KICK OFF
RETURN
MENLO COLLEGE
FRED GUIDICI
HEAD COACH
&
SPECIAL TEAMS
COORDINATOR
650-543-3763
fguidici@menlo.edu
“LET’S GET IT STARTED!”
KICK OFF RETURN IS A
STATEMENT PLAY
•
STARTS GAME –
DID WE COME TO PLAY?
•
STARTS 2ND HALF –
DID WE COME TO WIN?
•
FOLLOWING OUR SCORE –
CAN WE TURN GOOD INTO BETTER?
EXPECTATIONS
•35 YARD LINE AVERAGE
START
•25 YARD AVERAGE PER
RETURN (PER GAME)
•SCORE TOUCHDOWNS
•100% SUCCESS ON
GADGETS
•100% ON-SIDE KICK
RECOVERY
•NO TURNOVERS
NO PENALTIES!!!!
KICK-OFF RETURN
GENERAL INFORMATION
WE WILL HAVE BASIC ASSIGNMENTS FOR EACH RETURN, AND
THESE ASSIGNMENTS CAN BE ADJUSTED EACH WEEK, IF
NECESSARY, IN ORDER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE
COVERAGE PATTERNS BEING USED BY OUR OPPONENT. WE
WILL ALSO MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS, WHEN WARRANTED, TO
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPONENT’S PERSONNEL
WEAKNESS.
IT IS ESSENTIAL WE:
• FIELD ALL KICK-OFFS IN THE AIR
• OUR ENDS, WEDGESETTER & FULLBACKS OTHER THAN
THE DEEP MAN MUST BE PREPARED TO FIELD SHORT
KICKS.
RULES AND PROCEDURES
1. OBJECTIVES:
GAIN GOOD FIELD POSITION (35-40 yard line)
SCORE
HOLD ON TO THE BALL AT ALL COST!
NO PENALTIES!
LET’S GET IT STARTED IN OUR FAVOR WITH
HARD HITTING, INTIMIDATION AND GREAT
RETURNS!
2. FRONT LINE PLAYERS:
•DO NOT ALIGN DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE BALL.(OFF SET).
•DO NOT LEAVE UNTIL THE BALL IS KICKED. USE YOUR EYES
•ALWAYS ASSUME ON-SIDE KICK IS COMING.
3. IT IS A FREE BALL AFTER GOING 10 YARDS OR TOUCHING
ANYONE ON THE RETURN TEAM. DOWN IT OR RETURN IT,
UNLESS YOU ARE SURE IT IS GOING OUT OF BOUNDS
(GUARD THE BALL).
4. BE DETERMINED THAT YOU ARE GOING TO
SUCCESSFULLY CARRY OUT ASSIGNMENT. TAKE
PERSONAL PRIDE. KNOW THAT HE WILL NOT MAKE THE
PLAY.
5. ALL BLOCKS MUST BE ABOVE THE WAIST AND IN
FRONT OF THE BODY.
6. DO NOT CHASE YOUR MAN, LET HIM COME TO YOU.
7. FAIR CATCH RULES APPLY FOR ANY MEMBER OF THE
RETURN TEAM.
8. WE WANT TO BE DEEP ENOUGH TO CATCH BALLS IN
FRONT OF OUR BODY, NOT OVER THE SHOULDER.
9. THE RETURN TEAM MUST PROTECT ALL BALLS IN THE
FIELD OF PLAY AND THE END ZONE.
10. PLAY SMART, NOT EMOTIONAL OR LAZY
BECAUSE…………….
DUMB PENALTIES KILL GREAT FIELD POSITION!
BLOCKING INFORMATION
BALL READS:
PRE-SNAP READ
READ THE DIRECTION OF THE LACES AND THE ANGLE OF THE BALL
WHEN “ON” THE TEE. THIS GIVES AN IDEA OF DIRECTION. READ THE
BALL CLOSE TO YOU OR AWAY FROM YOU.
KICK READ
ROTATION: READ THE BALL AS YOU WATCH IT OFF THE TEE FOR
ROTATION. THE FASTER THE SPIN, THE SHORTER THE KICK. THE
SLOWER THE SPIN, THE LONGER THE KICK. THIS READ WILL GIVE
AN IDEA OF THE DISTANCE.
RETURN READ
TAKE A PEAK AT THE RETURNER WHO’S ELBOWS ARE TUCKED FOR
HE IS THE RECEIVER OF THE KICK. ALSO THE WEDGESETTER FOR
TRUE DIRECTION AND DISTANCE.
