To be a SPECIAL TEAMS member means that we must be committed to the value and importance of the kicking game. We must believe that the SPECIAL TEAMS will ensure the team of winning at least three or more games each year and keep the team in the close games so we can have the opportunity to win. There is a fine line between average and great. Remember, we are not striving to be “GOOD”. We are going to be the “BEST”!!! The way we will become champions is that we must have total commitment; it will not happen any other way. We must set high goals and use every ounce of our potential to reach success, even if it means having no mercy on ourselves.
Our approach to the kicking game will be one of constant emphasis toward consistency and efficiency with simplicity…but …done with EFFORT, INTENSITY, DISCIPLINE, CONCENTRATION, AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS. Each member of the SPECIAL FORCES will have a responsibility. Our ability to ACT and REACT to a pressure play will be measured by out performance.
Let’s never be out hit. Always hustle, and strive to make BIG PLAYS, which lead to wins. Sometime during the year, every player involved will have a chance to make a big play in the kicking game. DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE! It might win a championship. You will go on the field to do everything with the intent of causing a fumble, blocking a kick, throwing the key block, making a tackle, or scoring. Be ready when you are called upon.
Champions take PRIDE in making positive things happen. Our SPECIAL TEAMS is considered an offensive phase of our approach to the game of football. We plan to WIN in every phase of our SPECIAL FORCES. Our schemes are designed to keep constant pressure on our opponent. WE WILL DOMINATE!!
FACTORS OF SPECIAL TEAMS:
1. One out of every five plays, or about 25 to 30 plays per game is a kick of some sort.
2. Each play normally involves a change of possession.
3. Plays that do not involve a change of possession are direct attempts of scoring or defending a scoring attempt. 25% of all scoring is attributed to the kicking downs.
4. A sizeable amount of yardage is gained or lost. A average of 40 yards is involved.
5. SPECIAL FORCES start every half of every game and often in the closing seconds of the end of the game –Determining the winner
6. 70% of all close games are decided SPECIAL FORCES.
HOW TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL:
1. Eliminate Mistakes
a. Concentrate on assignments
b. Learn rules to take advantage of them
c. Know situations
d. Know what opponent is trying to do
2. Intensity
a. Pay attention to detail
b. All out Pride –Hustle –Desire
3. Fundamentals
a. Precise Skills –Punters, Kickers, Snappers, Holders
b. Concentration, Distance to locate yourselves on kicks, timing –Hours of work.
4. Personnel
a. Best Players Play
b. Reckless Abandon –No restraints
c. Unselfish, Team oriented, Courageous, Enthusiastic Winner
REMINDERS
1. Set the Tone
a. Rangers set the tone
b. No substitute for toughness
2. Ball Security
3. Penalty Free
4. Proper substitution
5. Establish Field Position
6. Big Play
a. Who makes the play
PROFILE OF A SPECIAL TEAM MEMBERS
AMBITION–Desire for high goals. Hates to lose. Can’t stand failure. Has goals above ability.
COACABLE –Takes advice and easy to coach. Eager to learn. Easy to approach. Follows rules and directions.
AGGRESSION –First place belongs to me type. Asserts himself. Intimidates opponent. Has killer instinct to put games away.
LEADERSHIP -Shows the way and sets good example. Respected by team members. Mixes well. Others follow his example and takes his advise.
TAKE CHARGE GUY –Will take over when things go wrong. Under pressure, does something about the problem. Often a hero.
PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS –Develops toughness by hard work. In great condition. Keeps rules and trains year round.
MENTAL TOUGHNESS –Never gives into feelings. Has never give up attitude. Ignores heat, cold, and pain.
Psychological Endurance –Stays with job until the end. Will do his best against top competition. High endurance all season. Reliable
HOW IMPORTANT IS FIELD POSITION???
Offense Starting On Chances of scoring%
Inside -20 yard line 1 out of 30 score 3%
-40 yard line1 out of 8 score 13%
50 yard line1 out of 5 score 20%
+40 yard line1 out of 3 score 33%
+30 yard line1 out of 2 score 50%
Inside +20 yard line2 out of 3 score 66%
Special Teams can give your team the best field position… which means your team has the greatest chances of scoring. Like wise, the special teams can put your opponents in poor field position giving them lower percentage of scoring.
TEAM GOALS
To Control vertical field position in every game:
• How goal will be measured: Weekly game goals
Score or set up a score at least one per game:
• How goal will be measured: Points scored by special teams and or points scored by the offense after given the ball in scoring position by the special forces.
Do not allow any blocked kicks:
• How goal will be measured: No opponent will touch a kicked ball.
Create a turnover or blocked kick:
• How goal will be measured: By blocking a kick or taking the ball away from our opponents.
How above goals will be attained:
• Strategy…study each opponent and devise appropriate strategies, capitalizing on opponents weaknesses and or personnel, and neutralizing opponents strengths.
• Coordinating players abilities in relation to their role within the schemes
• Teach players the knowledge and techniques needed to execute their assignments.
• Practice strategies and techniques every day in practice.
WEEKLY GOALS YES NO
1. NO BLOCKED KICKS
2. BALL SECURITY
3. PENALTY FREE
4. BLOCK A KICK OR CAUSE A TURNOVER
5. 100% PAT OR FG
6. NET PUNTING AVE. 35 YDS OR MORE
7. LIMIT OPPONENTS PUNT RETURN TO 9 YARDS OR LESS
8. LIMIT OPPONENT KOR TO INSIDE THE 34 YARD LINE
9. AVERAGE AT LEAST 14 YARDS ON PUNT RETURN
10. AVERAGE START POSITION AFTER KOR 35 YARDLINE OR BETTER
11. OUT SCORE OPPONENTS
12. WIN BATTLE OF FIELD POSITION
13. 100% ON HOLDS, SNAPS, & BALL HANDLING
14. NO SUBSTITUTION ERRORS
15. MAKE AT LEAST 3 BIG PLAYS
A. FUMBLE RECOVERY
B. PUNT RETURN OVER 20 YARDS
C. KOR 35 YARDS OR MORE
D. KO TACKLE INSIDE 20 YARDLINE
E. PUNT COVERAGE TACKLE 5 YARDS OR LESS
F.BLOCK A KICK
G. DOWN PUNT INSIDE 10 YARD LINE
H. SCORE A TOUCHDOWN
I. RECOVER AN ONSIDE KICK
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.