OFF BACK KICKOUT SCHEME ON KICKOFF

We use a kickout scheme in our Kickoff return. We align with 5-2-2-2 and number the KO team L1 to L5 on the left side of the kicker and R1 to R5 on the right side of the kicker. Most teams will kick from the middle of the field. Let's assume we will run return trap left.

The asignments are as follows:
LT - drop back 10-15 get shoulder to shoulder with the upback behind you and wall in L3
LG - Drop back, spy L2 and keep him to your inside.
C - Drop back, spy R1 and keep him on his side of the ball
RG - drop back, spy R2 and keep him on his side of the ball
RT - drop back, spy R3 and keep him on his side of the ball

1st row of upbacks:

Left upback - drops back, waits for tackle gets hip to hip and drives L3 inside
Right upback - Crosses field and traps L4

2nd row of up backs:

Left upback - drops back, gathers up with the remaining up backs, starts upfield and kicks out L5
Right upback - drops back, gathers up with the remaining upbacks, starts upfield and turns out L1

Receiving backs:

One who doesn't field the ball: gathers up with remaining backs, starts upfield yells break and leads the ball carrier in the void between L3 and L4 which is just outside the hash. He has most dangerous man.

ball carrier: receive the ball, sell the middle return and break for the void and follow the block of your lead back.

This return has worked well for us with an average starting point of the 40 yard line. The problem you get is that people refuse to kick to you. They will squib it. which still gives us decent field position.

The hardest thing to do is figure out how deep folks will kick the ball week after week so you can adjust the depth of the backs. The second hardest thing to coach is getting the backs to run in the void. They always want to break it to the sideline. The play is designed to go just outside the hash. If the sell the middle return to suck the defenders in and then break it up the hash area, you can get some big gains.

Good Luck!