PUNT
FRED GUIDICI
650-670-0777
fredguidici64@yahoo.com
“LOCK & LOAD!”
EXPECTATIONS
1. CONSISTENT & PROMPT
SUBSTITUTION.
2. CONSISTENT SNAP, PROTECTION,
GETAWAY (NO BLOCKS)
3. CONSISTENT COVERAGE
 3 YARD AVERAGE LIMIT PER RETURN
 NO RETURNS 10 OVER YARDS
PUNT NET AVERAGE OF 37 YARDS PLUS
4. 100% SUCCESS ON
FAKES/GADGETS
5. MAKE AT LEAST 1 BIG PLAY
EVERY GAME
KILL BALL INSIDE 10 YARD LINE
FORCE AND RECOVER A FUMBLE
NO PENALTIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PUNT PROTECTION PHILOSOPHY
MAN IN ZONE
WE ARE A “MAN IN ZONE” PROTECTION SCHEME, USING A MAN
COUNTING SYSTEM WITH A ZONE DROP. WE WILL ALWAYS USE
OUR “KICK SLIDE” TECHNIQUE AND THINK “MAN-ON-TO-OUTSIDE
GAP” IN ORDER TO INSURE OUR VERTICAL SET AND CONSTANT
SPLIT RELATIONSHIP (NO GAPS). THE OBJECTIVE OF PUNT
PROTECTION IS TO PROTECT THE SPOT FROM WHICH OUR
PUNTER IS PUNTING THE BALL (KICK POINT).
PROTECT THE KICKPOINT
GIVE GROUND TO GAIN GROUND
WIDE, EXPANDED ALIGNMENTS, STACKS, STUNTS, LOADS,
OVERLOADS, AND TWO MAN SIDES ALL HAVE ONE OBJECTIVE TO REACH A SPOT 9 TO 9 1/2 YARDS BEHIND OUR TWO GUARDS.
CONSEQUENTLY WE WILL GIVE GROUND IN ORDER TO
SHORTENOUR DISTANCE TO PROTECT THE KICKPOINT.
DEPTH OF DROP
DEPENDS ON THE NUMBER OF RUSHERS AND THEIR
ALIGNMENT. THE GREATER THE NUMBER OF RUSHERS THE
MORE DEPTH WE MUST GIVE. ON THE L.O.S. COMMUNICATE
WITH EACH OTHER - LOOK FOR STAGGERED ALIGNMENTS
(STUNT ALERT), RECOGNIZE STACKS (STACK ALERT), AND
ADJUST TO FLOATERS AND SNEAKS. THE GREATER THE
NUMBER OF RUSHERS THE MORE DEPTH WE MUST GIVE.
MAN COUNTING
IT IS NOT WHERE THEY LINE UP, BUT WHERE THEY WIND UP!
USING OUR TECHNIQUE ALLOWS US TO PICK UP TWISTS,
STUNTS, AND STACK RUSHES. OUR COUNT CAN AND WILL
ADJUST DUE TO MOVEMENT BE THE PUNT RETURN TEAM.
THE KEY TO PROTECTION IS PROTECTING THE
KICKPOINT AND NOT CHASING A MAN.
PUNT TEAM
PROGRESSION
STEPS WHEN COVERING A 43-YARD PUNT
R
TACKLE
CTB
4 YARDS
FROM RETURNER
KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE
LEVERAGE SIDE!
7. TACKLE
6. COME TO BALANCE (SHIMMY)
AFTER LANDMARK
START SQUEEZE
5. SQUEEZE TO THE BALL
4. COVERAGE:
LOCATE THE RETURNER
LANDMARK: 18- 22 YARDS
LEVEARAGE RESPONSIBILITY
COVERAGE RESPONSIBILITY
18 - 22 YARD
LANDMARK
3. RELEASE - USE VARIOUS TECHNIQUES
2. COMMUNICATION
HAVE A PRE-SNAP READ BY ALIGNMENT
WHETHER RETURN OR RUSH.
(ALWAYS ASSUME A RUSH!)
1. ASSIGNMENT - PROTECTION
TECHNIQUE - KICK SLIDE (DEPTH)
RG
5 YARDS
GENERAL PHILOSOPHY OF PROTECTION
A. OUR PUNT PROTECTION IS BASED ON A "MAN IN ZONE" CONCEPT.
EACH PLAYER HAS A MAN IN AN AREA THAT THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE
FOR BLOCKING.
EXAMPLE: RIGHT GUARD'S ZONE IS FROM THE OUTSIDE LEG OF CENTER TO
THE INSIDE LEG OF THE RIGHT TACKLE.
RG
RT
B. EACH BLOCKER'S ZONE IS STRUCTURED TO ENABLE THEM TO BLOCK
THE RUSHERS WITH INSIDE / OUT LEVERAGE. BLOCKING THE RUSH WITH
INSIDE / OUT LEVERAGE LENGTHENS THE RUSHER'S DISTANCE TO THE
BLOCK POINT AND MAINTAINS THE INTEGRITY OF THE KICKPOINT.
