Establishing The Kick-Off Return Team

We use 2 types of returns. Both are assignment based.

We have a sideline return which accounts for 7 of the 11 cover men. We double team 2 of the cover men. We do not assign anyone to the last 3 men on the side opposite of the return, or the kicker. We have 5 front line men, and then 3 rows of 2 men. The back 2 are the returners. Whichever of the 2 returners does not catch the ball, leads the other returner up the sideline, picking up the first unblocked defender. This has been very effective for us over the past 5 years, as we have averaged 30-35 yards per return over this time.

We also have a middle return, where we have blockers cross and block cover men on the opposite side of the field. This has created some big plays for us also.

If anyone would like the rules, or more details, just let me know.

Coach Teeter

Coach if you have a fax number I will be glad to fax you some examples. By the way are you a wildcat from chico state? Coach CAmpbell

coach campbell you can fax your returns to the following number 636-583-6156. I from Union, MO.
Thanks for your Help Bob Anders

Here is what we do. It is fairly simple but very effective. I am sure we arent the only place out there doing this.

We run a cross block middle return.

Here are the assignments as looking at it from the back, I wil number them from the left

Front Line (5) players
1. blocks the second man from the middle guy. In other words the 4th guy from the far sidelin
2. blocks the first man from the middle guy, 5th guy from sideline
3. blocks the safety valve.
4. same as 2
5. same as 1

These guys angle back diagonally in respect to the field to a depth of 10-15 yards, whichever depth will allow them to make the block on their man. The outside players cross which usually means they get a block on a guy that doesnt see him coming, therefore there is often times a huge hole in the middle of the field.

Wall (4) players
Each of these guys retreats on the kick and sets up a wall 5-7 yards in front of the return man as he catches the ball. Once the ball is caught the return man will yell GO, and they will head up field, close together as a wall. They will drift with the kick and always set up directly in front of the return man

Return Men (2) players
One left, and one right. The guy who catches the ball yells GO, and trucks for the end zone. The guy who doesnt catch the ball will either fill in at the end of the wall or he will lead the back through the hole 3-4 yards in front of him.

This is the only return we run and it is usually good for a few returns a year. My senior year in 98 we ran back 4 in 12 games, and we didnt get kicked to much.

Coaching Points

Get the front line to hustle back and pick a good angle to block their man. We usually like to pick DE type of players who can lay a lick and run fairly decent. Also the man who blocks the safety valve retreates straight back. Dont let him come forward too fast otherwise he will need to block the safety valve for 5 seconds. Get him to go up as the wall heads up. Basically he is the spear of the wall 15 yards ahead of them.

Wall players. This is full speed time. Take anyone out who messes with the wall. Also get them close together. No one gets through without a crushing hit.

Return men stay behind the wall and go straigth upfield. Dont dance to the outside.

Sometimes it comes down to the ball carrier the safety blocker and the safety valve. If it gets to this make the return man help the blocker. Use some moves to help your man make the final block.

If it all goes well you should be celebrating a 6.