PUNT RETURN
FRED GUIDICI
650-670-0777
fredguidici64@yahoo.com
“TO THE HOUSE”
“TO THE HOUSE”
EXPECTATIONS
1 BLOCK PER GAME
(if any attempted)
15 YARD AVE. PER RETURN
3 TOUCHDOWNS ON
BLOCKS OR RETURNS
NO SUCCESSFUL FAKE
PUNTS
100% SUCCESS ON
GADGETS
NO TURNOVERS
NO PENALTIES!
UNDERSTANDING PUNT COVERAGE
TIGHT
PP
"DBL BUMP"
LUB
LE
HITMAN
1
2
LT
RUB
3
RG
C
LG
4
5
RT RE
7
6
8
9 10
RE: VS 2 MEN OUTSIDE GIVES
A "YOU" CALL TO THE TACKLE
AND BECOMES CONTAIN.
RT: BECOMES HITMAN
CONTAIN
CONTAIN
R
SPREAD
PP
RW
LW
LT LG
LH
1
2
3
4
C RG
6
5
RT
7
RH
8
9
10
CONTAIN
CONTAIN
R
UNDERSTANDING PUNT COVERAGE
SHIELD
LU
1
2
3
RU
RG
C
LG
LT
LE
PP
4
5
6
7
RT
8
RE
9
10
CONTAIN
CONTAIN
R
UNDERSTANDING PUNT COVERAGE
PUNT RETURN - WALL LEFT
"YELLOW"
P
.
SPREAD
1
2
4 3
5
6
8
7 9
CENTER OR MDM
R
WE MUST SET THE WALL 5 X 5 DIAGONALLY TO GET OUTSIDE OF THE LANDMARKS
OF THE PUNT TEAM. THIS WILL GIVE US A BETTER CHANCE FOR A BIGGER RETURN
AND PIN THEIR COVERAGE TEAM INSIDE.
10
PUNT RETURNER
RETURNS
1. MIDDLE:
• “SET UP” THE COVER TEAM:
• SET THE BLOCKS WITH YOUR EYES AND FACIAL
EXPRESSIONS
• TAKE A FEW STEPS TOWARD THE SIDELINE IF
PERMISSABLE OR IF THE BALL CARRIES YOU.
• EXPLODE UP THE MIDDLE. “THREAD THE NEEDLE”
• BEAT THE 1ST COVERMAN.
• MAKE SOMEONE MISS!
2. WALL OR SIDELINE:
• “SET UP” THE COVER TEAM:
• SET THE BLOCKS WITH YOUR EYES AND FACIAL
EXPRESSIONS
• TAKE A FEW STEPS TOWARD THE SIDELINE IF
PERMISSABLE OR IF THE BALL CARRIES YOU.
• BURST TO THE SIDE LOOKING FOR A SEAM NO WIDER
THAN 3 TO 4 YARDS FROM THE SIDELINE ALLOWING
ROOM FOR CUTBACK.
• “THREAD THE NEEDLE”
• USE YOUR POINT MAN.
• MAKE SOMEONE MISS!
TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE!
PUNT RETURNER COMMUNICATION
LEFT (YELLOW) OR MIDDLE (MENLO)
2 DEEP (TANDEM)
P
LR
"YOU..YOU..YOU.."
RR
"ME..ME..ME.."
"ME & "YOU CALLS ARE MADE BY RETURNER AWAY FROM THE CALL.
PUNT RETURNER COMMUNICATION
RIGHT (RED)
2 DEEP (TANDEM)
P
LR
"ME..ME..ME.."
RR
"YOU..YOU..YOU.."
"ME & "YOU CALLS ARE MADE BY RETURNER AWAY FROM THE CALL.
MIDDLE RETURN
(MENLO)
SPREAD FORMATION
POSITION
ALIGNMENT/ASSIGNMENT
1 & 10
ALIGNMENT: INSIDE SHADE ON HITMEN
ASSIGNMENT: JAMMER TECHNIQUE, COVER MAN
TO MAN
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS
BY THE HITMEN
VS OPTION: COVER HITMEN MAN TO MAN
2&9
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE SHADE ON WINGS
“STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: MIDDLE RETURN TECHINQUE ON
WINGS
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS
BY THE WINGS
VS OPTION: COVER WINGS MAN TO MAN
3&8
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE SHADE ON TACKLES
“STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: MIDDLE RETURN TECHINQUE ON
TACKLES
4&7
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE SHADE ON GUARDS
“STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: MIDDLE RETURN TECHINQUE ON
GUARDS
POSITION
ALIGNMENT/ASSIGNMENT
5
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE TIP ON CENTER “STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: MIDDLE RETURN TECHINQUE ON
CENTER OR PP DEPENDING WHO IS THE MDM.