V
RG
RT
C. "CONSTANT SPLIT RELATIONSHIP"
IN USING A "MAN IN ZONE" CONCEPT, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE
BLOCKERS MAINTAIN THEIR RELATIONSHIP (SPLITS) TO EACH OTHER
(CONSTANT SPLIT). WITH A VERTICAL (STRAIGHT BACK) SET.
fig 1a
EXAMPLE: fig 2a & fig 2b
IF THE RIGHT TACKLE OR CONTAINER BLOCKS OUTSIDE AND AWAY (DIAGONAL LINE)
FROM THE RIGHT GUARD, HE FORCES THE RIGHT GUARD TO BLOCK MORE AREA (AND
POSSIBLY MEN) THAN HE IS CAPABLE OF BLOCKING. BY DOING THIS, THE RIGHT
TACKLE HAS LOST THE "CONSTANT SPLIT RELATIONSHIP" WITH THE RIGHT GUARD.
V
RG
fig 1a
CORRECT
V
V
V
RT
RG
RC
V
V
RG
RT
fig 2a
fig 2b
INCORRECT
V
RT
RC
INCORRECT
V
D. VERTICAL SET
HAVE MORE WEIGHT ON THE INSIDE FOOT FOR BETTER PUSH OFF.
YOUR OUTSIDE IS USED TO GUIDE YOU LIKE A RUDDER (KICK SLIDE).
IN ORDER TO AVOID A LOSS IN "CONSTANT SPLIT RELATIONSHIP" IT IS
VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE BLOCKERS TO GET OFF THE LINE OF
SCRIMMAGE FAST ON A VERTICAL LINE INSTEAD OF A DIAGONAL LINE.
GET DEPTH!
E. TOP OF THE SET
AS YOU GET TO YOUR PROPER DEPTH, YOU WILL REACH THE TOP
OF THE SET WHERE THE RUSHER WILL COME TO YOU. TURN YOUR
SHOULDERS SLIGHTLY OUT (NEVER MORE THAN A 45 DEGREE ANGLE).
DO NOT STEP OUT TO THE RUSHER OUT. THIS INSURES PROTECTION.
RG
RT
THEORY OF THE PROTECTION
1. KICK SLIDE VERTICALLY FAST OFF THE L.O.S.
2. DO NOT STEP TO HIM - LET HIM COME TO YOU.
3. IF HE DOESN'T COME, GET DEPTH BY:
a. MOVING YOUR FEET
b. KEEP YOUR KNEES BENT AND YOUR HEAD UP.
4. ATTACK ANY OUTSIDE MAN (MAN RESPONSIBILITY IN YOUR ZONE) AS HE
COMES. YOU WILL MEET AT A "JUNCTION POINT" WHERE YOU MUST "TAKE A STAND".
PUNCH HIM WHEN YOU CAN:
a. SMELL HIS BREATH
b. STEP ON HIS TOES
A. THE WEAKNESS OF THE PROTECTION IS THE INSIDE A-GAPS AND
BETWEEN THE TACKLE & CONTAINER C-GAP TO THE PUNTER'S KICKING LEG.
B. THE STRENGTH OF THE PROTECTION IS THE OUTSIDE WITH THE
CONTAINERS ALIGNED OFF THE L.O.S. IN EXCELLENT POSITION TO PICK
UP AN OUTSIDE SPEED RUSHER.
C. THE GUARDS, TACKLES AND CONTAINERS WILL MAINTAIN
THEIR ALIGNMENT AND SPLITS, ALL WORKING TO THE SAME LEVEL,
BUILDING A WALL OF PROTECTION WITH THE CENTER AND JACK
BLOCKING ON THE INSIDE EDGES.
THE SUCCESSFUL BLOCKER WILL KNOW HIS ASSIGNMENT AND WILL:
1.
2.
3.
4.
BUST THE RUSHERS MOMENTUM
STOP THE RUSHER STILL
MAKE THE RUSHER START OVER
MAINTAIN PROPER HAND AND FOOT PLACEMENT WITH KNEES BENT.
PUNT PROTECTION
ALIGNMENT
3 TO 6"
LH
LT
3 TO 6"
LG
C
3 TO 6"
RG
3 TO 6"
RT
LC
RC
J
P
5 YARDS
HEELS AT 14 YARDS
RH
A. HUDDLE:
HUDDLE WILL BE EITHER ON THE SIDELINE OR ON THE FIELD.
THE COACH WILL CALL OUT “PUNT ALERT” ON 3rd DOWN
THE PUNT TEAM WILL HUDDLE ON HIM AND RECEIVE THE CALL.
THE COACH WILL SEND THE PUNT TEAM ON 4TH DOWN.
SPRINT TO THE L.O.S. AND GET ALIGNED AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.
B. CADENCE:
THIS PROTECTION IS BASED ON THE JACK GIVING A CALL AND
DESIGNATING AN OVERLOAD OR CALL SIDE
THIS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FRONT.
THE CALL IS ALWAYS MADE TO THE CENTER, WHICH ALERTS
HIM TO BLOCK IN THAT DIRECTION
(“RIVER” TO THE RIGHT OR “LAKE” TO THE LEFT).
ALWAYS BE ALERT FOR TWISTING AND MOVEMENT. IF THE
FRONT SHIFTS FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER OR FROM ONE
OVERLOAD TO ANOTHER, THE JACK WILL GIVE THE CENTER
ANOTHER CALL TO THAT DIRECTION.
