Rowan University

Special Teams

Rowan University Special Teams Philosophy

We will employ a very sound approach to special teams. We must be willing to utilize all players, both starters and reserves, when it comes to special teams. We need to utilize players from both sides of the ball. Also, we will reward certain players for outstanding behavior by allowing them to participate on special teams.

Philosophy Continued
Specifically, we must identify players strengths and allow them to be employed on special teams. We cannot afford to spend an inordinate amount of time teacking skills certain players have already mastered. We must keep the schemes relatively simple and be willing to use as many players as possible.

Philosophy Continued
The two main goals of special teams are to score points and create advantages in field position. We will use special plays when specific opportunities arise within the game plan. The order of importance will be FG/XPT, Punt, Punt Return, FG/XPT block, Kick Off, Kick Off Return, Hands Team, and Onside Kick.

Punt
Punt Protection Practice Punting Situations Why Spread Punt? Critical Coaching Points

Punt Protection
There are certain key components that are needed to have successful punt protection:

Key Components of Punt Protection

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Must Have NO Bad Snaps. Must Have NO Blocked Kicks. Must Have NO Bad Kicks. Must Have NO Long Returns. Must Eliminate Missed Tackles. Must Create Turnovers. Must Eliminate Penalties. Must Exhibit Speed. Must Exhibit Good Judgment.

Practice Punting Situations

To have a effective special teams, one must practice punting in different situations, to expose your team to all situations that can happen in a game. Surprises are when mistakes happen, there are four key areas that can eliminate or prepare your team when pressure situations arise.

Punting Practice Situations

Key Practice Situations: A. Punting from the hash marks B. Punting from our end zone C. Punting from our red zone D. Punting from the 40-50 yard line E. Punting from bad snaps F. Covering the fair catch G. Reaction to a blocked kick H. Reaction to a partial block

Spread Punt

Why use the spread punt formation?

Spread Punt
1. Provides great cover situations A. Flyers in one on one opportunity B. Center protection rule C. 3s & 4s (LBs) in space D. 2s (TEs and FBs) get width E. Hides Personal Protector

Spread Punt
2. Provides manageable numbers to block A. 8 vs. 8 B. 7 vs. 8 C. 6 vs. 8 D. 5 vs. 8

Spread Punt
3. Provides many fake situations A. Robert/Larry run B. Peter run C. Lucky pass D. Rose/Lisa pass E. Punt shutdown

Places our athletes in numerous one-on-one situations!

Cadence
1. 2. 3. 4. Ready Ready Count number of possible rushers (ex. 10) Number in box immediate rushers Number in the box immediate rushers a. Balanced b. Unbalanced c. Overload Identify Protection a. Zone Zebra on me b. Man Maroon, I have #45 c. Combination 11 or 99 with center slide, I have #45 Call a. Zebra, Zebra, Zebra b. Set

5.

6.

Techniques Taught
5 MAN Snap the ball properly Good solid base Be able to slightly move to the block

Techniques Taught

4 & 3 MAN Inside foot 1 foot away from the inside mans outside foot Inside feet of 4s and 3s line up Inside foot forward Outside foot back toe in line with heel of inside foot Feet less than shoulder width Hands on thighs Head looking forward Shoulders over thighs Weight slightly on front foot Up on the balls of the feet balanced

Techniques Taught

Ball is snapped Reach back with outside foot Push off with inside foot Inside arm comes up stay balanced Slide and lean on inside foot for next movement

Techniques Taught

Next movement Reach back with outside foot again Push off with inside foot again Outside arm come up Stay balanced Slide inside foot back to outside foot Prepare for engagement

Techniques Taught

2 men Inside foot 2 feet away from inside mans outside foot Inside foot a hand touch away from 3s hip Inside foot forward Outside foot back 2 feet away from heel of inside foot Feet less than shoulder width Head looking forward Hands on thighs Shoulders over inside thigh Weight heavily on front foot Up on balls of feet Weight backwards

Techniques Taught

Ball is snapped Reach back with outside foot Push off with inside foot Stay balanced Slide and lean on inside foot for next movement

Techniques Taught

Next Movement Reach back with outside foot again Push off with inside foot again Outside arm comes up Stay balanced Slide inside foot back to outside foot Prepare for engagement Reach out if needed to secure the edge

Critical Coaching Points

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Listen for the calls Always communicate Always point out your defender Comeback as a unit Comeback straight Get good depth

Critical Coaching Points Continued

7. Do not rush but have a sense of purpose 8. Always get inside arms up first 9. Hands should connect with others 10. Never get shoulders turned 11. Do not crowd the person next to you

accorsi@rowan.edu