Mastering Special Teams: A Comprehensive Guide to Kicking and Returning

Football is an exciting game that requires the perfect balance of strategy, athleticism, and skill. Special teams are a key component of football that often goes overlooked, yet they play a crucial role in executing successful plays. This guide will cover the most important aspects of mastering special teams – from kicking and returning to formations and drills.

Understanding Football Special Teams

When it comes to special teams, understanding the roles and strategies is the first step in mastering them. Special teams refer to a group of players who are specialized in punting, place kicking, kickoff, or return strategies. These players are essential in setting up the offense and defense, as they are responsible for taking the ball from one end of the field to the other. Special teams are also responsible for blocking and protecting during kickoffs and returns.

Kicking and Returning Strategies

The kicking game is an important part of special teams. Knowing the right techniques and strategies is essential for success. Placekickers use the drop, drive, and swing techniques to kick the ball off the ground and into the endzone. Punters use a variety of techniques to kick the ball downfield, such as the pooch, coffin, and rugby-style kicks.

Returning the ball is a key part of the kicking game. Football teams need to have a strategy for the kickoff, punt return, and kick return. During kickoff, the team needs to decide if they are going to keep the ball inbounds or send it out of bounds. For punt returns, teams need to decide if they are going to call for a fair catch, attempt to return the ball, or let it go. Kick returns require the team to set up blockers and create running lanes.

Special Teams Formations and Drills

In addition to kicking and returning strategies, special teams require specific formations and drills. Special teams formations are used to create blocking schemes and create running lanes. The most common formations are the wedge, the wall, and the return. Each formation has its own strategy and purpose. Special teams drills are used to practice basic techniques such as tackling, blocking, and running with the ball.

FAQs

What is special teams in football?

Special teams in football refer to a group of players specialized in punting, place kicking, kickoff, and return strategies. They are responsible for taking the ball from one end of the field to the other and setting up the offense and defense.

What are the kicking techniques in football?

Kicking techniques in football include the drop, drive, and swing techniques for placekicking and pooch, coffin, and rugby-style kicks for punting. These techniques must be mastered in order to be successful on the field.

What are the return strategies in football?

Return strategies in football include deciding whether to keep the ball inbounds or send it out of bounds during kickoffs, calling for a fair catch, attempting to return the ball, or letting it go during punts, and setting up blockers and creating running lanes during kick returns.

What are special teams formations?

Special teams formations are used to create blocking schemes and running lanes. The most common formations are the wedge, the wall, and the return. Each formation has its own strategy and purpose.

What are special teams drills?

Special teams drills are used to practice basic techniques such as tackling, blocking, and running with the ball. These drills help players hone their skills and become more successful on the field.

Special teams are an important part of the football game and mastering them can be the difference between a win and a loss. With the right strategies and techniques, players can become experts in kicking and returning and successfully contribute to their team’s success. With this comprehensive guide to mastering special teams, you’ll have the tools you need to become a pro.