YOU CANNOT HIT THE CENTER WHEN HIS HEAD IS
DOWN. HE MUST BE ALLOWED TO COME UP
BEFORE HE IS COLLISIONED
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS BY
THE PP. SPY FOR FAKE
6
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE TIP ON CENTER “STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: GET VERTICAL UPFIED. DIP & RIP TO
THE BLOCK POINT, TAKE THE BALL OFF THE PUNTER’S
FOOT.
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS BY
THE PUNTER. SPY FOR FAKE.
RETURNER
ALIGNMENT: WILL BE DETERMINED BY PUNTING
AVERAGE, SCOUTING REPORT, WEATHER
CONDITIONS AND PUNTER’S PRE-GAME WARM-UPS.
ASSIGNMENT: CATCH THE BALL MOVING UP THE
FIELD TAKE A FEW STEPS TO ONE SIDE IF
PERMISSIBLE THEN EXPLODE UP THE MIDDLE
“THREAD THE NEEDLE”
MAKE SOMEONE MISS AND………..
TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE!
MIDDLE RETURN
(MENLO)
TIGHT FORMATION
POSITION
ALIGNMENT/ASSIGNMENT
1 & 10
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE SHADE ON ENDS
ASSIGNMENT: JAMMER TECHNIQUE, COVER MAN
TO MAN
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS
BY THE ENDS
VS OPTION: COVER ENDS MAN TO MAN
2&9
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE SHADE ON TACKLES
“STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: MIDDLE RETURN TECHINQUE ON
TACKLES
3&8
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE SHADE ON GUARDS
“STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: MIDDLE RETURN TECHINQUE ON
GUARDS
4&7
ALIGNMENT: HEAD UP ON UPBACKS “STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: MIDDLE RETURN TECHINQUE ON
UPBACKS
5
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE TIP ON CENTER”STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: MIDDLE RETURN TECHINQUE ON
CENTER. YOU CANNOT HIT THE CENTER WHEN HIS
HEAD IS DOWN. HE MUST BE ALLOWED TO COME
UP BEFORE HE IS COLLISIONED
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS BY
THE PP. SPY FOR FAKE
POSITION
6
RETURNER
ALIGNMENT/ASSIGNMENT
ALIGNMENT: OUTSIDE TIP ON CENTER“STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: GET VERTICAL UPFIED. DIP & RIP TO
THE BLOCK POINT, TAKE THE BALL OFF THE PUNTER’S
FOOT.
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS BY
THE PUNTER. SPY FOR FAKE.
ALIGNMENT: WILL BE DETERMINED BY PUNTING
AVERAGE, SCOUTING REPORT, WEATHER CONDITIONS
AND PUNTER’S PRE-GAME WARM-UPS.
ASSIGNMENT: CATCH THE BALL MOVING UP THE
FIELD TAKE A FEW STEPS TO ONE SIDE IF
PERMISSIBLE THEN EXPLODE UP THE MIDDLE
“THREAD THE NEEDLE”
MAKE SOMEONE MISS AND………..TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE!
MIDDLE RETURN
(MENLO)
SHIELD FORMATION
POSITION
ALIGNMENT/ASSIGNMENT
1 & 10
ALIGNMENT: HEAD UP ON ENDS.
ASSIGNMENT: JAMMER TECHNIQUE. COVER
MAN TO MAN.
ALERT FAKE! GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR
MOTIONS BY THE ENDS
VS OPTION: COVER ENDS MAN TO MAN
2&9
ALIGNMENT: HEAD UP ON TACKLES. “STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: JAMMER TECHNIQUE
3&8
ALIGNMENT: HEAD UP ON GUARDS. “STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: JAMMER TECHNIQUE
4&7
ALIGNMENT: A-GAPS INSIDE OF GUARDS AND
OUTSIDE OF UPBACKS. “STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: GET VERTICAL UP FIELD. DIP & RIP
THROUGH OUTSIDE SHOULDER OF UPBACKS. GET
TO THE BLOCK POINT. TAKE THE BALL
OFF THE PUNTER’S FOOT.
ALERT ROLL PUNT TO YOUR SIDE.
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS BY
THE LEFT UPBACK. SPY FOR FAKE
POSITION
ALIGNMENT/ASSIGNMENT
5
ALIGNMENT: A-GAP BETWEEN LEFT UPBACK AND
PP. “STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: GET VERTICAL UP FIELD. DIP & RIP
THROUGH PP & UPBACK. GET TO THE BLOCK
POINT. TAKE THE BALL OFF THE PUNTER’S FOOT.
