hold our opponents to under 8 yards on the return. PUNT PROTECTION FUNDAMENTALS: 1. First step is straight back with the outside foot, then slide the inside foot straight back, maintaining a shoulder width stance. Punch with inside hand and get eyes to the outside gap 2. Then take a second shuffle step to get depth and to be able to read the rushers. Shuffle straight back; do not jump outside or attack rushers at the line of scrimmage (LOS) 3. After two shuffle steps, attack the appropriate numbered rusher. Each position will be assigned a rusher based upon a number. The rushers will be numbered, starting with one, from the outside in on each side of the center. 4. When blocking the rusher, punch through him forcing him to restart or redirect ("SHUFFLE, SHUFFLE, ATTACK") PUNT COVERAGE FUNDAMENTALS: 1. Block and go. Rip off rushers to get into coverage lanes - If your zone is not attacked after your shuffle steps, then release down the field into your coverage lane. 2. Stay in YOUR lane. Never follow the same colored jersey downfield. 3. Keep the ball inside and in front of you at all times. Never let the ball cross your face to the outside. 4. Key the returner. Do not look up for the ball. 5. Break down five yards from the returner. Stay Square. Wrap up. Gang tackle. Look to strip the football.

SPREAD PUNT FORMATION:

SPREAD PUNT TEAM ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS:

CENTER: Make a great snap (operation time = .9 seconds) Block #4 to the direction that the personal protector makes ("LION" = left; "RAM" = right) Cover straight to the ball; mirror the ball

GUARDS: Align 6" split - inside toe lined up with heels of the center Feet shoulder width apart - outside foot back; toe to heel relationship; weight on the balls of your feet Hands on thighs -thumbs pointed to the sky Shuffle, shuffle, set; work straight back and keep shoulders square Protect the outside gap Block #3 to your side Release and maintain a lane 5 yards outside the ball Stay square and keep the ball on your inside shoulder TACKLES: Align 6" split - inside foot lined up with inside foot of guard Feet shoulder width apart - outside foot back; toe to heel relationship; weight on the balls of your feet Hands on thighs -thumbs pointed to the sky Shuffle, shuffle, set; work straight back and keep shoulders square Protect the outside gap Block #2 to your side Release and maintain a lane 10 yards outside the ball Stay square and keep the ball on your inside shoulder WINGS: Align inside foot directly behind outside foot of the end man Arm length behind end man Feet shoulder width apart - outside foot back; toe to heel relationship; weight on the balls of your feet Hands on thighs -thumbs pointed to the sky Shuffle, shuffle, set; work straight back and keep shoulders square Block #1 to your side Release outside for width and maintain a lane 15 yards outside the ball You are contain - always maintain the ball carrier on inside shoulder. If the returner takes the ball up the field, get to the depth of the returner and "fold" from the outside-in ENDS: Split the difference between the sideline and end of formation - use the sideline official to make sure that you are on the LOS Wide receiver's stance Release directly to the football. Don't break down unless the returner gives a fair catch signal - "Seek and Destroy" PERSONAL PROTECTOR: Align heels 5 yards behind the right guard (if the punter is a left-footed punter, align behind the left guard) Call out the rush - once everyone is set, you will make a "LION" or a "RAM" call. This is determined by what side of the snapper has the largest amount of rushers. If the largest amount of rushers is on the left side you will make a "LION" call. If the largest amount of rushers is on the right side you will make a "RAM" call. If there are an even number of rushers to each side of the snapper, you will make a "LION" call. Protect the "A" gap that is on the opposite side of your directional call; block #4 opposite your directional call - attack block; never back up to block Cover to the ball. Mirror the returner. Game plan to cover either to the right or left vs. wall return PUNTER: Align at 12 yards deep You will use a two-step approach Operation time (punt time = 1.4 seconds) If inside backed up inside our 30 yard-line and you can not get the kick off, take a safety by running out of the endzone After your punt, you are the safety

SPREAD PUNT COVERAGE ASSIGNMENTS:

BALL 10 yrds outside ball 15 yrds outside ball -CONTAIN5 yrds outside ball 5 yrds outside ball 10 yrds outside ball 15 yrds outside ball -CONTAIN-

FOLD

FOLD

SAFETY

TITE PUNT FORMATION:

