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SPECIAL TEAMS
POSITIONS, PERSONNEL & RESPONSIBILITIES
The players you will use when your team is involved in any segment of
the kicking game [special teams] will be made up of a combination of
offensive and defensive players. In addition there are some very
specialized jobs that must be filled for your special teams.
When thinking about special teams, try to think in terms of two teams
rather than one in your planning. When one team is making any type of kick
there will always be a corresponding team lined up on the opposite side of
the ball.
The teams that are kicking the ball will need:
- Players who have the ability to block for the punt and PAT/FG teams.
- Players who have the ability to run, cover and tackle.
The teams that are receiving or defending the kick will need:
- Players who can pressure the kicker.
- Players who can run, block and stay with the coverage people on the
kicking team.
In addition, each segment of the kicking game will feature a player or
players who will need to have special skills in order for the team to have
success.
Point after Touch down or Field goal
For your PAT/FG team you will need 3 specialized players: 1 center who
is designated as a short snapper [SN], 1 holder [H] and 1 placekicker [PK].
When you are selecting players for your PAT / FG team kicking unit:
- The short snapper must be able to accurately throw the ball back,
through his legs, 7 yards to the holder and have the bulk to aid in the
blocking.
- The holder must have good hands to be able to catch the snap and
place the ball correctly on the ground plus have the ability to run or
pass the ball if the snap is bad.
- The placekicker should have a strong leg and be able to kick the
ball off the ground from a hold through the uprights and over the
crossbar.
When attempting to kick a PAT or FG, the short snapper, usually a
lineman or linebacker, must:
- Line up in the center position
- Throw the ball back between his legs 7 yards to the holder [short
snap]
- Help block the opposing players who are trying to block the kick
The holder, usually a quarterback or wide receiver, has the
responsibility to:
- Kneel down 7 yards behind the center and establish the spot for the
ball
- Signal to the center that the kicker is ready
- Catch the ball from the center [take the snap]
- Place the ball on the ground [on the spot]
- Balance the ball on its point for the placekicker [hold]
- Run or pass the ball if there is a bad snap [fire play]
The placekicker, who can play any position on the team, must:
- Line up properly
- Signal the holder that he is ready to make the kick
- Take the correct steps and kick the ball
It is essential that these three players work together as one 3-man
group until each player can do his own job satisfactorily.
Your FIELD GOAL BLOCK TEAM should be made up of players from your
normal defensive team [see special teams alignment section].
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