Punt Team Pittsburgh

8/6/2019 Punt Team Pittsburgh

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PUNT GOALS

1. NO FOOLISH PENALTIES, ME'S OR MISSED ASSIGNMENT'S. WE MUST BE

PERFECT IN OUR PUNT PROTECTION, PUNT PLACEMENT AND COVERAGE TO

THE BALL.

2. LIMIT OUR OPPONENT TO 5 YARDS OR LESS PER RETURN. GANG TACKLE,

ELIMINATE MISSED TACKLES. MAKE BIG HITS.

3. ALLOW NO BIG PLAYS FOR OUR OPPONENTS. CREATE TURNOVERS.

4. NET AND GROSS PUNT BE IN THE TOP 5 IN THE NFL.

5. DOWN 85% OR HIGHER OF OUR POOCH PUNTS INSIDE THE -20 YARD LINE.

1



PUNT TEAM CHECKLIST

1. OUT OF BOUNDS

2. POOCH

3. -4 YARDLINE IN (TIGHT PUNT) BACKED UP

4. OPPONENTS PHILOSOPHYA. RUSHB. RETURN

5. REACTION TO A BLOCKED KICK (BEHIND LOS)

6. REACTION TO A PARTIALLY BLOCKED KICK (DOWNFIELD)

7. COVERING THE "FAIR CATCH"

8. VERSUS DRAW OFFSIDE

9. VERSUS FUMBLE AND/OR MUFF - FAIR CATCH CALLED OR NO FAIR CATCH CALLED

10. VARIOUS SCHEMES

II. CENTER COVERED

12. DOWNING PROCEDURE

13. DIRE CTI ONAL

14. VARIOUS HASHES

15. LANE CHANGE UPS (COVERAGE) - HASH ADJUSTMENT•- BALL ADJUSTMENT- RETURN ADJUSTMENT

16. FORMATION CHANGE UPS

17. FAKES

18. INTO WIND

19. WITH WIND

20. WEATHER CONSIDERATION - WET BALL

2I. TIME CONSIDERATION - "CLOCK"

22. TAKING A SAFETY - INSIDE 10- INSIDE 20

23. SCRAMBLE AND PUNT

24. PUNTER DROPS THE BALL

25. INCIDENTAL TOUCHING BY COVERAGE TEAM

26. 3RD DOWN PUNT PARTIALLY BLOCKED

27. SNAP. TOUCHES GROUND OR· P U N T ~ R . D . R O ~ S BALL

28. MOMENTUM OF CATCHING BALL CARRIES RETURN INTO END ZONE - OR HE TAKES ITINTO THE END ZONE

29. "QUICK" PUNT SITUATIONS - VS. SHIFTING TEAM

START OF GAME

30. PUNT PROTECTION AND COVERAGE ON 3RD DOWN AND 4TH DOWN - DIFFERENCES

31. VS. 11 MAN DESPERATION RUSH (FAST PUNT)

2



PUNT PROTECTION AND COVERAGE

IMPORTANT RULES

1. Protect first. Must have great protection.

2. Only the end men-as eligible receivers---can release down field on the snap. A man in

motion, who is clearly more than 1 yard outside the End, makes him eligible to godown field.

3. Anyone playing out of position Gersey numbers) MUST REPORT to the officials

when aligning in punt formation.

4. Entering substitutes on the punt team must move onto the field as far as inside thenumbers. This will apply to our Flyers .. .initially cross the numbers then take your

alignment.

5. There can be no pass interference on the Flyers.

6. The Punter has no protection when:

A. The ball is touched first before hitting the Punter

B. The Punter runs first then punts

C. Opponent is blocked into the Punter

D. Contact occurs during a quick kick

E. Contact occurs after the Punter recovers a loose ball on the ground

F. The kicking team forces or changes the direction of the Punter

7. A blocked punt that does not cross the L.O.S.

A. Can be advanced by any member of either team

B. If the kicking team (Steelers) recovers a blocked punt, we must make the necessaryyardage for a first down to maintain possession

8. A blocked punt that crosses the L.O.S is treated as a regular punted ball. Allow the ball

to roll as close to our opponent's goalline and officially down it.

9. If a punt team member goes or steps out of bounds, he cannot touch or down the ball.

10. The coverage team cannot interfere with the full movement of a returner in his attempt

to catch a punted ball.

11. A fair catch cannot be advanced nor may the fair catcher be bumped or tackled. Thereturner can advance after a fair catch if the ball touched the ground or touches one of us on the

covering team.