TITE PUNT TEAM ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS: Tite punt will be used when we are backed up inside the 5-yard line or when we want to widen the opponent's rush angles. The same techniques and principles will used as in regular punt. The only things to change are the ends' responsibilities and the blocking assignments. CENTERS: Block #5 to the direction that the personal protector makes ("LION" = left; "RAM" = right) GUARDS: Block #4 to your side TACKLES: Block #3 to your side ENDS: Align 6" split - inside foot lined up with inside foot of the tackle Feet shoulder width apart - outside foot back; toe to heel relationship; weight on the balls of your feet Hands on thighs -thumbs pointed to the sky Shuffle, shuffle, set; work straight back and keep shoulders square Protect the outside gap Block #2 to your side Release to the football - "Seek and Destroy" WINGS: Block #1 to your side PERSONAL PROTECTOR: Block #5 to the opposite side of your directional call If punting from the endzone, line-up 3 yrds from the goalline PUNTER: Align at 12 yards deep If punting from endzone align at least one foot from the endline to avoid stepping on it while catching the ball If backed up inside our 30 yard-line and you can not get the kick off, take a safety by running out of the endzone

TITE PUNT COVERAGE ASSIGNMENTS:

BALL 10 yrds outside ball 15 yrds outside ball -CONTAIN5 yrds outside ball 5 yrds outside ball 10 yrds outside ball 15 yrds outside ball -CONTAIN-

FOLD

FOLD

SAFETY

PUNT FAKES:
We will have three fake calls. Our run fake will be called "FOX" and our pass fake will be called "FALCON". These fakes will be called on the sideline. In addition we will also be able to call "FALCON" at the line if the opposing team does not cover an end in our spread puntformation. "FOX" FAKE PUNT from SPREAD FORMATION:

Everyone will take their normal steps, but stay on blocks instead of releasing down field. If no one rushes your gap, then release and block down field. Take the rusher in your zone where he wants to go. Ends will release down field and run off the defender. PUNTER: Sell the punt; take your normal two steps and than tuck the ball and run to daylight

"FOX" FAKE PUNT from TITE FORMATION:

Everyone will take their normal steps, but stay on blocks instead of releasing down field. If no one rushes your gap, then release and block down field.Take the rusher in your zone where he wants to go. PUNTER: Sell the punt; take your normal two steps and than tuck the ball and run to daylight

"FALCON" FAKE PUNT from SPREAD FORMATION:

"FALCON" FAKE PUNT from TITE FORMATION:

PERSONAL PROTECTOR: Make "Falcon" call; receive the direct snap; sprintout to right; read deep to short; look backside for punter (if rushed, immediately hit the out routes) PUNTER: Fake the kick; find the void area on the backside LEFT WING: Go in motion across the formation; run a vertical LEFT END: Run a crossing route at 15 yards RIGHT END: Run an out at 11 yards. From spread puntformation, you may have to cheat inside to make sure that you have enough room to the route RIGHT WING: Run an out at 6 yards TACKLES, GUARDS, SNAPPER: Block (do not release downfield)

"FALCON" FAKE PUNT CALLED AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE: If we come out in our spread punt formation and one of the ends is not covered, the personal protector can make a "falcon" call at the line.

PERSONAL PROTECTOR: Sees that an end is uncovered and makes a "Falcon" call; receives the direct snap and throws immediately to uncovered or open receiver PUNTER: Fake the kick LEFT WING: Run a vertical LEFT END: Run a vertical RIGHT END: Run a vertical RIGHT WING: Run a vertical TACKLES, GUARDS, SNAPPER: Block (do not release downfield)

PUNT BLOCK:
Reminders:
1. 2. 3. A partially blocked punt that does not cross the neutral zone is a live ball and can be advanced by either team. On a partially blocked punt or a shanked punt that crosses the neutral zone we will use a "POISON" call. POSION means to find the ball and get away from it. If the ball were to hit a member of the return team after it has crossed the neutral zone it can be recovered by the punting team. Our goal on this team is to block at least one kick a game or force a bad punt.