C. BLOCKING RULES:
CENTER:
BLOCK IN THE DIRECTION OF THE CALL.
(Ex. “LAKE” LEFT SIDE A-GAP TO RIGHT SIDE A-GAP)
#5 or #6 CHECK FOR LOOPER AND COME BACK AND BLOCK HIM.
(CALL SIDE):
CONTAINER - BLOCK #2
TACKLE - BLOCK #3
GUARD - BLOCK #4
(FAR SIDE):
CONTAINER- BLOCK #2
TACKLE – BLOCK #3
GUARD – BLOCK #4
JACK - BLOCK #5 OR #6
CENTER
STANCE: NORMAL SNAPPING POSITION
ALIGNMENT: OVER THE FOOTBALL
ASSIGNMENT: #5 OR 6 TO CALL SIDE
BLOCKING RULES:
LISTEN FOR CALL FROM THE JACK (“RIVER” / “LAKE”)
TAKE YOUR TIME (NON-RYTHMIC).
CONCENTRATE ON MAKING ON THE PERFECT SNAP.
BLOCK NO MORE THAN ONE MAN OVER TO EITHER SIDE
(#5 OR #6),
VS 64/46 WIDE IF #5 IS TOO WIDE, YOU WILL EXCHANGE
RESPONSIBILITIES WITH JACK. AND BLOCK #6
ALERT 54 TWISTS. KEEP EYES UP AND LOOK OVER BACK OF #5.
TWIST RULE: IF YOU SEE AN ASS, LOOK FOR A FACE, DON’T CHASE!
“ZEKE” CALL: (GET READY AND PULL THE TRIGGER.NOW)
“ZORRO” CALL PUTS YOU IN A-GAP AWAY FROM JACK.
TECHNIQUE:
AFTER YOU RELEASE THE BALL, EXPLODE THROUGH WITH HIPS
STRAIGHT BACK, WITH YOUR HEAD UP, STAYING SQUARE TO
THE L.O.S. WITH POSITIVE SHIN ANGLES (FEET WIDE WITH
KNEES SLIGHTLY IN)
SNAP THE EYES TO THE SIDE YOU WANT TO BLOCK, ALERT
TWISTS AND PULLS. IF READING AN “I STACK” AND BOTH
RUSHERS GO AWAY FROM YOU, POST ON YOUR OUTSIDE FOOT
AND COME BACK TO PICK-OFF STACK MAN.
PUNCH WHEN YOU CAN “SMELL HIS BREATH”
PUNCH HIM FROM LOW TO HIGH WITH THE HEEL OF YOUR
HANDS ELBOWS INSIDE THE KNIFE WITH A 90-DEGREE BREAK
AND LATCH ON. PUNCH THRU HIM, NOT TO HIM!
KEEP A 65% - 35% INSIDE OUT RATIO OF YOUR
HIPS TO HIS HIPS.
YOUR HEAD SHOULD HAVE 45-DEGREE TILT WITH YOUR EYES AT
HIS THROAT.
REDIRECT HIM LATERALLY.
AFTER THE BALL IS KICKED. RELEASE INTO COVERAGE
(BROOMS) AND MAKE THE TACKLE!
JACK
STANCE: 2-POINT STANCE, SQUARE AT SHOULDER WIDTH.
HANDS AT HIPS (HOLSTERS) FINGERS RELAXED
ALIGNMENT: BEHIND GUARD TO PUNTER’S LEG SIDE (5 YDS).
INSIDE LEG SPLITS THE GUARDS BUTT
ASSIGNMENT: #5 OR 6 AWAY FROM CALL SIDE
BLOCKING RULES:
TAKE CHARGE OF THE UNIT. COUNT 11 MEN ON THE FIELD
(COUNT YOURSELF)
KEY DEEP FOR SAFETIES WHILE GETTING SET UP.
READ FRONTALIGNMENT FOR EVEN OR OVERLOADS.
MAKE YOUR CALL AND CHECK YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CATCH
THE DEFENSE MOVING.
BLOCK YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IF HE DOESN’T COME - CHECK
STRONG TO WEAK FOR ANY LEAKAGE.
BE ALERT FOR CREEP OFF VICE LOOK.
IF EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT MAKE A ZONE CALL (ZORRO) AND
BLOCK THE A-GAP TO YOUR SIDE OR MAKE AN “EASY” CALL
CHANGE THE PROTECTION OR CALL THE HITMEN DOWN.
TECHNIQUE:
AFTER THE BALL IS SNAPPED, SNAP THE EYES TO THE SIDE
YOU WANT TO BLOCK. SPRINT AND GATHER. CHECK #5 / #6 IF
HE DOES NOT COME, HELP CENTER OR FIND ANY LEAKAGE
AND STOP IT.
PUNCH WHEN YOU CAN “SMELL HIS BREATH”
PUNCH HIM FROM LOW TO HIGH WITH THE HEEL OF YOUR
HANDS ELBOWS INSIDE THE KNIFE WITH A 90-DEGREE BREAK
AND LATCH ON. PUNCH THRU HIM, NOT TO HIM!
KEEP A 100% MID-LINE RATIO OF YOUR HIPS TO HIS HIPS.