BLOCKING TECHNIQUES: “ELBOWS AND ASSHOLES”
FRONTLINE
•
•
•
•
CROSS OVER AND RUN TO ZONE WITH CORRECT DROP
ANGLE.
LOOK UP THE WEDGESETTER TO INSURE THE RETURN.
KEEP HEAD ON A SWIVEL KEYING YOUR MAN AND DROP
ZONE.
SWIVEL YOUR SHOULDERS AND HEAD SQUARE TO THE
ALLEY TO ESTABLISH GOOD LEVERAGE ON YOUR
ASSIGNED MAN . (MAN, TURNBACK, FINESSE EARHOLE OR
CROSSING BLOCK TECHNIQUES)
READ YOUR MAN’S COVERAGE, ATTACK YOUR MAN WHEN:
…YOU REACH THE 30-25 YARD LINE.
…YOU ARE 5 TO 10 YARD FROM THE WEDGE
…YOUR MAN COMES TO BALANCE
…YOUR MAN CHANGES DIRECTION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
FOCUS ON THE MAN’S FEET. GET “65-35” TO THE ALLEY SIDE.
START TO ATTACK AND SQUEEZE WHEN YOUR ASSIGNED MAN
GETS WITHIN 5 YARDS FROM YOU (UNLESS HE COMES TO
BALANCE OR CHANGES DIRECTION). ATTACK HIM BY USING
YOUR KNIFE TECHNIQUE WITH POSITIVE SHIN ANGLES (PSA).
JACK HIM UP FROM LOW TO HIGH WITH A 45-DEGREE TILT.
POUND THE KNEES TO THE GROUND AND REDIRECT HIM AWAY.
DON’T STOP YOUR FEET!
IF YOU ARE LATE ON YOUR MAN OR HE IS TOO FAST; USE YOUR
FINESSE EARHOLE TECHNIQUE LEANING ON HIM AND RIDE HIM
PAST THE RETURNER.
KEEP YOUR HEAD ON THE ALLEY SIDE AND MAINTAIN “65-35”
LEVERAGE
NEVER LET THE COVER MAN CROSS YOUR FACE! MAKE HIM
GO JUST ONE WAY – AWAY FROM THE SIDE OF THE RETURN.
FINISH!! IF YOU LOSE YOUR MAN, GET UP THE ALLEY AND
BLOCK THE FIRST MAN YOU SEE.
WE WANT TO SEE THEIR “ELBOWS AND ASSHOLES”
BACKLINE
WEDGE PLAYERS (THE DEAD BUG SOCIETY)
THE WEDGE WILL STAY TOGETHER AND RUN THRU ANYTHING IN
ITS’ WAY. EACH MAN IN THE WEDGE WILL BE ASSIGNED A MAN TO
BLOCK.
NOBODY SPLITS THE WEDGE!
•
•
•
•
•
THE WEDGESETTER (WS) WILL SET THE WEDGE 8 YARDS FROM
THE FRONT OF THE RETURNER. (NEVER CROSS THE 5-YARD
LINE, WHEN THE BALL IS KICKED INTO THE END ZONE.)
IF BALL IS KICKED OUTSIDE THE NUMBERS, WEDGE WILL BE
SET NO WIDER THAN THE NUMBERS.
ENDS WILL BE ON EACH SIDE OF THE WEDGESETTER AND THE
FULLBACK. THEY WILL FORM A TIGHT WEDGE WITH NO
DAYLIGHT IN BETWEEN.
EVERYONE EXCEPT WEDGESETTER SHOULD BE FACING THE
OPPOSING TEAM EVEN BEFORE THE WEDGE IS SET IN MOTION.
THE WEDGESETTER WILL GIVE A “GO, GO” CALL TO START THE
WEDGE FORWARD. BLOCK YOUR ASSIGNED MAN OR MDM.
ANYONE THAT ATTEMPTS TO BREAK OUR WEDGE WILL GET
SMASHED LIKE A BUG!
RETURNERS
THE DEEP MEN (DM) WILL BE THE DESIGNATED RETURNER. THE
WEDGE MEN MAY HANDLE A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF KICKS (SHORT
KICKS, SQUIBS, LINE DRIVES AND POOCHES)
•
CATCH THE BALL WITH MOMENTUM HEADING UP THE FIELD
WITH YOUR WEIGHT GOING FORWARD. “TIME THE CATCH”
PRACTICE SOUND FUNDAMENTALS WHEN HANDLING EACH BALL:
1. LOOK THE BALL INTO YOUR HANDS.
2. TUCK IT AWAY TIGHT USING THE FOLLOWING 4 POINTS OF
PRESSURE:
1. GET INTO THE HABIT OF KEEPING A TIGHT “V”GRIP ON THE
NOSE OF THE BALL WITH YOUR FINGERS AND HANDS.