12. I t is interference and can be penalized if you interfere with the returner who signals fora fair catch. However, a muffed ball that does touch the ground is free and belongs to

the team that recovers it.

13. If the covering team (Steelers) touches the ball but fails to officially down it, thereceiving team (opponent) can advance the ball at no risk to themselves. Never touch

the ball and walk away from it .. .. . Stay with the ball until you hear the whistle blow.Hand the ball to an official.

14. When a punted ball has been touched by the return team and not controlled it is a free

ball and belongs to the team that recovers it.

15. The receiving team cannot block below the waist at any time during a kicking play.

3



GENERAL PROTECTION AND COVERAGE PRINCIPLES

1. On snap, first block your responsibility then cover after the ball is punted.

2. Discipline in your blocking technique is vital.

3. Maintain your poise versus teams that move around a lot or employ short jerky-type movements

in an attempt to draw you offsides.

4. You must respond instinctively to the FB calls-know and understand them.

5. Never follow a teammate downfIeld when covering. Fan to fill the open lane and maintain

5 yard horizontal spacing from adjacent man. Run through your proper landmark.

6. Maintain inside and in front coverage on the ball-keep the ball on your inside shoulder.

7. Flyers - Don't let ball carrier split you or bounce outside of you. Squeeze the ballcarrier with inside and in front leverage.

Contain - You are the widest men on the field - be alert for reverses and gadgets. Something

goes away look for something coming back.

8. First defender to the ball carrier tackle him. Second wave tackle the ball, (strip the ball)especially the 2

ndand 3

rdtackles - create turnovers.

9. A void contact with the return man if he signals for a fair catch. If in a pooch situation the first flyer must sprint

past the return man and turn your back to the goalline. The second flyer face up the returner. Everyone else keepcoming. Anticipate a muffed ball.

10. Stay with the ball to properly down it - never touch it and walk away. Stay with the ball until the whistle blows.Hand the ball to an official.

II . Flyers can catch a punted ball (especially in pooch situations) if the return man is not in position to field the punt.

12.Peter Peter (don't play with it}-poor punt, locate the ball and avoid illegal touching. Let the ball roll towardopponent's goalline. Down any punt rolling toward the goalline.

13. FB - Be loud and concise with your directions.

14. Communication and proper technique are the two necessary ingredients in perfect punt

protection.

15. If ever ten guys on field, don't panic take delay penalty.

16. In order to down a punt inside the 5 yard line, you must have both feet in the field of play. You cannot down akick at the one yard ine standing in the endzone.

17. A blocked punt not crossing the L.O.S. is a fumble and can be advanced by either team.

18. Covering punts is hustle and desire to make the hit, and must be done with proper fundamentals.

4



PERSONNEL -

PUNT TEAM MECHANICS

OUR SELECTION OF MEN ON OUR PUNT TEAM WILL BE BASED UPON THE ATHLETE'S

ABILITY TO CARRY OUT HIS ASSIGNMENT IN DETAIL PUNT PROTECTION MUST BE

PERFECT EVERY SNAP. WE WANT MEN THAT UNDERSTAND THIS ASPECT OF SPECIAL

TEAMS.

STANCE

. YERS - TWO POINT STANCE - FEET STAGGERED FOR FASTEST RELEASE- LOOK IN AT BALL TO SEE SNAP

iNGS, GUARDS - TWO POINT STANCE WITH HANDS ON KNEES

':c,CKLES - BEND AT KNEES - KEEP BACK STRAIGHT

- WEIGHT ON BALLS OF FEET, MAINLY ON OUTSIDE FOOT

- FEET SHOULDER WIDTH APART WITH INSIDE FOOT UP

- PUSH OFF AND STEP BACK WITH UP FOOT

) ~ A P P E R - BASIC SQUARE STANCE

:1 - TWO POINT SQUARE STANCE

ALIGNMENTS

5

FLYERS - BALL IN MIDDLE OF RELD - ALIGN 1 YARD OUTSIDE NUMBERS. AS BALL MOVES TO YOU

ON THE RELD WIDEN YOUR ALIGNMENT THE DISTANCE THE BALL IS FROM MIDDLE OF

RELD. AS BALL MOVES AWAY FROM YOU, TIGHTEN YOUR ALIGNMENT INSIDE THE SAME

DISTANCE BALL IS FROM MIDDLE OF RELD.