PUNT BLOCK FUNDAMENTALS: STANCE: D-line use normal stance LB's and DB's use blitz technique Last man on the line of scrimmage looks down to make sure everyone in on side BLOCK: Stay onside. The block point is 2 yards in front of where the punter actually kicks the ball (usually around 8 yards) Attack the block point - keep your eyes on the ball If you are an outside rusher, go across the block point to the opposite side of the kicker If you are a middle rusher, come off to the side of the kicker's foot you rushed from Keep your hands down until the last second (allows you to run faster) - overlap hands - bring up to waist - look at the ball - take the ball off the punter's foot Stay off of the kicker- we can not afford to give the punt team a first down and fifteen yards RETURN: If the block is unsuccessful, work to set up the wall to the field (returner will make the call - "LEFT" or "RIGHT" in the huddle or prior to the punt) Form a wall on the hash - set up about 3 yards apart on the hash and look in to the middle of the field Take the wall to the returner - block above the waist; block with your head in front (put your nose on the front numbers of the man you are blocking; if you can not see the front numbers work upfield to another man) Attack anyone who tries to get between you and the person you are following Do not field punts inside the 10-yard line - do not back up beyond the 10-yardline (if ball is kicked beyond the 10-yard line, fake like you are catching the ball the 10-yard line and run up field) Returner - must catch the ball and get up field

PUNT BLOCK ALIGNMENTS &ASSIGNMENTS:

SAFETY: Align outside; rush to block point (vs. spread punt lock up man to man on the wideout) LOU: Align angle 7 on the TE ; attack the man and cover him (vs. spread align head up on wing; attack the wing and cover him) MEL: Align one yard outside the TE (vs. spread punt line up outside the wing); rush outside to the block point (rushing responsibilities may change based on opponents scheme or weaknesses) TACKLES & ENDS: Rush gaps to the block point ROB: Align angle 7 on the TE ; attack the man and cover him (vs. spread align head up on wing; attack the wing and cover him) MARK: Align one yard outside the TE (vs. spread punt line up outside the wing); rush outside to the block point (rushing responsibilities may change based on opponents scheme or weaknesses) RIGHT CORNER: Align outside; rush to the block point (vs. spread punt lock up man to man on the wideout) LEFT CORNER: Return man; call out the return side - "Right" or "Left" (the side the wall will go to); align 30 yards from the LOS or game planned distance Note: Safeties will take any motion to their side Each week we will have a different "spy" (will drop off the line and check for fake); spy is a D-lineman

PUNT BLOCK ALIGNMENT VS. TIGHT PUNT:

PUNT BLOCK ALIGNMENT VS. SPREAD PUNT:

KICKOFF RETURN:
We will use a directional kickoff return. We huddle on the sideline, get the call, and then line up on the field. Reminders: 1. Once a kickoff travels 10 yards, it is a free ball and belongs to the recovering team. 2. If the receiving team touches the ball before it goes 10 yards, the ball becomes a free ball and belongs to the team that recovers it. 3. If the ball is kicked out of bounds we have the option to take the ball on the 35 yard line or have them kick it again with a 5 yard penalty 4. Block above the waist; block with your head in front (put your nose on the front numbers of the man you are blocking; if you can not see the front numbers work upfield to another man) 5. Front five be alert for an onside kick. Begin your drop after the ball has been kicked over your head. 6. Our goal on this team is for first a score, and our second goal is to bring the ball out past the 35-yard line. KICKOFF RETURN NUMBERING: We will number the kick-off coverage team in order for us to know who is blocking whom. The way that we number from depends on the type of return. We will not count the kicker in our numbering schemes. The following are the numbering schemes: 1. Right Return - we will count right to left, 1-10, excluding the kicker. 2. Left Return - we will count left to right, 1-10, excluding the kicker. 3. Middle Return - the left side of the return team will start from the right and count to the middle, 1-5, excluding the kicker - the right side of the return team will start from the left and count to the middle, 1-5, excluding the kicker

KICKOFF RETURN ALIGNMENTS: TACKLES: 12 yards off the ball 6 yards from the sidelines GUARDS: 12 yards off the ball Split the difference between the center and tackles CENTER: 12 yards off the ball Middle of the field, offset ball to one side or the other ENDS: On the 35-yard line Outside the hash FULLBACKS: On the 25-yard line Inside the hash RETURNERS: Heels on the 10-yard line On the hash

KICKOFF RETURN ASSIGNMENTS:

