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Thursday, November 7 Updated: November 11, 11:13 AM ET Football 101: Special teams - kicking game By Bob Davie Special to ESPN.com |
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Every week in college football, games are decided by the kicking game. Last week, I stated that the two most measurable statistics affecting the outcome of a game are turnover ratio and field position. Not only do special teams control these two important elements, but they also provide an opportunity to score points. Every time the ball is kicked, special teams can score points in one of the following ways: This week we will discuss field goal and extra point teams. Obviously, every time a field goal or extra point team goes on the field they have an opportunity to score points. That's why this unit is vital to the success of a team. A great field goal kicker is a tremendous weapon, but efficiency of the unit is equally important. It is vital to the success of the team that this unit scores every time it takes the field. Whether it is an extra point or field goal, the goal is to be 100 percent in scoring efficiency. Four elements must be performed perfectly for the field goal and extra point team to be successful. They are the snap, protection, hold and kick.
Operation time
Snappers and holders
Kicker Now almost all kickers use the soccer-style technique as opposed to the conventional straight-on style you used to see years ago.
Field goal formation
Unbalanced formation
Center responsibilities Normally, teams will let the center snap the ball when he is ready -- they don't go on a cadence. Once he has received a ready signal from the holder, the center can snap the ball. Because of that, it is important for all the linemen to use peripheral vision to see the ball snapped.
Interior blocking
The ends
The wing
Special situations 2. Bad snaps -- Sometimes you have a bad snap or the holder botches the catch. In this case the holder yells "Fire, fire" to alert the line that the snap has been botched. The wings immediately release to the corner of the end zone. The holder or kicker, whoever retrieves the football, will look to throw to the corner of the end zone first and to run second.
Conclusion
One thing you didn't cover in your punting "lecture" is the offensive strategies for snapping the ball. Who counts? Who decides when the ball is centered? Bob Davie: Great point. First of all, in punt protection the most difficult responsibility falls on the center. He not only has to make a perfect snap, which is his first priority, but he must also protect. How the mechanics of that work is the personal protector calls out the protection, then makes a ready call. The center can then snap the ball whenever he is ready and totally comfortable. It's also important for the center to change his routine and rhythm so the punt-block team doesn't get a jump on the snap.
I have always wondered why teams punt the ball directly to the receiver. Why not make the receiver of the punt run about 15-20 yards to the side to catch it? Why not make it a bit more difficult? It may upset potential returns, it will make the receiver move to get the ball, and it will give an advantage to the punt team. Bob Davie: There are some teams that will use a directional kick when facing a great punt returner. There are problems with a directional punt. Normally when you kick, you try to create a pocket for your punter. When the punter turns to kick directionally, the angle of protection gets distorted and there is a greater chance of a block. Secondly, since the punter's mechanics are altered, it is easier for the punter to shank a ball. Directional punting can be a great weapon, but you must be careful not to get the kick blocked or shank the kick.
A couple of general questions. How long should teams work on special teams in practice? I saw one successful high school coach do nothing but special teams for the last 30-40 minutes of practice. The whole time you could hear him yelling to his punt coverage guys "Sprint, sprint, sprint!!" Do you think it's best to work on special teams at the end of practice during the season? Thanks.
I enjoyed your explanation of the special teams. Watching my Buckeyes this year, I've gained a greater appreciation for the kicking game. They are one of the key factors in Ohio State's success this year.
My question is, how does the punt team account for punt blockers overloading the middle? Is it simply plugging the gaps and hoping there is too much congestion for the blockers to get penetration, or is there an actual scheme to combat this without leaving an outside rusher unblocked? Bob Davie: Any time you have blockers tight in an era, the punt protection team uses a domino technique. You actually knock the player you are blocking into the next person. What happens is it all gets wadded up in there because the offensive punt team takes real small splits to begin with. Send in your Football 101 questions. Bob Davie will answer a few of them next week. Editor's note: As architect of top defenses at Texas A&M and Notre Dame, Bob Davie is recognized as a top X's and O's coach. This season, Coach Davie analyzes offensive and defensive schemes as part of his season-long course on football for ESPN.com. Each week, he breaks out the chalkboard and break down the X's and O's in college football. |
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