~ U A R D S

TACKLES

VINGS

8

FLYERS

ADJUST YOUR

ALIGNMENT BASED

ON POSITION OF

THE BALL.

- TAKE A 6 INCH SPLIT FROM THE SNAPPER - ALIGN 6 INCHES VERTICALLY FROM HEEL

OF SNAPPER. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE FRONT SET.

BASE RULE IS 6x6. HELMET MUST BREAK CENTER'S NUMBERS.

- ONE FOOT FROM GUARD - ALIGN. YOUR INSIDE FOOTON THE INSIDE FOOT OF GUARD.

SPLITS MUST REMAIN CONSTANT.

- ALIGN YOUR INSIDE FOOT ON THE OUTSIDE FOOT OF THE TACKLE. A L l G ~ 1 YARD BACK.

MUST NOT SHORTEN THE CORNER.

- ALIGN DIRECTLY BEHIND EITHER GUARD WITH H E ~ l S AT 6 YARDS.

HELMET MUST BREAK CENTERS NUMBERS.

FULL BACK

HEEL AT 6 YARDS

DEEP BEHIND

EITHER GUARD.



CADENCE 6

The FB will make all calls for protection and coverage on the line of scrimmage.We will not huddle on the field, but we will assemble on the sideline for anycalls. We can predetermine the coverage on the sidelines. This will dictatewhat protection calls the FB will make.

FIRST CALL1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

The f irst call made will, , , , ,, , , ,

be to alert you as to how <D ~ ® ~ ® 0 many defenders are in the ® ebox. The FB will countand identify 118 Upll, 118 Upll

SECOND CALLThe second call will be theprotection and coverage call.Can use dummy number with colorto set up fo r fake purposes.

RED=

Right - Can use dummmy numbers with color to set up forWHITE = Left fake punt

RED means Center will be blocking to left. The FB will be blocking to right.WHITE means Center will be blocking to right. The FB will be blocking to left.

Example: "RED (IS) SET"

We can also use different colors for our fake punts.PURPLE = Pass

GREEN = Run Examp1e: II PURPLE 33 SET"

Examp1e : II GREEN 18 SET"

THIRD CALLThe final call will be IISETII.At this P O ) ~ t the Snappercontrols when the ball willbe snapped. At this point,

any movement could result ina penalty. You must hold yourwater. Key the ball.

HOT CALL: Call made on the sidelines. Hot tells you to hurry to your positionand prepare for the Set call. In most cases we will call theprotection and coverage on sideline.

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7PUNT PROTECTION

SPREAD PUNT IS A COMBINATION ZONE AND MAN CONCEPT. WE WILL HAVE THE FLEXIBILITYTO MAN BOTH SIDES--ZONE BOTH SIDES OR COMBINE MAN AND ZONE. WE WILL ALWAYS ZONEDROP REGARDLESS OF MAN OR ZONE.

ZONE

KEY THE BALL, GET OFF ON THE SNAP. SET OFF THE BALL UNTIL YOU MUST TAKE ASTAND (SMELL THEIR BREATH). IN ZONE PROTECTION YOU MUST PROTECT FROM INSIDEOUT ON YOUR SET. YOU MUST STAY SQUARE AND FOCUS ON YOUR AREA AND NOT A MAN.THE VERTICAL SET AND KEEPING A CONSTANT SPLIT RELATIONSHIP ARE VITAL.PUNCH INSIDE TO OUTSIDE.

MAN

KEY TO BALL, GET OFF ON THE SNAP. USE THE SAME SET AS YOU DO WHEN ZONING.(STRAIGHT BACK). WHEN YOU TAKE A STAND PUNCH UP THROUGH MID-POINT OF RUSHER.

RED CALL

WHITE CALL

Guard, Tackle and Wing away fromcall must be able to double

MAN PROTECTION

WINGS - Normal alignment zone dropBlock #1 from outside

TACKLES - Zone drop and block #2

from outsideGUARDS - Zone drop and block #3

from outside. Double

bump #4 to #3 man ifCenter is blocking towardyour side

SNAPPER - Block #4 opposite theRed (Rt) or White (Lt) call

FB - Block #4 to Red or Whitecall

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MAN VS. STACKS

ANYTIME YOU HAVE A STACK SITUATION MUST

COUNT THE STACK AS BEING IN THE BOX. ZONE

SET, BLOCK THE STACKS AS IT UNFOLDS.

ZONE VS. STACKS

ANY PLAYER IN THE BOX IS A POSSIBLE RUSHER.

