Kick Return Strategies are basically the same for punt and kick off with the primary objective being to not turn the ball over. In little kid football special teams are usually short changed and I see many mistakes which will cost your team in the long run.
If you do make the time and want to try…
Category Archives: Special Teams
Kick Return Strategies
Upman
During a kickoff, every player on the return team is called an “upman” with the exception of the one or two designated kickoff returners, who stand furthest away from the starting point of the kicking team.
Two-point conversion
A play worth two points accomplished by gaining legal possession of the ball in the opponent’s end zone, either via a run or pass, after a touchdown has been made; see try.
Turnover
The loss of the ball by one team to the other team. This is usually the result of a fumble or an interception.
Touchback
The act of downing the ball behind one’s own goal line on a kickoff or punt after the ball had been propelled over the goal by the opposing team. This can be accomplished by one of several ways: the receiving team player catching the ball in the endzone and dropping down to one knee; by…
Three-point conversion
A novelty play, in leagues such as the XFL and the proposed New USFL, that is nearly identical to the two-point conversion. A play that advances the ball into the end zone from the 10-yard line (as opposed to the 2 or 3 yard line in a two-point conversion) earns 3 points.
Squib kick
A type of kickoff in which the ball is intentionally kicked low to the ground, typically bouncing on the ground a few times before being picked up. This is done in the hopes of preventing a long return, as the ball is often picked up by one of the upmen as opposed to the designated…
Special teams
The units that handle kickoffs, punts, free kicks and field goal attempts. Often manned by second and third team players.
Shield punt
When 7 men line up on the line of scrimmage and immediately start to cover the punt while 3 offensive players stay to guard the punter.
What is my Daily Routine for Special Teams Practice?
I am a believer that if you ignore special teams they will bite you in the “you know what”. In over 20 years of coaching, my teams have NEVER returned a kickoff for a touchdown, until this year. I have also never had one returned against any of my teams.
I will examine the special teams…