YOUR HEAD SHOULD HAVE 45-DEGREE TILT WITH YOUR EYES
AT HIS THROAT.
REDIRECT HIM LATERALLY.
YOU ARE THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE!
BLOCK UNTIL BALL IS KICKED
ECHO DIRECTION CALL AND FIND THE BALL IN FLIGHT. RELEASE
INSIDE THE GUARD BOX (BROOMS). GET OUTSIDE ANY WALLS
OR FILL ANY LANES AND MAKE THE TACKLE!
GUARDS & TACKLES
STANCE: 2-POINT STANCE. NO MORE THAN SHOULDER WIDTH.
STAGGER OUTSIDE FOOT BACK. YOUR WEIGHT SHOULD
BE ON THE BALL OF YOUR INSIDE FOOT. YOUR OUTSIDE
FOOT HEEL SHOULD BE OFF THE GROUND. KNEES
SHOULD BE BENT. HANDS AT YOUR HIPS (HOLSTERS).
HEAD UP AND BENT OVER AT THE WAIST.
ALIGNMENT:
GUARDS - 3 TO 6 INCH SPLIT, LINE INSIDE TOE ON CENTERS HEELS
WITH OUTSIDE FOOT BACK.
TACKLES - 3 TO 6 INCH SPLIT, LINE INSIDE TOE ON THE HEAL OF
THE GUARDS INSIDE FOOT WITH OUTSIDE FOOT BACK.
* HEADS MUST BREAK THE WAIST OF THE CENTER TO BE ALIGNED
LEGAL ON THE L.O.S.
ASSIGNMENT: COUNT FROM THE OUTSIDE-IN AND FIND YOUR
BLOCKING RESPONSIBILITY AND LOCATE YOUR SHOCK
MAN. LISTEN FOR CALL AT THE L.O.S. (GUARDS ALERT
PICK FROM CENTER)
GUARDS – BLOCK #4
TACKLES - BLOCK #3
BLOCKING RULES:
KEY THE BACK OF THE BALL FOR MOVEMENT. ON THE SNAP,
USE CORRECT FOOTWORK (KICK SLIDE). KEY ALIGNMENT:
WHEN YOUR MAN IS ALIGNED WIDE (GET DEPTH)
WHEN YOUR MAN IS ALIGNED TIGHT (ALERT TWISTS)
TECHNIQUE:
PUNCH WHEN YOU CAN “SMELL HIS BREATH”
PUNCH HIM FROM LOW TO HIGH WITH THE HEEL OF YOUR
HANDS ELBOWS INSIDE THE KNIFE WITH A 90-DEGREE BREAK
AND LATCH ON.
PUNCH THRU HIM, NOT TO HIM!
KEEP A 65% - 35% INSIDE OUT RATIO OF YOUR HIPS TO HIS
HIPS. YOUR HEAD SHOULD HAVE 45-DEGREE TILT WITH YOUR
EYES AT HIS THROAT.REDIRECT HIM LATERALLY.
AFTER THE BALL IS KICKED. RELEASE INTO COVERAGE
(BROOMS). GET TO 18-22 YARD LANDMARK AND
MAKE THE TACKLE!
CONTAINERS
STANCE: 2-POINT STANCE. NO MORE THAN SHOULDER WIDTH.
STAGGER OUTSIDE FOOT BACK. YOUR WEIGHT SHOULD
BE ON THE BALL OF YOUR INSIDE FOOT. YOUR OUTSIDE
FOOT HEEL SHOULD BE OFF THE GROUND. KNEES
SHOULD BE BENT. HANDS AT YOUR HIPS (HOLSTERS).
HEAD UP AND BENT OVER AT THE WAIST.
ALIGNMENT: ALIGN YOUR INSIDE FOOT TO THE INSIDE OF THE
OUTSIDE FOOT OF THE TACKLE WITH INSIDE FOOT
BACK ENOUGH NOT TO BE STEPPED ON. (YOU CAN
BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR DEPTH)
ASSIGNMENT: COUNT FROM THE OUTSIDE-IN AND FIND YOUR
BLOCKING RESPONSIBILITY. (#2 FROM THE OUTSIDE)
BLOCKING RULES:
KEY THE BALL FOR MOVEMENT.
ON THE SNAP, USE CORRECT FOOTWORK (KICK SLIDE).
ALERT TWISTS.
KEY ALIGNMENT:
WHEN YOUR MAN IS ALIGNED WIDE (GET DEPTH)
WHEN YOUR MAN IS ALIGNED TIGHT (ALERT TWISTS)
TECHNIQUE:
STAY SQUARE TO THE L.O.S., LET THE RUSH GET UPFIELD ON
YOUR OUTSIDE SHOULDER. DON’T FALL FOR SPEED MOVE (3
STEPS) OR GO FOR ANY HEAD FAKES.
ALERT FOR THE UP AND UNDER MOVE. BE PATIENT!
PUNCH WHEN YOU CAN “SMELL HIS BREATH”
PUNCH HIM FROM LOW TO HIGH WITH THE HEEL OF YOUR
HANDS ELBOWS INSIDE THE KNIFE WITH A 90-DEGREE BREAK
AND LATCH ON. PUNCH THRU HIM, NOT TO HIM!