2. PUT PRESSURE ON THE REAR OF THE BALL WITH YOUR
BICEP.
3. PUT PRESSURE ON THE SIDE OF THE BALL WITH YOUR
FOREARM.
4. KEEP BALL TIGHT AGAINST YOUR BODY.
5. WHEN CONTACT IS ANTICIPATED TUCK THE BALL UP.
•
KNOW THE RETURN COMMUNICATION FIELD ZONES AS TO
WHICH RETURNER HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY TO FIELD AND
RETURN THE KICK. HE WILL MAKE A “ME, ME, ME” CALL OR A
“YOU, YOU, YOU” CALL TO THE OTHER DEEP MAN.
•
BE AWARE OF WHERE THE BALL IS BEING KICKED (HASH OR
MIDDLE). WATCH THE KICKERS ANGLE TO ANTICIPATE A
CORNER KICK. (BALL READS)
•
ANY KICK THAT GOES DEEP INTO THE ENDZONE REQUIRES
GOOD JUDGEMENT AS TO WHETHER TO RUN IT OUT OR NOT.
THE DEEP MAN NOT RETURNING THE BALL WILL GIVE A
“STAY”OR “GO” CALL. NO BALL IS TO BE RETURNED DEEPER
THAN 3 YARDS.
•
A BALL THAT IS ANGLING OUT OF BOUNDS SHOULD NOT BE
FIELDED.
(GUARD THE BALL UNTIL IT GOES OUT OF THE FIELD OF PLAY)
NON RETURN MAN
•
MUST ECHO THE CALL BACK TO THE RETURNER
•
INSURE THE RETURNER CATCHES THE BALL CLEANLY.
•
A BALL THAT IS ANGLING OUT OF B OUNDS SHOULD NOT BE
FIELDED. ( GUARD THE BALL UNTIL IT GOES OUT OF BOUNDS)
•
ALIGN YOURSELF 1 X 1 OFF THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE WEDGE.
•
THE WEDGE WILL NOT WAIT FOR YOU TO GET INTO POSITION.
THIS MAY OCCUR BECAUSE THE RETURNER DID NOT CATCH
THE BALL CLEANLY.
•
BLOCK ANYONE WHO THREATENS THE WEDGE. THIS MAY BE
ANYONE WHO SLIPPED OFF THE FRONTLINE BLOCKER OR ANY
EDGE PLAYER #9 OR #10.
•
IF NO THREAT TO THE WEDGE, THEN WORK YOUR WAY
UPFIELD AND BLOCK MDM, THE BACK SIDE SAFETY OR KICKER.
THE NON RETURN MAN MUST BE A BLOCKER.
IF HE DOESN’T BLOCK , HE WILL NOT BE A DEEP MAN!
RULES OF DOWNING A BALL
1. ANY MUFFED (BALL NOT FIELD CLEANLY) KICK-OFF THAT GOES
INTO THE ENDZONE MUST BE COVERED AND DOWNED BY THE
RETURN TEAM. IF THE OPPONENT RECOVERS IT IN THE END
ZONE, IT WILL BE A TOUCHDOWN.
2. BOUNCING KICK-OFF THAT RICOCHETS OFF YOU, OR ONE OF
OUR PLAYERS INTO THE ENDZONE CAN BE DOWNED THERE
FOR A TOUCHBACK
3. IF YOU BRING THE BALL OUT OF THE ENDZONE INTO THE FIELD,
YOU CANNOT GO BACK AND DOWN IT FOR A TOUCHBACK. A
SAFETY WILL RESULT.
4. WHEN WE CATCH THE BALL IN THE FIELD OF PLAY AND OUR
MOMENTUM CARRIES US INTO THE ENDZONE, WE HAVE TO
RETURN IT OR ELSE IT WILL BE MARKED AT THE SPOT OF THE
CATCH.
THREAD THE NEEDLE……….SCORE
LET’S GET IT STARTED!
RULES OF DOWNING A BALL
1.
ANY MUFFED (BALL NOT FIELD CLEANLY) KICK-OFF THAT GOES
INTO THE ENDZONE MUST BE COVERED AND DOWNED BY THE
RETURN TEAM. IF THE OPPONENT RECOVERS IT IN THE END
ZONE, IT WILL BE A TOUCHDOWN.