ALERT ROLL PUNT TO YOUR SIDE.
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS
BY THE PP. SPY FOR FAKE
6
ALIGNMENT: HEAD UP ON CENTER “STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: MIDDLE RETURN TECHINQUE ON
CENTER. YOU CANNOT HIT THE CENTER WHEN HIS
HEAD IS DOWN. HE MUST BE ALLOWED TO COME
UP BEFORE HE IS COLLISIONED
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS BY
THE PUNTER. SPY FOR FAKE.
7
ALIGNMENT: A-GAPS INSIDE OF RIGHT UPBACK AND
CENTER “STEM TO IT”
ASSIGNMENT: GET VERTICAL UP FIELD. DIP & RIP
THROUGH OUTSIDE SHOULDER OF UPBACKS.
GET TO THE BLOCK POINT.
TAKE THE BALL OFF THE PUNTER’S FOOT.
ALERT ROLL PUNT TO YOUR SIDE.
ALERT FAKE: GO WITH ANY SHIFTS OR MOTIONS BY
THE RIGHT UPBACK. SPY FOR FAKE.
RETURNER
ALIGNMENT: WILL BE DETERMINED BY PUNTING
AVERAGE, SCOUTING REPORT, WEATHER
CONDITIONS AND PUNTER’S PRE-GAME WARM-UPS.
ASSIGNMENT: CATCH THE BALL MOVING UP THE
FIELD TAKE A FEW STEPS TO ONE SIDE IF
PERMISSIBLE THEN EXPLODE UP THE MIDDLE
“THREAD THE NEEDLE”
MAKE SOMEONE MISS AND……….. TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE!
MIDDLE RETURN
"MENLO"
P
.
SPREAD
PP
LW
LH
RW
LT
LG
3
4
2
1
RH
C RG RT
5 6
7
9
8
10
P
.
TIGHT
PP
LUB
LE
LT
LG
1
2
3
RUB
C
4
RG RT
5 6 7
8
9
RE
10
P
.
LU PP
LE
LT
LG
1
2
3
SHIELD
RU
C
4
1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, & 10: ALIGN IN 2 PT STANCE
5
6
7
RG
RT
RE
8
9
10
COACHING POINTS FOR JAMMERS
“GET TO THE CUT-OFF”
A. ALIGNMENT:
1. CROWD THE L.O.S. (CREDIT CARD)
2. KEEP SHOULDERS SQUARE TO THE L.O.S.
3. SPLIT THE HITMAN’S CROTCH WITH YOUR OUTSIDE FOOT.
4. ALIGN ON HIS INSIDE HALF.
B. STANCE:
1. “POSITIVE SHIN ANGLES” – HEALS UNDER ARMPITS, TOES
OUT AND ON THE INSIDE HALVES OF YOUR FEET.
2. KEEP SHOULDERS AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE.
3. HANDS SHOULD BE TIGHT TO THE BODY AT A 90 DEGREE
ANGLE CHEST HIGH AND FINGERS ALWAYS MOVING.
4. EYES SHOULD BE ALWAYS FOCUSED ON THE BELT OF THE
HITMAN.
C. RELEASE: “STAY EVEN OR JUST BEHIND HIM”
1. ON AN OUTSIDE RELEASE BY THE HITMAN.
2. PUNCH AND RETREAT WITH YOUR OUTSIDE HAND AND COME
BACK TO HIS TRICEP WITH HIS INSIDE ARM.
3. AIM FOR THE FRONT PART OF THE SHOULDER BUT YOU WILL
GET THE TRICEP
4. SNAP YOUR EYES TO HIS FEET.
5. GET YOUR ELBOW LOCKED OUT AND KEEP IT TIGHT.
6. CUP THE TRICEP WITH YOUR HAND.
7. IF HE LEANS OR GETS INTO YOU, RELOCK YOU ELBOW.
D. FINISH: “STICK TO HIM LIKE GLUE”
1. WHEN HE TURNS, YOU TURN AND PUNCH, KEEPING YOUR
HEAD AND SHOULDERS BACK.
2. MIRROR HIM DOWN THE FIELD, SHUFFLE OR GLIDE YOUR
FEET. NEVER CROSS THEM OVER
3. WHEN HE TRIES TO BREAK ACROSS YOUR FACE. SHOOT AND
LOCK OUT YOUR PLAYSIDE ARM.
4. SNAP YOUR EYES TO HIS FEET AND “SCRAPE PAINT” USING
YOUR INSIDE ARM.