LEFT TACKLE: LEFT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #3 MIDDLE RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; kick out # 5 RIGHT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block first man to show LEFT GUARD: LEFT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #4 MIDDLE RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; kick out #4 RIGHT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #6 CENTER: LEFT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #5 MIDDLE RETURN - sprint straight back 15 yards ; block #1 (to the side the ball is kicked or double the opponent's best player as game planned) RIGHT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #5 RIGHT GUARD: LEFT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #6 MIDDLE RETURN - sprint back 12 yards; kick out #4 RIGHT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #4 RIGHT TACKLE: LEFT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block first man to show MIDDLE RETURN - sprint back 12 yards; kick out # 5 RIGHT RETURN - sprint back 15 yards; block #3 LEFT END: LEFT RETURN - block #2 (will be a double team) MIDDLE RETURN - kick out #3 RIGHT RETURN - block #2 (will be a double team) RIGHT END: LEFT RETURN - block #2 (will be a double team) MIDDLE RETURN - kick out #3 RIGHT RETURN - block #2 (will be a double team) LEFT FULLBACK: LEFT RETURN - block #1 (will be a double team) MIDDLE RETURN - kick out #2 RIGHT RETURN - block #1 (will be double team) RIGHT FULLBACK: LEFT RETURN - block #1 (will be a double team) MIDDLE RETURN - kick out #2 RIGHT RETURN - block #1 (will be double team) LEFT & RIGHT RETURNER: LEFT/RIGHT RETURN - Carry out reverse steps; come straight up field 5 yards hard and turn to the middle Returner that caught the ball goes in front ( If it is a "RIGHT" return and the right returner catches the ball, the ball will be handed off to the left returner; If it is a "LEFT" return and the right returner catches the ball, the handoff will be faked and the right returner will keep the ball) *NOTE: opposite rules apply to the left returner Both returners must run hard - we must sell the reverse Returner will run to daylight to the return side MIDDLE RETURN - Returner that catches the ball heads straight up the field 5 yards and then breaks hard to the middle of the field looking for a seam Returner without the ball heads straight up the field 5 yards and then breaks hard to the middle of the field leading up the field; looks to block #1 to the side of the kick or first threat The steps should look like the reserve steps but there is no reserve fake

"LEFT" RETURN

K= 40

50

40

30

20

10

"RIGHT" RETURN K= 40

50

40

30

20

10

"MIDDLE" RETURN

K= 40

50

40

30

20

10

HANDS TEAM:

In situations where an onside kick may occur we will substitute in a hands team. Reminders: 1. Once a kickoff travels 10 yards, it is a free ball and belongs to the recovering team. 2. If the receiving team touches the ball before it goes 10 yards, the ball becomes a free ball and belongs to the team that recovers it. 3. Our goal on this team is to recover all onsides. HANDS TEAM ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS: The front row of the hands team should align at the 48-yard line. The second row should align at the 45-yard line. R1 will be aligned at the 20-yard line. R2 will align in the second row to the side of the kicking team with the greater amount of people; if the kick team is balanced then R2 will align in the middle of the field behind the 40yard line. Fall on the loose ball and the rest of the team will cover the teammate that has recovered the ball. In the event the ball is kicked deep, R1 will signal for a fair catch.

K= 40

50

40

30

20

10

KICKOFF COVERAGE:

Reminders: 1. The ball will be kicked from the 40-yard line. 2. Once a kick has traveled 10 yards it is a free ball. A kickoff must go 10 yards before the kicking team can legally touch it. 3. The kicking team can not advance any recovery. Fall on the ball, and make sure that you come with the recovery. 4. If a fair catch signal is made you can not interfere with the returner's opportunity to catch the ball. Break down and be ready for the fumble. 5. A kick-off which goes out of bounds without being touched by the receiving team must be re-kicked with a 5 yard penalty or the receiving can gain possession on the 35-yard line. 6. After a safety we will use the kickoff coverage team. The ball will be placed on the 20-yard line and we have the option to kick or punt. All kickoff rules apply. 7. Our goal on this team is hold our opponents to inside the 30-yard line. KICK OFF COVERAGE FUNDAMENTALS: We will kick from the left hash to the left. Our goal is to hold our opponents inside the -30 yard line. Covering a kick-off is an ALL OUT SPRINT Stay onsides - time your approach so that you are within one yard of the 40 when the ball is kicked Coverage Zones a. Speed Zone: First 25 yards (up to the 35-yard line) avoid blockers If you get out of your lane, work back into it as quickly as possible b. Hard Hat Zone: After sprinting 25 yards (beyond the 35-yard line), take on all blockers Break down 5 yards in front of the returner and make the tackle 6. Stay in your lane - do not get forced too wide apart; never follow the same colored jersey 7. GANG TACKLE!!! One man alone should never make a tackle. Look to strip the football. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS KICKOFF: We will have a stacked look on our kickoffs. The players will align in a stagger with #1 and #9 being the farthest forward (on the 30-yard line). The players will be in a 2-pt stance, facing the kicker. We will kick from the left hash to the left. When the kicker passes you, you should begin your sprint. Time your approach so that you are within one yard of the 40-yard line when the ball is kicked. #1 - 5 yards from the sideline; go directly to the ball #2 - Stack behind #1; contain; sprint straight down the field; keep the ball to your inside shoulder; no one gets outside you #3 - Split the difference between #1 and the near hash; sprint straight downfield; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball #4 - Stack behind #3; sprint downfield halfway between #3 and the hash; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball #5 - Stack behind #6; sprint down the hash; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball #6 - 1 yard outside the goalposts; go directly to the ball #7 - Stack behind #8; sprint down the middle of the field; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball; make sure to keep the ball to your inside shoulder #8 - 1 yard outside the goalposts; sprint straight downfield; stay in lane; squeeze to the ball; make sure to keep the ball to your inside shoulder #9 - Align 5 yards from the far hash; contain; sprint down the hash; be slow to cross the goalposts; keep the ball to your inside shoulder; no one gets outside you #10 - Stack behind #9; safety; sprint to the 40-yard line; settle in the middle of the field; you are safety to the field side K - Kick from the left hash; You MUST kick the ball between the hash and sideline; sprint to the 40-yard line; settle in an area between the hash and sideline; you are safety to the sideline