KEEP A 65% - 35% INSIDE OUT RATIO OF YOUR HIPS TO HIS
HIPS.
YOUR HEAD SHOULD HAVE 45-DEGREE TILT WITH YOUR EYES
AT HIS THROAT.
REDIRECT HIM LATERALLY.
AFTER THE BALL IS KICKED.
RELEASE INTO COVERAGE (BROOMS)
GET TO 18-22 YARD LANDMARK AND MAKE THE TACKLE!
HITMEN
“I AM ALWAYS GOING TO MAKE THE TACKLE”
“BLOCKING ME WITH ONE JAMMER IS AN INSULT”
STANCE:
2-POINT STANCE, FEET SLIGHTLY
STAGGERED.
FORWARD BODY LEAN 80% OF YOUR
WEIGHT ON THE BALL OF THE FRONT FOOT.
HANDS:
VS OFF MAN – IN RUNNING POSITION WITH
YOUR LEGS
VS PRESS MAN – SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE
HANDS OF THE JAMMER(S)
ALIGNMENT:
ON THE L.O.S., BUT OFF AS LEGAL AS POSSIBLE .
SPLITS DEPEND ON THE SPOT OF THE BALL
AND/OR THE DIRECTION OF KICK.
ASSIGNMENT: DESTROY THE RETURNER!
COVERAGE:
AIMIING POINT IS THE NEAR PEC OF THE
RETURNER.
MAKE HIM BOUNCE OUTSIDE.
NEVER LET HIM SPLIT YOU DOWN THE
MIDDLE
“BEAT HIM WITH YOUR FEET”
TECHNIQUE:
EYE THE BACK TIP OF THE BALL.
ON BALL MOVEMENT, DRIVE THE FRONT KNEE DOWN
AND ROLL OVER THE TOE WHILE PUMPING THE ARMS.
VS OFF MAN –
ATTACK THE JAMMER. HEAD & EYE FIXATE INSIDE AND
REDUCE YOUR HIP & SHOULDER OUTSIDE (BROOMS).
LEAN ON HIM (SCRAPE PAINT) AND GET TO THE MIDLINE
(STACK) BEHIND THE HIM SO HE CANNOT BLOCK YOU.
VS PRESS MAN –
SWAT THE JAMMERS NEAR WRIST WITH YOUR OUTSIDE
HAND. REDUCE YOUR HIP & SHOULDER (BROOMS).
TOMAHAWKS CHOP HIS OFF HAND, LEAN ON HIM
(SCRAPE PAINT) AND GET TO THE MIDLINE (STACK)
BEHIND THE HIM SO HE CANNOT BLOCK YOU.
BLOCKING RULES:
IF CALLED DOWN BY THE JACK, POSITION YOURSELF
INSIDE YOUR MAN (#1) ON THE L.O.S.
EXECUTE A PIVOT, PUNCH AND HIGH SLAM TECHNIQUE
BEFORE RELEASING DOWN THE FIELD.
GOLDEN RULES
“NEVER BREAK DOWN YOUR STRIDE LENGTH”
“KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE”
ONCE YOU ARE PAST THE DEFENDER REGARDLESS OF
TECHNIQUE USED, WORK HARD TO GET ON TOP OF HIM
(STACK). DO NOT RUN SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH DEFENDERS,
BUT CUT OFF HIS ABILITY TO BLOCK YOU AGAIN
DOWNFIELD.
COUNTING RESPONSIBILITIES
55 ALIGNMENT (BALANCED)
2
1
4
3
J
5
3
4
5
HITMEN: 1's
CONTAINERS: 2's
TACKLES: 3's
GUARDS: 4's
CENTER/JACK: 5's & 6's
1
2
DO NOT CHASE YOUR
MAN. BLOCK MAN ON
TO ZONE OUTSIDE.
"LAKE"
55 ALIGNMENT (VICE / CREEP)
J
1
2
4 5
3
5
2
3
4
1
"CREEP"
ALERT
"CREEP"
ALERT
"LAKE"
64 ALIGNMENT (OVERLOAD)
RT LEGGED PUNTER
J
2
1
3
4
6
5
4
CENTER NEVER BLOCKS
MAN HEAD UP, ALWAYS NEXT
MAN TO CALL SIDE.
5
6
1
2
3
"RIVER"
5
COUNT EXTRA MAN OR MAN
OVER CENTER TO THE
OVERLOAD SIDE
55 ALIGNMENT (BALANCED "O-STACK")
5J
4
4
1
2
3
5
3
1
2
"LAKE"
IF STACKED, INSIDE MAN
COUNTS THE STACKER
PUNT
COVERAGE
PUNT COVERAGE
RESPONSIBILITIES
HITMEN (RH/LH)
LEVERAGE POINT: NEAR PEC OF THE RETURNER.
FORCE HIM TO BOUNCE OUTSIDE.
JACK
LANDMARK: MIDDLE OF THE GOAL POST
LEVERAGE POINT: BETWEEN THE PECS OF THE
RETURNER FORCING HIM TO
BOUNCE OUTSIDE. TAKE AWAY ANY
CUTBACK. INSIDE OUT PLAYER.