5. KEEP A TIGHT ELBOW AND HAND OPEN. HOLD HIS PRESSURE
WITH YOUR HEAD ACROSS.
6. MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN POSITION. DO NOT TOUCH ANY PART
OF HIS BACK.
7. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY “CLIP”, PULL OFF. SIMPLY GET IN
POSITION AND….FINISH HIM.
TO THE HOUSE!
GET IT DONE! IT IS YOU VERSUS HIM, A CLASH OF WILLS.
TAKE PRIDE IN KNOWNG THAT YOUR MAN
WILL NEVER MAKE THE PLAY!
COACHING POINTS FOR PUNT RETURN
(MIDDLE RETURN MAN SCHEME BLOCKING)
“TIME EQUALS YARDS”
•
MAKE IT LOOK LIKE A PUNT BLOCK. BE IN AN ATTACK MODE!
•
“TIME EQUALS YARDS” THE LONGER WE FORCE OPPONENTS TO
STAY IN THE PROTECTION MODE, THE MORE CUSHION OUR
RETURN MAN GAINS. WE GAIN FIELD POSITION FOR EACH TENTH
OF A SECOND WE FORCE THE PROTECTION TO BLOCK.
A. ALIGNMENT:
1. CROWD THE L.O.S. (CREDIT CARD) WITH YOUR INSIDE DOWN
HAND ALWAYS IN FRONT OF YOUR HEAD. (THIS WILL PREVENT
YOU FROM BEING OFFSIDES).
2. ALIGN WITH YOUR INSIDE HAND DOWN TO THE BALL SIDE (LEFT
SIDE = RIGHT HAND DOWN LEFT ARM UP, RIGHT SIDE = LEFT HAND
DOWN, RIGHT ARM UP.
3. ALWAYS LOOK THE SAME WHETHER WE GO FOR A BLOCK OR ANY
RETURN.
4. POSSIBLE “STEM” (MOVING AROUND BEFORE IS SNAPPED, TO
CONFUSE PROTECTION SCHEME. THIS WILL BE CALLED ON THE
SIDELINE BY COACH OR DONE BY GAME PLAN).
B. STANCE:
1. TILTED SLIGHTLY INWARD, NARROW WITH BUTT UP AND ALL OF
YOUR WEIGHT FORWARD. INSIDE DOWN HAND IS CUPPED. OFF
HAND IS BACK AND UP.
2. HEAL TO TOE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OUTSIDE FOOT BEING UP.
THIS IS NOT A TRADITIONAL FOOTBALL STANCE!
3. ALWAYS LOOK THE SAME WHETHER WE GO FOR A BLOCK OR ANY
RETURN.
C. KEYS & READS:
1. STUDY THE SNAPPER PRIOR TO THE SNAP:
A. DOES HE HITCH?
B. DOES HE FLEX HIS HANDS?
2. STUDY THE PERSONEL PROTECTOR –
A. WHAT ARE HIS INDICATORS BEFORE THE BALL IS
SNAPPED?
B. LISTEN AND KNOW THE CADENCE.
C. WHICH WAY IS HE TELLING THE CENTER TO
BLOCK?
D. LISTEN FOR AUDIBLES…. Etc.
3. STUDY THE MEN IN FRONT OF YOU:
A. READ THEIR EYES AND BODY LANGUAGE.
4. WE MOVE ONLY ON THE SNAP OF THE BALL!
A. DO NOT JUMP AT ANY SUDDEN MOVEMENT
OR MOTION BY ANYONE ON THE FRONT LINE OR WINGS.
5. FOCAL POINT: BACK TIP OF THE BALL.
6. CROWD, KEY AND GET A JUMP ON THE BALL.
D. TAKE OFF:
“HAVE A ROCKET UP YOUR ASS”!
1. EXPLODE OUT OF YOUR STANCE LOW.
2. CHEST OVER THIGHS
3. PUMP YOUR ARMS LIKE A SPRINTER
E. ATTACK / HAND PLACEMENT: “LIFT HIM OUT OF HIS SHOES”
1.
2.
3.
4.
PUNCH WHEN YOU CAN “SMELL HIS BREATHE” OR STEP ON HIS TOES.
SHOOT YOUR HANDS TO THE BREAST PLATE WITH THUMBS UP,
HEAD UP, EYES ON HIS THROAT, SQUEEZE AND GRAB CLOTH.
KEEP KNEES BENT, ARCHED BACK WITH YOUR HANDS ABOVE YOUR
EYES WITH FEET OUT, KNEES IN (POSITIVE SHIN ANGLES).
5. 100% OF YOUR HIPS SQUARE IN RELATION TO HIS.
