overload kickoffs

We use a man blocking scheme based on counting the kickoff team. It does not matter if they overload. In fact, I would call the return to the side of the overload, since you know that the ball will be kicked there, and your returner will easily make it to the return side. I kind of prefer to return against an overload.

We align with 5 men on the front line, (calling them LT, LG, C, RG, RT). They should be 12 yards off the ball.

We have 2 men aligned 13 yds behind them, between the LT/LG, and RG/RT, (they are the LE and RE).

We have 2 more men 15-20 yards behind them, aligned on the hash, (L Upback & R Upback).

The 2 returners are at the depth we have scouted aligned on the hash.

If we are returning to the right against the following overload we use the following rules:

Kickoff team, (numbered 1-5 from the left and right, not counting kicker).

L1 L2 L3 K L4 L5 R5 R4 R3 R2 R1

RG & RT drop 15-20 yds and double team R3.

C sprints to cross face of R5 and blocks him toward the middle.

LG sprints to cross face of L5 and blocks him toward middle

LT sprints to cross face of L4 and blocks him toward middle

RE drops behind double team by RG/RT and drives R4 toward middle.

LE sprints across the field and blocks their contain man out, (we'll say R1).

L Upback & R Upback double team the coverage team's right side flyer, (we'll say R2).

Returner that does not catch the ball ensures a safe catch, then leads the returner up the right side, on the path he would take if he was returning. He blocks the first dangerous man. He should be no more than 3-4 yards in front of the returner.

Good luck!!!

If you email me, I can send you a diagram.
dteeter@swsd.k12.wa.us