Punt Protection and Coverage
 

PUNT TEAM: Punting the football is one method in attempting to win the field position battle. It is important for your punt coverage teams to know how to block properly, to first allow the punt to happen, and then to cover the punt keeping the return player pinned as deep at their end of the field as possible. Players selected to this important phase of the game need to be able to block, run, be aggressive, have great desire, and demonstrate the ability to tackle.

PUNT COVERAGE VERSUS MIDDLE RETURN

PURPOSE OF THE ALIGNMENT: This type of alignment gives a balance of players across the field and provides good field of vision for each player as he sprints down the field.

• The two players spread out on each side of the ball, can leave on the snap and go directly at the return men.
• Inside players must be able to block and then sprint down the field to help with the tackle.
• The punter and fullback [FB] can serve as safeties on opposite sides of the field after the punt.

If the punt team is punting from deep in their end of the field, if the center is having trouble with the snap, or if the return team is lining up for a block, you can have both outside players [LGU & RGU] move in tight, lining up adjacent to the LT and RT on their side of the ball, giving you additional blockers to help ensure the punt.

PURPOSE OF THE PUNT DRILL: To teach the entire punt team to work as one unit, blocking effectively until the punt is made, and then running downfield and covering the punt correctly.

RUNNING THE DRILL: Position the punter and the remaining punt team members [10] in the proper position on the field with:

• The two players on the outside on either side of the ball [LGU & RGU] split out away from the formation.
• The five blockers should line up on the line with the center in the middle [LT LG CN RG RT].
• The two wingbacks [LW RW] should line up off the line, behind the tackle [LT RT].
• The fullback [FB] should line up four yards behind the line and on the side of the punter's foot.
• The punter should line up directly behind the center at a distance starting at 10 yards and working back to no more then 15 yards based on the strength of the center to accurately snap the ball to the punter.

In the beginning you can start the drill with only the two punt return players on the field. The punt team can simulate their assignments on the punt.

• The two gunners [LGU RGU] on the outside should sprint directly at the two returners downfield on the snap.
• The center should focus on making the snap first, then aiding the blocking, and finally releasing downfield to help cover the punt.
• The punter must focus on catching the snap, executing the punt, and then acting as a safety to the on side of the field.
• The remaining seven players should set back on the snap, simulate blocking for three counts [until the ball is punted] and then sprint downfield in their lanes to cover the punt.

Once the return team is added, you can run the drill with the return team players stepping across the line and making contact with the members of the punt coverage team.

On the center snap, each player on the punt team should execute their assignment until the punt is made and then sprint downfield. Designate prior to the punt where the punt returner should bring the ball [left - middle - right] after catching the punt, and that he should continue to run up the field until you blow the whistle.

• Every coverage person should try to touch the return man with the ball before the drill is concluded.
• It is not necessary to have the coverage people tackle the ball carrier as long as they break down, come under control, and are in position to make the tackle.
• The coverage team should exit on the sideline so that the next group of players on the coverage team can line up for the next kick.

TECHNIQUE:

• The two outside players on the line [Gunners] should line up in a two- point stance with their inside foot back, turning their heads to the inside, looking at the ball and sprinting off the line the minute they see the center make the snap. If they are lined up in a tight position, they should change their stance so that their outside foot is back.
• The center should move into position over the ball, grip the ball in two hands, have a balanced stance, and snap the ball to the punter. After the punt, the center should aid in the blocking and then sprint directly to the ball and be part of the tackle if possible. NUMBER 1 JOB; MAKE THE SNAP TO THE PUNTER.
• The fullback should line up in a balanced stance and be prepared to block the most dangerous rusher who comes free. After the punt, he should become the safety on one side of the field.
• The punter should line up in the proper position, signal the center that he is ready for the snap, catch the snap, execute the punt, and then become the safety on one side of the field. NUMBER 1 JOB; MAKE THE PUNT.
• The remaining blockers should line up in a two-point stance with their outside feet back, leaning forward on their inside feet. They should push off their inside feet on the snap moving back off the line and to the inside, bring their hands up in front of their chest and be prepared to block their assigned rusher. After the punt they should release from the rusher, cover the punt, and assist in making the tackle.
• Each player must run in their correct coverage lane as they sprint downfield.
• The players should try to keep the ball on the same side of their body as it was prior to the punt.
• Players need to avoid any blocker [when blockers are added to the drill] on the side of the ball as it is returned upfield and then quickly get back into their coverage lane.
• Players should be coached to never run in the footsteps of a fellow player.
• Players need to shorten their strides, widen their bases, come under control, and be prepared to make the tackle on the return man.
• Check that the punter and the fullback are in position to stop any long return should the return man break free by moving to the side of the return.

In the beginning, once the return players are added to the drill and they are assigned the coverage players to block, you can run the drill focusing on only the snap, blocking, and punt, while working with only one side of the coverage team at a time. Once the protection is secure, you can have the team cover one side at a time so that you can focus your coaching and make needed corrections.