YOU MUST ZONE SET AND PROTECT YOUR AREA.

DO NOT BLOCK A MAN, SORT THE STACK AS IT

COMES TO YOU.

A ALLOW STACK TO DIVIDE AND BLOCK WHO

SHOWS AS YOUR #. SORT IT OUT.

8. NEVER CHASE - - LET DEFENDERS COME TO

YOU.

C. BE READY TO HANDLE DOWN MAN FIRST.

D. COMMUNICATE!

E. BE ALERT FOR PULLS TO ALLOW STACKER

MAN TO RUN THROUGH. GET AWAY FROM L.O.S.

SOTHAT

THEY CAN'T PULLOR

GRAB YOU.

MAN PROTECTION VS. BALANCED 8 UP

RUSHES

YOU MAY HAVE A CHANGE UP TO NORMAL

BLOCKING RULES VS. MAN BLOCKING.

"MAX" CALL- MAX IS A CHANGE UP WHERE

THE GUARD AND THE FB SWITCH BLOCKING

RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE SIDE OF THE

COLOR CALL (SIDE WE ARE KICKING).EVERYTHING ELSE IS THE SAME. USED

PRIMARILY WHEN THERE IS A BIG GAP

BETWEEN #3 AND #4( #3 HAS A WIDE

ALIGNMENT OUTSIDE THE TACKLE).

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TECHNIQUE

REGARDLESS OF A MAN OR ZONE BLOCKING SCHEME. YOU MUST GET OFF ON SNAP AND

PUSH OFF YOUR OUTSIDE FOOT. WEIGHT IS ON OUTSIDE FOOT. STEP FIRST WITH

INSIDE FOOT. RETREAT STRAIGHT BACK. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW.

RESPONSIBILITIES

YOU MUST KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THEM TO DETAIL . . . WE MUST BE PERFECT

9



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13PUNT COVERAGE LANES

Discipline in proper lane distribution is vital to our success in punt coverage.Each member of the coverage team will have an assigned .Release·Point on the field torun through. Our coverage philosophy is to f irst run through your Release Point andthen converge on the ball.

1. Know and understand punt protection and coverage principles previouslystated.

2. Run through your landmark.6-8 yards from ball.

converge on the ball . . . break down

3. You cannot overrun the ball carrier.

4. Gang tackle 2nd and 3rd tacklers go for the ball.

5. Directional calls . "REDII = Right

"WHITE" = Left

.. BLUE II=

Middle

6. FLYERS - Our Flyers will be uur forcers and, therefore, will have nolane responsibility--go directly to ball. Do not allow theball to split you or bounce outside of you. Attack fromoutside-in. Squeeze the ball carr·ier.

,

7. LANE Interior men will have lane responsibility--know and applycoverage principles (previously stated). Specific landmarksto foll ow.

8. CONTAIN - The Wing will generally have contain responsibilities.Although we have the flexibility to change up, contain men

are the widest men horizontally on the football field--don'tallow an opponent outside of you and squeeze in on thecoverage, etc. Always alert for kick out blocks, reverses,and gadgets.

9. SAFETY - The Punter will have the Safety responsibility. Move smartlydownfield at a pace so that you can make the tackle if thecarrier pops through an opening not in the open field. Keepyour head on a swivel and look for crack blocker.

DIRECTIONAL PUNTING

Field zones will be referred to: RED - Right punt and coverage

WHITE - Left punt and coverage

BLUE - Middle punt and coverage



PROTECTION and COVERAGE

RED COVERAGE

- FLYERS-FULLBACK

.,:QNTAIN

- RIGHTW1r.x3

-LEFTWING

, , ~ - LEFT TACKLE

-LEFTGUARD

- SNAPPER

- RIGHT GUARD

- RIGHT TACKLE

SAEEIT

- PUNTER

(5 YARDS FROM SIDELINE)

(2 YARDS INSIDE #'8)

(2 YARDS OUTSIDE HASH)

(MIDDLE AELD)



(2 YARDS OUTSIDE #'8)

R

14




WHITE COVERAGE

- FLYERS

- FULLBACK

\JTAIN

- LEFT WING

-RIGHTWING

JES

- LEFT TACKLE

- LEFT GUARD

- SNAPPER

-RIGHT GUARD

- RIGHT TACKLE

- PUNTER

(5 YARDS FROM SIDELINE)


(2 YARDS OUTSIDE #'5)