FILL ANY GAPS.
CENTER
LANDMARK: MIDDLE OF THE GOAL POST
LEVERAGE POINT: BETWEEN THE PECS OF THE
RETURNER. TAKE AWAY ANY CUTBACK
GUARDS (RG/LG)
LANDMARK: INSIDE THE HASHMARKS
LEVERAGE POINT: NEAR PEC OF THE RETURNER.
TACKLES (RT/LT)
LANDMARK: SPLIT THE MIDDLE BETWEEN THE
HASHMARKS AND THE NUMBERS.
LEVERAGE POINT: NEAR PEC OF THE RETURNER
CONTAINERS (RC/LC):
NEVER GET OUT FLANKED BY RETURNER GUARANTEE
YOUR AWARENESS OF IN RELATION TO HIS BLOCKERS.
HE CANNOT BREAK CONTAIN.
LANDMARK: ON THE NUMBERS
LEVERAGE POINT: 8 TO 10 YARDS ABOVE AND OUTSIDE
THE RETURNER.
KEEP “21” INSIDE: BE AWARE OF ALL THROWBACK
PASSES AND REVERSES!
SAFETY (PUNTER):
CALL OUT THE DIRECTION OF THE PUNT
(RIGHT/LEFT/MIDDLE OR SHORT) SIDELINE WILL ECHO CALL
LANDMARK: 20 YARDS FROM RETURNER.
LEVERAGE POINT: MIRROR THE RETURN MAN. INSIDE OUT
PLAYER .YOU ARE THE LAST LINE OF
DEFENSE.
MAKE THE TACKLE AT ALL COST, BY ANY MEANS!
ALL POSITIONS – SPRINT
AFTER THE PUNT WE MUST STOP BLOCKING OR
ESCAPE (BROOMS) FROM OUR HOLD UP MAN. HE
CANNOT HOLD US UP. GET ON TOP OF HIM (STACK)
AND READ THE FLIGHT OF THE BALL. FAN OUT TO OUR
18-22 YARD LANDMARK AND DIAGNOSE THE SET-UP OF
THE RETURN. ADJUST OUR ANGLE AND KEEP
LEVERAGE ON THE RETURNER. WE MUST SENSE THE
BLOCKING PATTERN AT FULL SPEED NEVER BREAKING
YOUR STRIDE LENGTH. KEEP YOUR HEAD ON A SWIVEL
STAYING SQUARE, NEVER FOLLOW YOUR OWN MAN,
GANG TACKLE AND FORCE A FUMBLE!
KEEP YOUR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE!
PUNT COVERAGE RESPONSIBILITIES
MIDDLE OF FIELD
PR
18 - 22
YARD
LANDMARK
LH
LT LG
RG RT
LC
J
P
RC
RH
PUNT COVERAGE RESPONSIBILITIES
HASH MARK
PR
18 - 22
YARD
LANDMARK
LH
LT LG
RG RT
LC
J
P
RC
RH
PUNT
PROTECTION
AND
COVERAGE
DRILLS
PUNT DRILLS
SPREAD PUNT
HITMEN DRILLS
TIME UP DRILL
1. GET TO RECEIVER AS HE CATCHES THE BALL AND TIME
UP HIT ON YOUR LANDMARK (HIS NEAR PEC).
2. vs FAIR CATCH. C.P. - must give the returner adequate room
to field the punt. There is no halo rule!
PR
H
COACH
H
POOCH PUNT DRILLS
1. LOCATE DRILL
LOCATING THE BALL INSIDE THE 10 YARD LINE.
VS FAIR CATCH OR BLUFF BY THE RETURNER
1ST MAN GOES PAST RETURNER TO THE GOAL LINE
2ND MAN FRONTS UP RETURNER.
(FIND THE BALL & DOWN IT IN PLAY)
2. TAP DRILL
KEEPING BALL FROM GOING INTO THE
ENDZONE. (TAP BACK AND RECOVER)
PUNT DRILLS
SPREAD PUNT
HITMEN DRILLS
BLOCKING DRILL (TIGHT PUNT)
IF CALLED DOWN BY JACK (PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM AND GO)
1. PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM & GO
VS AIR
2. PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM & GO
VS RUSHERS
4 3 2
G T H
C
1
PUNT DRILLS
SPREAD PUNT
HITMEN DRILLS
CAMERA
1. RELEASES (single press)
A. RIP
B. SWAT AND RIP
C. TOMAHAWK CHOP
D. STICK AND GO
10 YARDS
J
DRILL
A. BALL MOVEMENT (STICKS)
1. VS AIR
2. VS MAN STANDING STILL
3. VS MAN LIVE
CP: MAKE IT A RACE FOR 10 YARDS
J
BALL
H
H
CP: "BROOMS" ON ALL RELEASES / NO SWIMS OR ARM OVERS
STAY TIGHT TO JAMMMER DURING RIP
GET BACK ON THE MIDLINE (STACK) OF THE JAMMER
2. RELEASES (double press)
A. RIP
B. SPEED
C. DOWN THE LINE
MIRROR DRILL
1. TAKE AWAY HANDS OF
JAMMER AND GET AROUND
HIM.