2.
BOUNCING KICK-OFF THAT RICOCHETS OFF YOU, OR ONE OF
OUR PLAYERS INTO THE ENDZONE CAN BE DOWNED THERE
FOR A TOUCHBACK
3.
IF YOU BRING THE BALL OUT OF THE ENDZONE INTO THE FIELD,
YOU CANNOT GO BACK AND DOWN IT FOR A TOUCHBACK. A
SAFETY WILL RESULT.
4.
WHEN WE CATCH THE BALL IN THE FIELD OF PLAY AND OUR
MOMENTUM CARRIES US INTO THE ENDZONE, WE HAVE TO
RETURN IT OR ELSE IT WILL BE MARKED AT THE SPOT OF THE
CATCH.
THREAD THE NEEDLE……….SCORE
LET’S GET IT STARTED!
KICKER SET UP = ANTICIPATE DIRECTION
RIGHT APPROACH
IF THE KICKER IS ON TOP OF THE BALL.
IT WILL PROBALY GO TO OUR RIGHT
ALSO READ THE LACES OF THE BALL FOR INDICATION
ADJUST OUR ALIGNMENT
K
X
LEFT APPROACH
IF THE KICKER IS OFF SET FAR TO OUR RIGHT.
IT WILL PROBABLY GO TO OUR LEFT
ALSO READ THE LACES OF THE BALL FOR INDICATION
ADJUST OUR ALIGNMENT
K
X
FRONT LINE BLOCKING ASSIGNMENTS
AREA ASSIGNMENT
WE WILL USE THIS AS OUR STARTING POINT ON KOR.
TAKE ORIGINAL COUNT AND ADJUST IT TO WHERE THEY SHOW UP
RULE: "IF YOU SEE AN ASS, LOOK FOR A FACE, DON'T CHASE"
COUNT LEFT TO RIGHT WHEN USING A LEFT OR MIDDLE RETURN
K
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
6
5
6
8
7
7
8
9
9
10
10
LOCK ASSIGNMENT
STAY WITH YOUR MAN BY TAKEOFF.
YOU WILL BLOCK YOUR MAN WHEREVER HE ENDS UP.
LOCK ONTO HIM
COUNT LEFT TO RIGHT WHEN USING A LEFT OR MIDDLE RETURN
K
1
2
2
3
1
4
4
3
5
6
5
6
8
7
8
7
9
10
10
9
KICK OFF RETURN BLOCKS
FRONTLINE
MAN
OBJECTIVE: FRONTLINE BLOCKERS RELEASE TO AN ASSIGNED MAN.
LANDMARK: 25-YARD LINE
AIMING POINT: NEAR SIDE PEC – 65-35
STANCE: 45-DEGREE ANGLE FACING KICKER, HEAD & EYES UP WITH
HANDS OPEN
TECHNIQUE:
•FIND YOUR MAN AND ALIGN WITH LEVERAGE ON HIM.
•SNAP BELLY BUTTON AND RUN.
•SPRINT ON A LATERAL RUN BY OPENING YOUR HIPS.
•SNEAK A PEAK AT YOUR MAN AT 5 OR 6 YARDS.
•GET YOUR EYES ON HIS BELT TO THE NEAR HIP TO HIS FEET.
•STAY BETWEEN YOUR MAN AND THE BALL.
•GET A 65-35 RELATIONSHIP TO THE SIDE OF THE RETURN.
•ALWAYS JAB YOUR UPFIELD FOOT FIRST.
•SHOOT YOUR HANDS DOWN THE MIDDLE AND LOOK THE BLOCK IN.
•KEEP A 45-DEGREE TILT.
•EYES ON HIS THROAT, IF HE ELVATES – FINISH HIM!
•POUND YOUR KNEES ON CONTACT WITH A GOOD WIDE BASE (PSA),
NEVER CROSS OVER YOUR FEET.
•KNOCK HIM ON THE ANGLE HE’S ON.
•STICK TO HIM LIKE GLUE.
•NEVER CATCH THE COVER MAN, ALWAYS DELIVER THE FIRST BLOW!
•IF THE COVER MAN IS FASTER, HE WILL CLOSE THE DISTANCE FASTER
AND THEREFORE THE BLOCK WILL BE MAY OCCUR A LITTLE SOONER
AND FARTHER UPFIELD. THIS MEANS THE BLOCK WILL BE REQUIRED
TO LAST LONGER OR YOU MAY USE A “FINESSE EARHOLE BLOCK”.