(MIDDLE FIELD) -(2 YARDS OUTSIDE HASH)

15




BLUE COVERAGE

-SNAPPER (PROTECT AWAY FROM PUNTER'S FOOT VS_ BALANCED LOOK 4 X 4)- FLYERS-FB (PROTECT TO PUNTER'S FOOT VS. BALANCED LOOK 4 X 4)

)NTAIN

- LEFTJRIGHT WINGS (2 YARDSOurSIDE OF #'s)

- LEFTIRIGHT TACKLES (RUN THROUGH LAND MARK 2 YARDS INSIDE #'s)

- LEFT RIGHT GUARDS (RUN THROUGH LAND MARK 2 YARDS OurSIDE HASH)

...:m- PUNTER

· 16



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COVERAGE CHANGE UPS

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THE WING AND TACKLE AWAY FROM THE DIRECTION CALL OF THE PUNT EXCHANGE

COVERAGE RESPONSIBILITIES. EVERYONE ELSE KEEPS YOUR NORMAL LANDMARKS.

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RED SWITCH

18



TORO,TORO

CALL

COVERAGE CHANGE UPS

FB MOTION WITH A WHITE CALL- ONLY VS.S UP FRONT CALL. ANY TORO CALL

("COMING IN" ) TO 6 UP IN THE BOX FB MUST RETURN TO THE PROTECTION

ALIGNMENT.

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TORO CALL TO 6 UP- THE FB MUST RETURN TO THE BOX AND PROTECT LIKE A REGULAR

WHITE CALL WITH A 6 UP FRONT. SORT OUT ANY TWIST OR LEAKAGE. FB IS DEEPER THEN

EVERYONE ELSE AND YOU MUST SEE ANY MISSED PICK UP.

19



CENTER TECHNIQUE

Take time to get comfortable to make perfect snap. After you release the ball,slide (basketball shuffle) protect to right or left. You will a l w a y ~ shuffleto block #4 from outside opposite the Red fRight) or White (Left) call. Vs. no#4 you must 1ean to take up -opposi-te. A_ Gap awa,y_ rom the ca 11 •. Shuffle -on 45

degree angl e with hands and bea-d up. Std ke rus-her and push him 1atera 11 y.

FULLBACK RESPONSIBILITY AND TECHNIQUE

Take charge of punt team. You are the QB. The ability to communicate and theexecution of communication is paramount. Read safety level, communicate thenumber of people "UP" or in position to block punt. Be aware of the clock.You must also be aware of movement or changes in alignments and deployment ofplayers. On movement to a different alignment or different number of people incount areas, call uHOLD

11• This will command Center to hold the snap and alert

protection adjustments. Let players make adjustments then give another SETcall. Block your responsibility. If he doesn't rush, check color side tobackside for leakage. Get in coverage as quickly as possible. You are alsoresponsible for letting players know direction of kick.

FB BLOCKING TECHNIQUE

After ball snapped, work to L.O.S. to block your responsibility--meet with chestand hands. Strike him keeping inside-out relationship. Redirect him laterally.

FLYERS RESPONSIBILITY AND TECHNIQUE

Hear the directional call. Key the ball for start.his hips. We would like to clear opposite his turn.get over the top of him. Go make play on returner.

Get defender to openOnce free of defender,

TECHNIQUE: Keep defender's hands off your body with quick feet and violenthands. Attack a defender away from your release and coverage-Get vertical quickly.

VS. BRACKET: Work to beat inside man with inside release or outside man withoutside release by sticking (influencing one way and going

opposite). When they react you will need to club, scratch andclaw your way to punt returner. Attack one man--do not try tosp 1i t .

20



B. PUNTING (General)

1. LEARN TO MOLD THE BALL AS YO U TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP WITH YOUR

KICKING FOOT. THE FIRST STEP SHOULD BE ON A LINE EXTENDED

STRAIGHT AHEAD FROM THE KICKING TOE OR INSIDE OF THAT LINE - AND

IT SHOULD BE SHORT.

2. HOLD THE BALL WITH TW O HANDS BUT LAY IT ON THE FOOT WITH ONE.REACH OUT FOR THE BEST POSSIBLE FOOT/EYE COORDINATION.

3. ACCELERATE YOUR STEPS AS YO U MOVE INTO THE BALL. KICK INTO THE

FAT PART OF THE BALL WITH THE HARD PART OF YOUR INSTEP TO REDUCE

THE MARGIN OF ERROR. TRY TO KICK THE BALL AT AN ANGLE TEN DEGREESTO THE SIDE OF THE KICKING FOOT.