J
H
PUNT OR KICK OFF COVERAGE DRILLS
KNIFE OR BACKDOOR DRILL
20 yards
RETURNER
"KNIFE" CM BL
BL CM
"BACKDOOR"
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
COACH
1. BLOCKERS WILL START WITH INSIDE HAND CUPPED ON TRICEP OF COVERMEN,
2. ON COACHES COMMAND COVERAGE WILL BEGIN AND RETURNER WILL BREAK TO
EITHER SIDE OR UP THE MIDDLE.
3. COVERMEN WILL EXECUTE A "KNIFE" TECHNIQUE BY REDUCING THE HIP & SHOULDER
(BROOMS) AND PLAY UNDER THE BLOCKER TO GET TO THE RETURNER OR HE MAY
USE THE BLOCKERS' MOMENTUM AND EXECUTE A "BACKDOOR" TECHNIQUE BY GRABBING THE
BACK OF HIS SHOULDER PADS AND COME BEHIND HIM TO GET TO THE RETURNER.
4. COVERMEN MUST KEEP THEIR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE
PUNT DRILLS
SPREAD PUNT
PROGRESSION
(GUARDS, TACKLES, CONTAINERS)
X
X
X
1. KICK SLIDE VS AIR
(vertical sets) GET DEPTH!
2. a. 2 ON 1
(vertical sets)
WIDER = DEEPER
b. 2 ON 2
V V V V
3. 1/2 LINE VS AIR
A. SPLITS & ALIGNMENT
B. KICK SLIDE
X
X
VV
VV
X X
X X
4. 1/2 LINE VS MAN
A. (vertical sets)
B. TWISTS
C. STACKS
X
VV
X X
G
X
3 4
5
T
V
V
C
2
3 4
T
2
5 5
G X
T
G
5
X
C
C
(CENTERS, JACKS, PUNTERS)
1. VS AIR (RIVER/LAKE)
2. VS MAN 2 ON 2
A. TWISTS
B. DBL. GAP
5
5
5
C
5
5
5
5
C
C
J
J
J
5
C
J
"LAKE"
P
P
P
P
PUNT GROUP
SPREAD PUNT
PROGRESSION
2. WHOLE LINE VS MAN
(vertical sets) WIDER = DEEPER
1. HALF LINE VS AIR
(vertical sets) GET DEPTH!
2
C RG
RT
RC
C
LT LG
LC
5
4
LT
5
C
LG
3
4
RG
2
RT
RC
LC
J
J
3
J
"LAKE"
"RIVER"
P
P
"LAKE"
P
3. WHOLE LINE VS MAN TWISTS
2
3
5
4
LT
5
C
LG
3
4
RG
4. WHOLE LINE VS MAN STACKS
2
3
2
RT
RC
LC
LT
4
4
5
5
LG
C
RG
RT
RC
LC
J
3
J
P
"LAKE"
"LAKE"
P
5. WHOLE LINE VS JAMMER RUSH
2
1
3
LH
5
4
LT
LG
5
C
3
4
RG
J
"LAKE"
P
1
RH
RT
RC
LC
2
2
PUNT OR KICK OFF COVERAGE DRILLS
KNIFE OR BACKDOOR DRILL
20 yards
RETURNER
"KNIFE" CM BL
BL CM
"BACKDOOR"
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
COACH
1. BLOCKERS WILL START WITH INSIDE HAND CUPPED ON TRICEP OF COVERMEN,
2. ON COACHES COMMAND COVERAGE WILL BEGIN AND RETURNER WILL BREAK TO
EITHER SIDE OR UP THE MIDDLE.
3. COVERMEN WILL EXECUTE A "KNIFE" TECHNIQUE BY REDUCING THE HIP & SHOULDER
(BROOMS) AND PLAY UNDER THE BLOCKER TO GET TO THE RETURNER OR HE MAY
USE THE BLOCKERS' MOMENTUM AND EXECUTE A "BACKDOOR" TECHNIQUE BY GRABBING THE
BACK OF HIS SHOULDER PADS AND COME BEHIND HIM TO GET TO THE RETURNER.
4. COVERMEN MUST KEEP THEIR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE
PUNT DRILLS
SPREAD PUNT
HITMEN DRILLS
TIME UP DRILL
1. GET TO RECEIVER AS HE CATCHES THE BALL AND TIME
UP HIT ON YOUR LANDMARK (HIS NEAR PEC).
2. vs FAIR CATCH. C.P. - must give the returner adequate room
to field the punt. There is no halo rule!
PR
H
COACH
H
POOCH PUNT DRILLS
1. LOCATE DRILL
LOCATING THE BALL INSIDE THE 10 YARD LINE.
VS FAIR CATCH OR BLUFF BY THE RETURNER
1ST MAN GOES PAST RETURNER TO THE GOAL LINE
2ND MAN FRONTS UP RETURNER.