(SPLIT HIM DOWN THE MIDDLE)
6. DRIVE HIS ASS BACK INTO TO THE PUNTER’S FOOT.
7. SHUFFLE YOUR FEET (DANCE) TO MAINTAIN A “100%” POSITION WITH
PSA. NEVER CROSSOVER.
8. MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO RELEASE.
“STICK TO HIM LIKE GLUE”
F. RELEASE:
“TAKE HIM WHERE WANTS TO GO, FARTHER THAN HE WANTS TO GO”
1. LET HIM RELEASE ANY WAY HE WANTS (INSIDE OR OUTSIDE).
2. ALWAYS OPEN TO HIM AFTER RELEASE.
3. WHEN HE TRIES TO BREAK ACROSS YOUR FACE. SHOOT AND LOCK
OUT YOUR PLAYSIDE ARM AND SNAP YOUR EYES TO HIS FEET.
G. SHADOW:
1. IF HE COMES TO YOU IMMEDIATELY: “SCRAPE PAINT”
A. USING YOUR INSIDE ARM KEEP A TIGHT ELBOW AND HAND OPEN.
B. HOLD HIS PRESSURE WITH YOUR HEAD ACROSS.
C. STAY SLIGHTLY BEHIND HIM.
D. MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN POSITION TO NOT TOUCH ANY PART OF
HIS BACK.
2. IF HE IS IN ARMS LENGTH: “CUP THE TRICEP”
A. CUP THE BACK OF HIS TRICEP. HOLD HIS PRESSURE BUT STAY
SLIGHTLY BEHIND HIM.
3. IF HE WIDENS IMMEDIATELY: “CUSHION”
2-YARD WIDE BY 1-YARD BEHIND THE COVERMAN. NEVER BE EVEN!
A. READ HIS FEET – HE GOES WHERE HIS FEET GO.
B. MIRROR HIS ROUTE DOWN THE FIELD KEEPING YOUR
“CUSHION”.
C. WHEN HIS FEET START TO TURN OR COME TO BALANCE. YOU
START TO CLOSE. FIND A 5TH GEAR.
D. OPPOSITE SHOULDER BLOCK – WHEN YOU ARE 2 STEPS AWAY,
1. GATHER WITH POSITIVE SHIN ANGLES
2. YELL “HEY” TO GET HIS ATTENTION.
3. PENDELUM PUNCH: HEAD IN FRONT AND EYES UP.
SQUEEZE AND GRAB.
4. LOOK THRU YOUR THUMBS (FRAME IT UP)
5. POUND THE FEET “DON’T LEAVE YOUR BUTT BEHIND”
ELBOWS AND ASSHOLES!
IF YOU LOSE HIM DOWN THE FIELD……… GET TO THE CUT-OFF!
H. FINISH:
1. KEEP YOUR HANDS INSIDE AND STAY BETWEEN HIM AND THE
RETURNER.
2. MIRROR HIM DOWN THE FIELD, WHEN HE TURNS AND RUNS, YOU
TURN AND RUN.
3. WHEN HE TRIES TO BREAK ACROSS YOUR FACE. SHOOT AND LOCK
OUT YOUR PLAYSIDE ARM.
4. SNAP YOUR EYES TO HIS FEET AND “SCRAPE PAINT” USING YOUR
INSIDE ARM.
5. KEEP A TIGHT ELBOW AND HAND OPEN. HOLD HIS PRESSURE WITH
YOUR HEAD ACROSS.
6. 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.
TO THE HOUSE!
GET IT DONE! IT IS YOU VERSUS HIM, “A CLASH OF WILLS”
TAKE PRIDE IN KNOWING THAT YOUR MAN WILL NEVER MAKE THE PLAY!
PUNT RETURN - WALL LEFT
"YELLOW"
P
.
SPREAD
1
2
4 3
5
6
CENTER OR MDM
R
8
7 9
10
PUNT RETURN - WALL LEFT
"YELLOW"
2 DEEP
P
.
SPREAD
1
2
3
5
6
9
8
4
CENTER OR MDM
R
R
10
PUNT RETURN - WALL LEFT
"YELLOW"
P
TIGHT
.
2 1
4 3
5
6
CENTER OR MDM
R
8
7 10 9
PUNT RETURN - WALL LEFT
"YELLOW"
2 DEEP
P
TIGHT
.
2
1
3
5
6
10 9
8
4
CENTER OR MDM
R
R
COACHING POINTS FOR PUNT RETURN
(WALL SCHEME BLOCKING)
“BRING THE WALL TO THE BALL!”
MAKE IT LOOK LIKE A PUNT BLOCK. BE IN AN ATTACK MODE!