•NEVER LET THE COVER MAN CROSS YOUR FACE! MAKE THE COVER
MAN GO JUST ONE WAY – AWAY FROM THE SIDE OF THE RETURN.
•WHEN HE TRIES TO BREAK ACROSS YOUR FACE. SHOOT AND LOCK OUT
YOUR PLAYSIDE ARM, SNAP YOUR EYES TO HIS FEET AND “SCRAPE
PAINT” USING YOUR INSIDE ARM WITH A TIGHT ELBOW AND HAND OPEN.
HOLD HIS PRESSURE WITH YOUR HEAD ACROSS.
•MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN POSITION. DO NOT TOUCH ANY PART OF HIS
BACK. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY “CLIP”, PULL OFF. SIMPLY GET IN
POSITION AND….FINISH HIM.
TURN BACK
OBJECTIVE: BACKSIDE TACKLE BLOCKING THE FARSIDE THREAT #9 OR #10.
LANDMARK: BETWEEN THE HASHES
AIMING POINT: NEAR SIDE PEC – 65-35:
STANCE: 45-DEGREE ANGLE FACING KICKER, HEAD & EYES UP WITH HANDS
OPEN
TECHNIQUE:
•
FIND YOUR MEN AND ALIGN WITH LEVERAGE ON THEM.
•
SNAP BELLY BUTTON AND RUN.
•
SPRINT ON A LATERAL RUN BY OPENING YOUR HIPS.
•
GET BETWEEN THE HASHES TO THE 25-YARD LINE.
•
SIDE PLANT, TURN & RUN. SNAP EYES & HIPS.
•
BLOCK MDM #9 OR #10 THAT THREATENS RETURNER
•
RE-ADJUST 65-35 ON THE COVERMAN.
•
ALWAYS JAB YOUR UPFIELD FOOT FIRST.
•
SHOOT YOUR HANDS DOWN THE MIDDLE AND LOOK THE BLOCK IN.
•
KEEP A 45-DEGREE TILT.
•
EYES ON HIS THROAT, IF HE ELVATES – FINISH HIM!
•
POUND YOUR KNEES ON CONTACT WITH A GOOD WIDE BASE (PSA),
NEVER CROSS OVER YOUR FEET.
•
KNOCK HIM ON THE ANGLE HE’S ON.
•
STICK TO HIM LIKE GLUE.
•
NEVER CATCH THE COVER MAN, ALWAYS DELIVER THE FIRST BLOW!
•
IF THE COVER MAN IS FASTER, HE WILL CLOSE THE DISTANCE FASTER
AND THEREFORE THE BLOCK WILL BE MAY OCCUR A LITTLE SOONER
AND FARTHER UPFIELD. THIS MEANS THE BLOCK WILL BE REQUIRED
TO LAST LONGER OR YOU MAY USE A “FINESSE EARHOLE BLOCK”.
•
NEVER LET THE COVER MAN CROSS YOUR FACE! MAKE THE COVER MAN
GO JUST ONE WAY – AWAY FROM THE SIDE OF THE RETURN.
•
WHEN HE TRIES TO BREAK ACROSS YOUR FACE. SHOOT AND LOCK OUT
YOUR PLAYSIDE ARM, SNAP YOUR EYES TO HIS FEET AND “SCRAPE
PAINT” USING YOUR INSIDE ARM WITH A TIGHT ELBOW AND HAND OPEN.
HOLD HIS PRESSURE WITH YOUR HEAD ACROSS.
•
MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN POSITION. DO NOT TOUCH ANY PART OF HIS
BACK. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY “CLIP”, PULL OFF. SIMPLY GET IN POSITION
AND….FINISH HIM.
KICK OFF RETURN BLOCKS
FRONTLINE
8
"WALL"
"CROSS"
"SCRAPE PAINT"
RT
LT
LT
4
7
DM
"ROCK"
"SCREEN OUT"
MDM
LG
4
LT
DM
10 or 9
6
7
"TURN BACK"
T
"MAN"
LG
"FINESSE"
RG
KICK OFF RETURN BLOCKS
BACK LINE
"THE DEAD BUG SOCIETY"
THE BACK LINE WEDGE WILL BE SET BY THE WEDGESETTER (WS). HE WILL BE
JOINED BY THE BACKSIDE END AT HIS SIDE LOCKING ARMS. THEY WILL FORM A
TIGHT WEDGE WITH NO DAYLIGHT BETWEEN THEM. THE WEDGE WILL BE SET 7
TO 8 YARDS FROM THE DEEP MAN THAT FIELDS THE BALL. EVERYONE EXCEPT
THE FULLBACK SHOULD BE FACING THE KICKOFF COVERAGE TEAM BEFORE THE
WEDGE IS SET IN MOTION. THE FULLBACK WILL GIVE A "GO, GO" OR A "RED /
YELLOW" (DEPENDING IF WE ARE GOING TO RIGHT OR LEFT) CALL TO START
THE WEDGE FORWARD. THE WEDGE WILL STAY TOGETHER AND RUN THROUGH
ANYTHING IN ITS' WAY.
