Kicking Game Tid Bits

The following information are separate PDF files on all aspects of the kicking game

Matthew Willard

Kicking Game Assignments:

HC- Coordinates the PAT/FG team and coaches snappers and the RB coach does holders. Employs the OL coach for the TE, T, G positions. The WR coach is in charge of the wings.

WR Coach- Coordinates the KOR team and coaches the nine man-blockers. The RB Coach is in charge of the Returners. The OL coach takes the OL for this period as we do not use them on this team.

RB Coach- Coordinates the punt team and is in charge of the line and the shield. The HC is in charge of snappers and punters. The WR coach is in charge of gunners. The OL coach has the OL for this period as well.

DC- Coordinates the Punt Return Team and is in charge of the LB's. The DL Coach takes the front 6, and the DB coach takes the corners and the returner.

DL Coach- Coordinates the KO team and is in charge of the lane runners. The DB coach has the gunners, and the DC has the contain.

DB Coach- Coordinates the PAT/FG Block team and is in charge of the secondary. The DL coach is in charge of the front, and the DC coaches the outside 3 blockers.

We spend 10 minutes on Monday coaching the individual positions; snappers, holders, returners, man-blockers, PAT line, etc. Then we use 20 minutes to go over scheme for the week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays we spend 25 minutes each day running these teams. We will run the Varsity vs the JV during these sessions, using both our own schemes and the opponent's schemes.

On Thursdays we use the "Play the Game" format, making certain the personnel gets on and off the field efficiently, and executes with relentless effort.

The expectations for the kicking game are for our coaches to implement schemes that are sound and that we can coach efficiently. Overly complex schemes lead to confused players, which makes them slow players. Each special team must do one or two things well (execute the regular function, and/or one exotic return or fake). The players are expected to give that relentless effort each rep, and each play. We go by the saying, "do it right, do it light." Or basically, if we give a great effort on reps in practice, we do less reps.

Generally we do not use offensive linemen on any special team other than PAT/FG. On cover teams (punt, KO) we use mostly defensive players (tacklers...). On Return teams we use mostly receivers and running backs for all positions (blocking skills...).