“TIME EQUALS YARDS” THE LONGER WE FORCE OPPONENTS TO
STAY IN THE PROTECTION MODE, THE MORE CUSHION OUR RETURN
MAN GAINS. WE GAIN FIELD POSITION FOR EACH TENTH OF A
SECOND WE FORCE THE PROTECTION TO BLOCK.
A. ALIGNMENT:
1. CROWD THE L.O.S. (CREDIT CARD) WITH YOUR INSIDE DOWN HAND
ALWAYS IN FRONT OF YOUR HEAD. (THIS WILL PREVENT YOU FROM
BEING OFFSIDES).
2. ALIGN WITH YOUR INSIDE HAND DOWN TO THE BALL SIDE (LEFT
SIDE = RIGHT HAND DOWN LEFT ARM UP, RIGHT SIDE = LEFT HAND
DOWN, RIGHT ARM UP.
3. ALWAYS LOOK THE SAME WHETHER WE GO FOR A BLOCK OR ANY
RETURN.
4. POSSIBLE “STEM” (MOVING AROUND BEFORE IS SNAPPED, TO
CONFUSE PROTECTION SCHEME. THIS WILL BE CALLED ON THE
SIDELINE BY COACH OR DONE BY GAME PLAN).
B. STANCE:
1. TILTED SLIGHTLY INWARD, NARROW WITH BUTT UP AND ALL OF
YOUR WEIGHT FORWARD. INSIDE DOWN HAND IS CUPPED. OFF
HAND IS BACK AND UP.
2. HEAL TO TOE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OUTSIDE FOOT BEING UP.
THIS IS NOT A TRADITIONAL FOOTBALL STANCE!
3. ALWAYS LOOK THE SAME WHETHER WE GO FOR A BLOCK OR ANY
RETURN.
C. KEYS & READS:
1. STUDY THE SNAPPER PRIOR TO THE SNAP:
A. DOES HE HITCH?
B. DOES HE FLEX HIS HANDS?
2. STUDY THE PERSONEL PROTECTOR –
A. WHAT ARE HIS INDICATORS BEFORE THE BALL IS
SNAPPED?
B. LISTEN AND KNOW THE CADENCE.
C. WHICH WAY IS HE TELLING THE CENTER TO
BLOCK?
D. LISTEN FOR AUDIBLES…. Etc.
3. STUDY THE MEN IN FRONT OF YOU:
A. READ THEIR EYES AND BODY LANGUAGE.
4. WE MOVE ONLY ON THE SNAP OF THE BALL!
A. DO NOT JUMP AT ANY SUDDEN MOVEMENT
OR MOTION BY ANYONE ON THE FRONT LINE OR WINGS.
5. FOCAL POINT: BACK TIP OF THE BALL.
6. CROWD, KEY AND GET A JUMP ON THE BALL.
D. TAKE OFF:
“HAVE A ROCKET UP YOUR ASS”!
1. EXPLODE OUT OF YOUR STANCE LOW.
2. CHEST OVER THIGHS
3. PUMP YOUR ARMS LIKE A SPRINTER
E. RELEASE / LANDMARK
DROP OFF CONSECTIVELY AND HEAD TO YOUR LANDMARK.
1ST MAN - POINT MAN – SET WALL OFF THE RETURNER
2ND MAN – 5 YARDS DIAGONALLY OFF 1ST MAN
3RD MAN – 5 YARDS DIAGONALLY OFF 2ND MAN
4TH MAN - 5 YARDS DIAGONALLY OFF 3RD MAN
5th MAN – 5 YARDS DIAGONALLY OFF 4TH MAN
“PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE”
KEEP THE INTEGRITY OF THE WALL – THE COVERMEN WILL COME TO YOU
SNAP YOUR EYES ON THE FEET THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN (MDM)
THAT ATTEMPTS TO CROSS YOUR FACE TOWARD THE RETURNER.
PROCEED TO DRIFT UPFIELD TOWARD THE GOAL LINE.
OPPOSITE SHOULDER BLOCK – WHEN YOU ARE 2 STEPS AWAY,
1. GATHER WITH POSITIVE SHIN ANGLES
2. YELL “HEY” TO GET HIS ATTENTION.
3. PENDELUM PUNCH: HEAD IN FRONT AND EYES UP.
SQUEEZE AND GRAB.
4. LOOK THRU YOUR THUMBS (FRAME IT UP)
5. POUND THE FEET “DON’T LEAVE YOUR BUTT BEHIND”
ELBOWS AND ASSHOLES!