NEVER TURN BACK TO BLOCK SOMEONE, ALWAYS GO FORWARD.
NOBODY SPLITS THE WEDGE!
* DIFFERENT RETURNS MAY CALL FOR WEDGE PLAYERS TO BLOCK
ASSIGNED NUMBERS INDIVIDUALLY OR WITH A WEDGE DOUBLE.
ANYONE WHO ATTEMPTS TO BREAK OUR WEDGE,
WILL GET SMASHED LIKE A BUG!
SETTING THE WEDGE
LEFT / RIGHT
1. MIDDLE OF THE FIELD.
a. AIMING POINT IS BETWEEN THE HASH AND THE NUMBERS
1
1
RE
LE
WS
WS
2 MAN WEDGE
LEFT RETURN
DM
DM
2 MAN WEDGE
RIGHT RETURN
2. OUTSIDE THE NUMBERS.
a. AIMING POINT IS THE NUMBERS
1
1
LE WS
WS RE
DM
DM
2 MAN WEDGE
LEFT RETURN
2 MAN WEDGE
RIGHT RETURN
3. INTO THE ENDZONE.
a. WEDGE GO NO DEEPER THEN THE 5-YARD LINE
1
1
WS RE
LE WS
2 MAN WEDGE
LEFT RETURN
2 MAN WEDGE
RIGHT RETURN
DM
DM
4. THE FAR HASH.
a. AIMING POINT IS THE HASH TO THE CALL SIDE
2
RE
2
2 MAN WEDGE
LEFT RETURN
LE
WS
DM
WS
DM
2 MAN WEDGE
RIGHT RETURN
5. PAST THE OPPOSITE NUMBERS.
CONVERT TO OPPOSITE SIDE (EX. RT RET, CONVERT LT)
a. AIMING POINT IS THE NUMBERS.
b. RETURN UP THE NEAR SIDELINE.
c. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RETURN ACROSS THE FIELD.
LE WS
WS RE
2 MAN WEDGE
LEFT RETURN
CONVERT RIGHT
DM
2 MAN WEDGE
RIGHT RETURN
CONVERT LEFT
DM
KICK OFF RETURN BLOCKS
BACKLINE
NON RETURN MAN
OBJECTIVE: TO PUT THE BLOCKERS BODY BETWEEN THE RETURNER AND
THE MOST DANGEROUS COVERAGE MAN, SAFETY OR KICKER.
AIMING POINT: ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE COVERAGE MAN.
TECHNIQUE:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
GET 3 X 1 YARD TO THE INSIDE EDGE OF THE BACKSIDE.
EYES AT BALL LEVEL, LOOKING FOR MDM.
GET BETWEEN THE RETURNER AND DEFENDER.
DIP AND RIP THRU THE CROTCH OF THE DEFENDER.
USE YOUR HEAD & NECK TO SQUEEZE WHILE KEEPING
YOUR HEAD UP.
VS SAFETY OR KICKER:
1. SHIMMY AND COME TO BALANCE,
2. GET 65-35 TO THE RETURN SIDE.
3. THROW THE KNIVES AND POUND THE KNEES,
4. KEEP YOUR EYES ON HIS THROAT.
SAFETY OR KICKER
MDM
RE 3x1
FB
DM
RE
FB
3x1
DM
DM
DM
PRE-KICK RETURN ALIGNMENT
“TRIANGLE”
FORMATION
LEFT/RIGHT TACKLE:
ALIGNMENT: TOP FOOT ON THE 41 YARD LINE
FACING KICKER IN A SHORTSTOP POSITION.
BALL IN MIDDLE: SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
THE HASH AND THE SIDELINE.
BALL KICKED ON NEAR HASH: 1 YARD OUTSIDE OF
#’s BALL KICKED ON FAR HASH: 2 YARDS INSIDE OF #’s
LEFT/RIGHT GUARD:
ALIGNMENT: TOP FOOT ON THE 41 YARD LINE FACING
KICKER IN A SHORTSTOP POSITION.
