This is the second Part of a three part series on punt blocks.
Click this link to read part 1
B-GAP BLOCK – “BAT”
Coaching Points
•Designed to attack a zone scheme by stretching the protection to free the players aligned in the B-gap.
•Must occupy the protector, and if protector moves to right, then the left side would pressure for the block.
•Most likely will employ an automatic middle return
Positions and Techniques
1 Align in “form start” stance head-up on the EMOL – attack with PWS pinning EMOL inside; i.e., no free release into coverage lanes. Responsible for the EMOL in case of fake.
2 Align in “form start” stance in a 9-technique – attack tackle (C-gap) with PWS.
3 Align in “form start” stance in the B-gap. Attack gap with a low pad level, getting skinny in the hole to get clear. Defender away from the protector must hit the block spot, taking the ball off of the punter’s foot. They are responsible for the punter on fake. Defender to the protector must occupy the protector and has the protector on all fakes.
4 Align in “form start” stance in 4-technique. Attack A-gap with PWS.
5 Align in “form start” stance in 2-technique. Attack A-gap with PWS. If the upback does not attempt to block or outside releases, be aware of the possible fake.
C-GAP BLOCK – “CAT”
Coaching Points
•Designed to attack a man scheme with a twist to free the outside players aligned in the C-gap.
•Must occupy the protector, and if protector moves to right, then the left side would pressure for the block.
•Most likely will employ an automatic middle return.
Positions and Techniques
1 Align in “form start” stance outside the wing, and just prior to the snap “bail” to align in a two-point stance, stacked position to allow a charge through the C-gap. Defender away from the protector must hit the block spot, taking the ball off of the punter’s foot. They are responsible for the punter on fake. Defender to the protector must occupy the protector and has the protector on all fakes.
2 Align in “form start” stance in a 6-technique – attack with PWS. Responsible for wing if they attempt to release for a pass.
3 Align in “form start” stance in a 4i-technique – attack tackle (B-gap) with PWS.
4 Align in “form start” stance in 2i-technique. Attack A-gap with PWS. If guard does not attempt to block or outside releases, be ready to collision inside trap fake.
C Corners are aligned 5 yards off with their outside foot to the gunners’ inside foot. Corners are responsible for the gunners (man) and will use a shadow technique to ride gunners outside. The alignment and techniques can change based upon the scouting report
C-GAP BLOCK – “CAT”
Coaching Points
•Designed to attack a zone scheme with pressure in the C-gap.
•Must occupy the protector, and if protector moves to right, then the left side would pressure for the block.
•Most likely will employ an automatic middle return.
Positions and Techniques
1 Align in “form start” stance in a 9-technique on the EMOL – attack with PWS pinning EMOL inside; i.e., no free release into coverage lanes. Responsible for the EMOL in case of fake.
2 Align in “form start” stance in the C-gap. Attack gap with a low pad level, getting skinny in the hole to get clear. Defender away from the protector must hit the block spot, taking the ball off of the punter’s foot. They are responsible for the punter on fake. Defender to the protector must occupy the protector and has the protector on all fakes.
3 Align in “form start” stance in a 4i-technique – attack tackle (B-gap) with PWS.
4 Align in “form start” stance in 2i-technique. Attack A-gap with PWS. If guard does not attempt to block or outside releases, be ready to collision inside trap fake.
5 Align in “form start” stance in 1-technique. Attack A-gap with PWS. If the upback does not attempt to block or outside releases, be aware of the possible fake.
Click here for Part 3 of Punt Blocks
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.