F. FINISH:
1. KEEP YOUR HANDS INSIDE AND STAY BETWEEN HIM AND THE
RETURNER.
2. MIRROR HIM DOWN THE FIELD, WHEN HE TURNS AND RUNS, YOU
TURN AND RUN.
3. WHEN HE TRIES TO BREAK ACROSS YOUR FACE. SHOOT AND LOCK
OUT YOUR PLAYSIDE ARM.
4. SNAP YOUR EYES TO HIS FEET AND “SCRAPE PAINT” USING YOUR
INSIDE ARM.
5. KEEP A TIGHT ELBOW AND HAND OPEN. HOLD HIS PRESSURE WITH
YOUR HEAD ACROSS.
6. 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.
TO THE HOUSE!
GET IT DONE! IT IS YOU VERSUS HIM, “A CLASH OF WILLS”
TAKE PRIDE IN KNOWING THAT YOUR MAN WILL NEVER MAKE THE
PLAY
PUNT RETURN
DRILLS
PUNT RETURN
CIRCUIT
Block Point
Volleyball
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Px
Lean & See Ball Hit Hands
-
Press vs. Kick Step
Press vs. Zone Step
Press/Steel Rod
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Read Leverage
R
--------
Leverage Drill
Steel Rod
-
---
----
QB/Jugs
x
Volleyball
Lean & See Ball Hit Hands
-
---
-
P
-
Press vs. Zone Step
Press vs. Kick Step
PUNT RETURN DRILLS
PUNT BLOCK
ROCKET DRILLS
C
1. STANCE
2. GET-OFFS
3. BLOCK POINT
(one or two at
a time)
4. VS BAGS
x
x
1
2
3
4
1. RUN THRU
BLOCK POINT
C
(one side at
a time)
x
3
1
2
1
2
3
4
C
x
4
TRACK DRILL
(one or two
at a time)
(may add bags or
bodies)
V
V V
X
1
x
2
3
4
x
WIGGLE DRILL - Beat 2 Blockers
V
V
V
V
V
5
(vs tite)
X
V V
5
(vs wide)
(may add bags or
bodies)
2. SCOOP
&
SCORE
(man from
other side)
PUNT BLOCK DRILLS
BURST, BEND & BLOCK
CAMERA
9 yards
BLOCK POINT
3 yards
BAG
x
x
BLOCK POINT
BAG
BALL
BAG
BALL
BAG
9 yards
3 yards
V
V
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
CP: HEAL TO TOE STANCE
ASS UP
WEIGHT FORWARD
INSIDE LEG BACK
OUTSIDE ARM UP
GET OFF ON BALL MOVEMENT
RIP THRU AND BEND TO BLOCK POINT
SIMULATE PUNT BLOCK AT CONE
1. STANCE
2. GET-OFFS
3. BEND TO BLOCK POINT
MAY ADD PUNTER OR COACH ON KNEE AT BLOCK POINT
PUNT BLOCK DRILLS
BEAT THE WING
CAMERA
P
WING
6 yards
WING
BALL
2
LEFT SIDE
10 yards
BLOCK POINT
6 yards
9
RIGHT SIDE
1. STANCE
CP: HEAL TO TOE STANCE
ASS UP
2. GET-OFFS
WEIGHT FORWARD
3. BEND TO BLOCK POINT
INSIDE LEG BACK
OUTSIDE ARM UP
GET OFF ON BALL MOVEMENT
RIP THRU AND BEND TO BLOCK POINT OR COME UNDER HIM TO BLOCK POINT
SIMULATE PUNT BLOCK AT CONE
MAY ADD PUNTER OR COACH ON KNEE AT BLOCK POINT
PUNT RETURN DRILLS
ROCKET DRILLS
1. GET OFFS VS AIR fig. A
2. GET OFFS VS SHIELDS (HAND PLACEMENT) fig. B
V
2 YARDS
B
B
X
V
X
X
fig. A
X
USE STICKS FOR BALL MOVEMENT
fig. B
CAMERA
c.p EYE THE BACK TIP OF THE BALL
HEAD & EYES UP
THROW THE KNIVES (100)- HANDS INSIDE - FRAME IT UP
STICK TO HIM LIKE GLUE
POUND THE KNEES AND DRIVE HIM BACK INTO THE PUNTER
PUNT RETURN DRILLS
PIN DRILL
V
V
V
V
2 YARDS
B
X
X
USE STICKS FOR BALL MOVEMENT
COACH
CAMERA
PIN DRILL
1. GET OFFS VS SHIELDS ON BALL MOVEMENT
2. GIVE DIRECTION TO PUNT TEAM
c.p. KEEP THE COVERMAN IN THE PIN FOR AS LONG AS HE CAN.