BALL IN MIDDLE: 1 ½ YARDS INSIDE OF THE HASH
BALL KICKED ON NEAR HASH: 1 YARD OUTSIDE OF
HASH BALL KICKED ON FAR HASH: 2 YARD INSIDE OF
HASH
LEFT/RIGHT UPBACK:
ALIGNMENT: TOP FOOT ON THE -46 TO 50 YARD LINE
FACING KICKER IN A SHORTSTOP POSITION.
BALL IN MIDDLE: SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
THE GUARD AND THE TACKLE.
BALL KICKED ON NEAR HASH: SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE GUARD AND THE TACKLE.
BALL KICKED ON FAR HASH: SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE GUARD AND THE TACKLE.
LEFT/RIGHT END:
ALIGNMENT: BOTTOM FOOT ON THE 35 YARD LINE
FACING KICKER IN A SHORTSTOP POSITION.
BALL IN MIDDLE: SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
THE GUARD AND THE TACKLE.
BALL KICKED ON NEAR HASH: SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE GUARD AND THE TACKLE.
BALL KICKED ON FAR HASH: SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE GUARD AND THE TACKLE.
WEDGE SETTER:
ALIGNMENT: BACK FEET ON THE 25 TO 30 YARD LINE.
(ADJUST TO KICKER)
BALL IN MIDDLE: HEAD UP ON THE BALL.
BALL KICKED ON HASH: SLIGHTLY INSIDE OF THE
GUARD TO THE BALL SIDE.
DEEP MEN:
ALIGNMENT: HASH MARKS WITH BACK FEET ON THE
5 TO 10 YARD LINE (ADJUST TO KICKER)
BALL KICKED ON HASH: ADJUST SLIGHTLY OVER
TOWARDS BALL PLACEMENT.
RETURN ALIGNMENT
“TRIANGLE”
FROM THE MIDDLE
COUNT RIGHT TO LEFT WHEN USING A RIGHT OR ON-SIDES RETURN
K
10
9
8
7
6
5
3
4
2
1
9
10
COUNT LEFT TO RIGHT WHEN USING A LEFT OR MIDDLE RETURN
K
1
2
4
3
LT
5
6
7
8
RG
LG
RT
RUB
LUB
LE
RE
WS
DM
DM
41 YD LN
RETURN ALIGNMENT
“TRIANGLE”
FROM THE RIGHT HASH
COUNT RIGHT TO LEFT WHEN USING A RIGHT OR ON-SIDES RETURN
K
10
9
8
7
6
4
5
2
3
1
COUNT LEFT TO RIGHT WHEN USING A LEFT OR MIDDLE RETURN
1
2
41 YD LN
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
RG
LG
LT
K
RT
LUB
RUB
LE
RE
WS
DM
DM
10
RETURN ALIGNMENT
“TRIANGLE”
FROM THE LEFT HASH
COUNT RIGHT TO LEFT WHEN USING A RIGHT OR ON-SIDES RETURN
K
10
8
9
7
6
4
5
3
2
1
COUNT LEFT TO RIGHT WHEN USING A LEFT OR MIDDLE RETURN
K
1
2
4
3
5
7
8
RG
LG
LT
6
RT
LUB
RUB
LE
RE
WS
DM
DM
9
10
41 YD LN
RETURN COMMUNICATION
“TRIANGLE”
LEFT OR MIDDLE RETURN
COUNT LEFT TO RIGHT WHEN USING A LEFT OR MIDDLE RETURN
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
10
FRONT LINE HANDLES ALL ONSIDE KICKS
LT
RG
LG
RT
RUB
LUB
ENDS HANDLE ALL POP UPS BETWEEN THE 35 AND +45 YARDLINE
RE
LE
WEDGESETTER HANDLE ALL POP UPS AND SQUIBS
BETWEEN THE 25 AND 35 YARDLINE
WS
DM
DM
"YOU..YOU..YOU.."
"ME..ME..ME..ME.."
"ME & "YOU CALLS ARE MADE BY DEEP MAN AWAY FROM THE CALL
41 YD LN
RETURN COMMUNICATION
“TRIANGLE”
RIGHT RETURN
COUNT RIGHT TO LEFT WHEN USING A RIGHT OR ON-SIDE RETURN
K
10
9
7
8
6
5
4
1
2
3
FRONT LINE HANDLES ALL ONSIDE KICKS
LT
LG
41 YD LN
RG
RT
LUB
RUB
ENDS HANDLE ALL POP UPS BETWEEN THE 35 AND +45 YARDLINE
RE
LE
WEDGESETTER HANDLE ALL POP UPS AND SQUIBS
BETWEEN THE 25 AND 35 YARDLINE
WS
DM
DM
"ME..ME..ME..ME.."