(FIND THE BALL & DOWN IT IN PLAY)
2. TAP DRILL
KEEPING BALL FROM GOING INTO THE
ENDZONE. (TAP BACK AND RECOVER)
PUNT DRILLS
SPREAD PUNT
HITMEN DRILLS
BLOCKING DRILL (TIGHT PUNT)
IF CALLED DOWN BY JACK (PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM AND GO)
1. PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM & GO
VS AIR
2. PIVOT, PUNCH, SLAM & GO
VS RUSHERS
4 3 2
G T H
C
1
PUNT DRILLS
SPREAD PUNT
HITMEN DRILLS
CAMERA
1. RELEASES (single press)
A. RIP
B. SWAT AND RIP
C. TOMAHAWK CHOP
D. STICK AND GO
10 YARDS
J
DRILL
A. BALL MOVEMENT (STICKS)
1. VS AIR
2. VS MAN STANDING STILL
3. VS MAN LIVE
CP: MAKE IT A RACE FOR 10 YARDS
J
BALL
H
H
CP: "BROOMS" ON ALL RELEASES / NO SWIMS OR ARM OVERS
STAY TIGHT TO JAMMMER DURING RIP
GET BACK ON THE MIDLINE (STACK) OF THE JAMMER
2. RELEASES (double press)
A. RIP
B. SPEED
C. DOWN THE LINE
MIRROR DRILL
1. TAKE AWAY HANDS OF
JAMMER AND GET AROUND
HIM.
J
H
PUNT OR KICK OFF COVERAGE DRILLS
KNIFE OR BACKDOOR DRILL
20 yards
RETURNER
"KNIFE" CM BL
BL CM
"BACKDOOR"
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
COACH
1. BLOCKERS WILL START WITH INSIDE HAND CUPPED ON TRICEP OF COVERMEN,
2. ON COACHES COMMAND COVERAGE WILL BEGIN AND RETURNER WILL BREAK TO
EITHER SIDE OR UP THE MIDDLE.
3. COVERMEN WILL EXECUTE A "KNIFE" TECHNIQUE BY REDUCING THE HIP & SHOULDER
(BROOMS) AND PLAY UNDER THE BLOCKER TO GET TO THE RETURNER OR HE MAY
USE THE BLOCKERS' MOMENTUM AND EXECUTE A "BACKDOOR" TECHNIQUE BY GRABBING THE
BACK OF HIS SHOULDER PADS AND COME BEHIND HIM TO GET TO THE RETURNER.
4. COVERMEN MUST KEEP THEIR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE
PUNT DRILLS
SPREAD PUNT
PROGRESSION
(GUARDS, TACKLES, CONTAINERS)
X
X
X
1. KICK SLIDE VS AIR
(vertical sets) GET DEPTH!
2. a. 2 ON 1
(vertical sets)
WIDER = DEEPER
b. 2 ON 2
V V V V
3. 1/2 LINE VS AIR
A. SPLITS & ALIGNMENT
B. KICK SLIDE
X
X
VV
VV
X X
X X
4. 1/2 LINE VS MAN
A. (vertical sets)
B. TWISTS
C. STACKS
X
VV
X X
G
X
3 4
5
T
V
V
C
2
3 4
T
2
5 5
G X
T
G
5
X
C
C
(CENTERS, JACKS, PUNTERS)
1. VS AIR (RIVER/LAKE)
2. VS MAN 2 ON 2
A. TWISTS
B. DBL. GAP
5
5
5
C
5
5
5
5
C
C
J
J
J
5
C
J
"LAKE"
P
P
P
P
PUNT GROUP
SPREAD PUNT
PROGRESSION
2. WHOLE LINE VS MAN
(vertical sets) WIDER = DEEPER
1. HALF LINE VS AIR
(vertical sets) GET DEPTH!
2
C RG
RT
RC
C
LT LG
LC
5
4
LT
5
C
LG
3
4
RG
2
RT
RC
LC
J
J
3
J
"LAKE"
"RIVER"
P
P
"LAKE"
P
3. WHOLE LINE VS MAN TWISTS
2
3
5
4
LT
5
C
LG
3
4
RG
4. WHOLE LINE VS MAN STACKS
2
3
2
RT
RC
LC
LT
4
4
5
5
LG
C
RG
RT
RC
LC
J
3
J
P
"LAKE"
"LAKE"
P
5. WHOLE LINE VS JAMMER RUSH
2
1
3
LH
5
4
LT
LG
5
C
3
4
RG
J
"LAKE"
P
1
RH
RT
RC
LC
2
2
PUNT OR KICK OFF COVERAGE DRILLS
KNIFE OR BACKDOOR DRILL
20 yards
RETURNER
"KNIFE" CM BL
BL CM
"BACKDOOR"
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
COACH
1. BLOCKERS WILL START WITH INSIDE HAND CUPPED ON TRICEP OF COVERMEN,
2. ON COACHES COMMAND COVERAGE WILL BEGIN AND RETURNER WILL BREAK TO
EITHER SIDE OR UP THE MIDDLE.
3. COVERMEN WILL EXECUTE A "KNIFE" TECHNIQUE BY REDUCING THE HIP & SHOULDER
(BROOMS) AND PLAY UNDER THE BLOCKER TO GET TO THE RETURNER OR HE MAY
USE THE BLOCKERS' MOMENTUM AND EXECUTE A "BACKDOOR" TECHNIQUE BY GRABBING THE
BACK OF HIS SHOULDER PADS AND COME BEHIND HIM TO GET TO THE RETURNER.
4. COVERMEN MUST KEEP THEIR HEAD TO THE LEVERAGE SIDE