Coaching Points for a mishandled FG Snap
•Practice this – see if one happens in the course of team practice.
• Do not always have the holder instigate, rather have the snapper misdirect a snap.
| Position | Technique |
|---|---|
| Line | Execute their foot-to-foot overlapping spike blocking technique. |
| Left End | Run right to the middle of the goal post, one foot from the end line. This is the last option, and the holder will throw the ball high at the middle of the goal posts – jump and make a play. |
| Left Wing | Set down and seal the inside gap. Make all defender rush to the outside. |
| Right End | Release at a 45° angle to get width, bending on an outside cut one foot into the end zone. If you get near the sideline, plant and work back, staying parallel to the goal line. Be ready to block if the holder elects to run the ball. |
| Right Wing | Release vertically, behind the right end, breaking to the back corner of the end zone. Get separation from the defender. |
| Holder | Once the snap has been mishandled, yell “fire – fire – fire”, and spin out rolling to the right. If you can run into the end zone do it, otherwise look flat to corner. If both players are covered, throw the ball high at the middle of the goal posts. |
| Kicker | Step up as though still kicking, and then execute a block protecting the holder’s backside. |
LAST SECOND FG ATTEMPT TO WIN THE GAME
Our expectation is that our special teams are difference makers and set a tone for our team as aggressive and relentless. Because special teams involve open field plays we prefer to have our more athletic athletes on the field. The only exception to this would be with our Punt and Field Goal Teams where protection becomes a priority. Linemen on these teams will be those that can protect first and then have the ability to use their athleticism to run and cover and tackle if needed. We want players that can run, hit and make plays. Special teams plays cause momentum shifts in games and will become a source of pride for our program. We want to give our opponents something they are going to have to spend a lot of time to prepare for.
We want to prepare our team for all circumstances. How long does it take to run the field goal team onto the field, align and get the snap off? We feel 12 seconds is fantastic, with 14 seconds being acceptable. This is a situation that we practice both in the two-minute drill, and the Surprise Special Teams Drill called by a coordinator or head coach.
Whenever a last second attempt situation could present itself, the sideline players must be aware. The kicker must have his tee, if one is allowed, and any players on the unit that are not in the game must be ready on the sideline. We want the “change players” to mirror the ball on the sideline. This shortens the distance that they must run. As they are running onto the field, the holder is calling out the base alignment, which for us is “wings”. The holder will still keep their eyes on the kicker until he is ready, however the kicker must move along in this situation. Precision is critical. Once that holder turns to the center and yell “ready”, the center snaps the ball. The players must still cover the attempt, especially at half time. At the end of the game, covering just gets them a little closer to the end zone to celebrate!
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.