"YOU..YOU..YOU.."
"ME & "YOU CALLS ARE MADE BY DEEP MAN AWAY FROM THE CALL
25
WEDGE LEFT RETURN “YELLOW”
TRIANGLE
*COUNT DEFENDERS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, 1 THRU 10, NOT INCLUDING THE KICKER.
EFT TACKLE:
(FRONT LINEMEN/ENDS – ALERT: ONSIDE KICK.
ALWAYS TAKE THE BALL OF THE TEE WITH YOUR EYES)
ASSIGNMENT: MAN BLOCK #4 AWAY FROM THE RETURN.
LEFT UPBACK:
ASSIGNMENT: MAN BLOCK #5 AWAY FROM THE RETURN
LEFT GUARD:
ASSIGNMENT: MAN BLOCK #6 AWAY FROM THE RETURN.
RIGHT GUARD:
ASSIGNMENT: MAN BLOCK #7 AWAY FROM THE RETURN.
RIGHT UPBACK:
ASSIGNMENT: MAN BLOCK #8 AWAY FROM THE RETURN.
RIGHT TACKLE:
ASSIGNMENT: TURNBACK BLOCK #9 OR #10 AWAY FROM
THE RETURN.
LEFT END:
ASSIGNMENT: MAN BLOCK #3 AWAY FROM THE RETURN.
RIGHT END:
ASSIGNMENT: SPRINT BACK TO THE WEDGESETTER
AND LOCK ARMS WITH HIM. ON HIS COMMAND OF “GO”
ATTACK THE COVERAGE TEAM AND BLOCK #2 OR MDM
THAT THREATENS THE WEDGE.
WEDGESETTER:
ASSIGNMENT: SET THE WEDGE 7-8 YARDS FROM THE
RETURNER. LOCK ARMS WITH THE RIGHT END. ON YOUR
COMMAND OF “GO”, ATTACK THE COVERAGE
TEAM AND BLOCK #1 OR MDM THAT THREATENS THE WEDGE.
DEEP MAN:
ASSIGNMENT:
NON-RETURNER – INSURE THE CATCH OF RETURNER.
GET 3X1 OFF THE EDGE OF WEDGE AND BLOCK MDM THRU
TO THE BACKSIDE FOLDER OR SAFETY.
DEEP MAN:
ASSIGNMENT:
RETURNER - CATCH THE BALL, HIT THE WEDGE FULL
SPEED READ THE #2 COVER MAN FROM THE OUTSIDE.
IF HE GOES OUTSIDE: CUT UP UNDERNEATH HIM. IF
GOES INSIDE: CUT OUTSIDE OF HIM UP THE SIDELINE.
“THREAD THE NEEDLE”………SCORE!
WEDGE LEFT RETURN “YELLOW”
TRIANGLE
COUNT LEFT TO RIGHT WHEN USING A LEFT OR MIDDLE RETURN
1
2
3
4
6
5
7
9
8
10
K
LG
LT
RG
RT
41 YD LN
RUB
LUB
9 or 10
LE
3
4
6
5
7
8
RE
WS
2
MDM
1
DM
DM
27
KICK OFF
RETURN
DRILLS
KICK OFF RETURN DRILLS
TURNBACK DRILL
CROSS DRILL
3
4
7
9
8
10
10 yards
10 yards
T
T
G
G
T
T
7
4
8
3
DOUBLE TEAM
3
4
3
T
T
E
3
FB
LE
FB
FB
E
SCRAPE PAINT
SCREEN OUT
LT
5
RG
4
DM
DM
KICK OFF RETURN DRILLS
ROCK DRILL
MAN DRILL
3
4
3
10 yards
FINESSE DRILL
4
3
4
10 yards
G
T
10 yards
G
T
G
T
WEDGE DRILL
LE
RE
FB
LE
WS
RE
WS
3
2
1
NON RETURNER DRILL
SAFETY OR KICKER
MDM
RE
WS
DM
RE
LE
WS
LE
DM
DM
DM
KICK OFF RETURN GROUP DRILL
WEDGE
DM
DM
WS
RE
LE
1
2
3
3
K
2
1
9
10
FRONTLINE
1
2
3
4
LT
5
LG
K
6
7
8
RT
RG
RUB
LUB
DM
DM