SHUFFLE WITH HIM. WHEN HE BREAKS FREE:
LOCK OUT THE ESCAPE SIDE ARM
SNAP EYES TO HIS FEET
PUNT RETURN DRILLS
SHADOW DRILL
TRICEP & SCRAPE PAINT
CAMERA
V
V
X
X
BC
BC
COACH
GIVE DIRECTION TO COVERMEN
FIRST START IN THE PIN
WHEN HE BREAKS FREE
LOCK OUT THE ESCAPE SIDE ARM
SNAP EYES ON HIS FEET
IF HE COMES TO YOU - SCRAPE PAINT:
INSIDE ARM AT 90 DEGREES WITH HAND OPEN
HOLD HIS PRESSURE
STAY EVEN OR SLIGHTLY BEHIND HIM
STAY BETWEEN HIM AND THE RETURNER
IF HE GOES AWAY FROM YOU - TRICEP
CUP THE BACK OF HIS TRICEP
HOLD HIS PRESSURE
STAY EVEN OR SLIGHTLY BEHIND HIM
STAY BETWEEN HIM AND THE RETURNER
PUNT RETURN DRILLS
FINISH DRILL
BC
BC
V
V
X
X
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
CAMERA
1. FIRST START WITH HAND ON HIS TRICEP
EYES ON THE FEET
TURN WHEN HE TURNS
PUNCH
SHUFFLE WITH HIM
LOCK OUT ESCAPE SIDE ARM
SNAP EYES ON HIS FEET
INSIDE ARM AT 90 DEGREES WITH HAND OPEN
HOLD HIS PRESSURE
STAY BETWEEN HIM AND THE RETURNER
2. SECOND START SCRAPING PAINT
EYES ON THE FEET
TURN WHEN HE TURNS
PUNCH
SHUFFLE WITH HIM
LOCK OUT ESCAPE SIDE ARM
SNAP EYES ON HIS FEET
INSIDE ARM AT 90 DEGREES WITH HAND OPEN
HOLD HIS PRESSURE
STAY BETWEEN HIM AND THE RETURNER
PUNT RETURN DRILLS
GET TO THE CUT-OFF
BC
BC
T
T
B
B
FACE TO ASS
OPPOSITE SIDE
SCRAPE PAINT
T B
T B
SCREEN OUT
1. RUN PATH BETWEEN CP &
RETURNER.
2. STICK BUTT OUT
3. CUT OFF CP FROM
RETURNER.
3
V
PR
MIRROR
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
HANDS BEHIND BACK.
KEEP EYES ON CHEST #'S.
SHOOT HANDS INSIDE.
RESET HANDS
WIDEN FEET,SINK HIPS & STAY LOW.
POINT MAN
BC
V
15 yards
1
T
PM
PUNT RETURN DRILLS
WALL DRILL
1. PRE-SET WALL OFF THE POINT MAN (PM) VS AIR
2. PRE-SET WALL OFF THE POINT MAN (PM) VS DEFENDERS
3. GET OFF THE BALL & SET WALL OFF THE PM VS DEFENDERS
1
FIG 1.
2
3
4
PM
FIG 3.
R
C
FIG 2.
V
V
x V
V
1
2
3
4
V
1
V
V
1
2
V
V
3
V
4
2
V
3
V
PM
4
R
PM
R
PUNT RETURN
JAMMER DRILLS (#1 & #10)
VS SPREAD PUNT HITMEN
PROGRESSION
MIRROR DRILL
1. HANDS BEHIND BACK.
2. KEEP EYES ON CHEST #'S.
3. SHOOT HANDS INSIDE.
4. RESET HANDS
5. WIDEN FEET,SINK HIPS
& STAY LOW.
SCREEN OUT DRILL
1. RUN PATH
BETWEEN CP &
RETURNER.
2. STICK BUTT OUT
3. CUT OFF CP
FROM RETURNER.
V
V
1
1
PR
1
10
V
V
O
XX
V
10
1
V
V
V
1
V
10
V
1
V
V
V
SHADOW DRILL
1. NUDGE THE TRICEP AND WIDEN.
2. FINISH - WHEN HE SETTLES
* MAY USE SCREEN OUT
TECHNIQUE
V
10
O
XX
VICE DRILL
A. INSIDE RELEASE
B. OUTSIDE RELEASE
SPACE DRILL
A.
B.
C.
D.
EYES ON CHEST #'S.
SHOOT HANDS INSIDE.
RESET HANDS
WIDEN FEET, SINK HIPS
& STAY LOW.
V
V
1
V
10
10