KICKOFF COVERAGE:

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NOTE: We can change who is in front and who is in back each week in order to create confusion for our opponents. If this occurs, your lanes and responsibilities will remain the same.

ONSIDE KICK:

In the event that we need ball possession we will use a predetermined onside kick. The ball will be placed on the right hash mark and will kick across the field. We will use our kick off personnel for the onside kick team. Reminders: 1. Once a kick has traveled 10 yards it is a free ball. Unless the ball is touched by our opponent first, a kickoff must go 10 yards before the kicking team can legally touch it. 2. The kicking team can not advance any recovery. Fall on the loose ball, and the rest of the team will cover the teammate that has recovered the ball. 3. Members of the onside team cannot block or hit a man on the receiving team ahead of the ball.

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ALIGNMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS: For an onside kick we will line up on the 35-yard line. Fall on the loose ball, and the rest of the team will cover the teammate that has recovered the ball.
LEFT SIDE:

The left side will be made up of numbers 1 -7. The #1 will align two yards from the sideline and #7 will align 2 yards outside the left hash. The rest of the left side will space themselves evenly between #1 and #7. The #1 will have the responsibility to keep the ball in bounds. The remainder of the left side will go for the ball.
RIGHT SIDE:

The right side will made up of numbers 8-10 and the kicker. The kicker will line the ball on the right hash. The kicker will hit the ball on the top stripe of the ball and will aim for a point on the left sideline around the 45-yard line. The #8 will loop behind the kicker as the ball is kicked and sprint to the ball. The #9 will go downfield and be the contain man. The #10 retreat behind the kicking line to the middle of the field; you are the safety.

SURPRISE ONSIDE:
In a surprise onside kick situation, we will take our normal kickoff alignment. The kicker will approach the ball as if he is going to kick the ball deep, but he will onside the ball to the left or a predetermined side based on our opponent.

FRESHMAN and JUNIOR HIGH KICKOFF COVERAGE :

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FRESHMAN and JUNIOR HIGH KICKOFF COVERAGE ALIGNMENTS & ASSIGNMENTS:

#1 - align 3 yards from the sideline; go directly to the ball #2 - align yourself so you and #3 are evenly spaced between #1 & #4; contain; keep the ball to your inside shoulder; no one gets outside you #3 - align yourself so you and #2 are evenly spaced between #1 & #4; run down in your lane; squeeze to the football #4 - align one yard inside the left hash; run down in your lane; squeeze to the football #5 - align 1 yard inside the left goalpost; run down in your lane; squeeze to the football #6 - align 1 yard inside the right goalpost; run down in your lane; squeeze to the football #7 - align one yard inside the right hash; run down the hash; squeeze to the football #8 - align so you and #9 are evenly spaced between #7 & #10; run down in your lane; squeeze to the football #9 - align so you and #10 are evenly spaced between #7 & #10; contain; keep the ball to your inside shoulder; no one gets outside you #10 - align 3 yards from the sideline; go directly to the ball K - kick from the middle to the middle; you are the safety; run down field to the 50-yard line; settle in the middle field