4. ONCE YOUR LEG IS IN SHAPE FOR PUNTING KEEP IT THERE - BUT ALWAYS

START EASY. ALWAYS RIP INTO THE LAST FEW OF THE DAY. ALWAYS QUITON THE PERFECT KICK.

5. THE IDEAL PUNT STAYS IN THE AIR 4.5 SECONDS OR LONGER AN D HITS45 YAROS FROM THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE.

6. PRACTICE KICKING FOUR DIRECTIONS WHEN YOU ARE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TOHAVE A WIND. PRACTICE WITH A WET BALL. PRACTICE RECEIVING BAD

SNAPS, AND WHEN A BALL BOUNCES BACK TO YO U SCOOP IT AS A SHORTSTOPSCOOPS AN ERRATICALLY BOUNCING BASEBALL. PRACTICE KICKING ON THE

RUN. PRACTICE DROPPING THE BALL BY ACCIDENT. PRACTICE KICKINGFROM 10 YARDS. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

7. PRACTICE SEPARATELY GOING FOR HEIGHT, ACCURACY, DISTANCE, BALLCHARACTERISTICS AND SPEED.

8. GOOD GAMES TO PLAY ARE THE FOLLOWING:

A. KICK GOAL - WHERE KICKERS ATTEMPT TO 8ACK ONE ANOTHER BEYOND

THE GOALLINE WITH KICKS THAT CAN BE FIELDED.BOUNCING BALLS SHOULD NOT COUNT.

B. ESTABLISHING A BULL'S EYE AND SEEING HOW MANY TIMES OUT OF 10THE OBJECTIVES CAN BE REACH FROM DIFFERENT DISTANCES.

9. BE SURE TO CALL DIRECTIONS OF PUNT ("LEFT", "RIGHT", "MIDDLE","SHORT II

)

10. YOUR MOST EFFECTIVE PUNT WILL TAKE PLACE IN SITUATIONS WHERE YO UCAN KILL THE BALL INSIDE THE OPPONENT'S 10 YARDLINE.

11. THE PUNTER WITH THE BEST PUNTING YARDAGE AVERAGE IS HARDLY EVERTHE LEAGUE'S BEST PUNTER. PUNTING SHORT IN OPPONENT'S TERRITORYAND PUNTING FOR HEIGHT RATHER THAN RAW DISTANCE ARE NOT REFLECTEDIN STATISTICS, BUT THEY ARE VERY EFFECTIVE PUNTING WEAPONS.

12. OUT OF BOUNDS, COFFIN CORNER, AND POOCH KICKING ARE NECESSARY TO WIN.

21



TIME OUTS

The FB will be alert to call time out when absolutely necessary. The decisiondepends on what is best for the team penalty or time out and will be made bythe HEAD COACH.

FB

You are the QB fo r the entire punt operation. Knowledge of our opponent'sfronts are important to insure sound blocking schemes. You are responsibleto recognize stress areas and to communicate which side of the punter to cover.

TIME ELEMENTS

A. CENTER SNAP Strive for .8 seconds or better

B. PUNTER'S GETAWAY - 1.1 to 1.3 seconds at 10 yards. Anything longercan be dangerous.

C. ELAPSE TIME

D. HANG TIME

1. CALL IT

2.0 to 2.2 seconds at the most--depends on numberof people rushing

4.5 or better can be covered with the return heldto minimum

SIDELINE CALLS FOR PUNT TEAM

FB will call protection and direction at the L.O.S.

2. CLOCK-PUNT

We will run as much time as possible off the 40 second clock (and gameclock) prior to the Center snap

3. DELAY PUNT

We will not snap the ball. We will take a delay of game penalty.

4. CHECK WITH ME PUNT

Possible audible to a fake punt--FB will call i t on or off at the L.O.S.

Members of the punt team must always have an awareness of the game situationand knowledge of what we are trying to accomplish.

23



POOCH PUNT

At least one of the Flyers and Center will sprint to the goalline and turnaround on the one yardline to keep the ball from going in the endzone. Theremainder of the punt coverage team will cover exactly like a normal puntwith the same landmarks.

Exception: Do not cross 10 yardline i f the ball is not beingreturned--break down and stay there unless you candown the ball.

Flyers must sprint to your areas and find the ball. Do not allow the returnman to decoy you away from ball in order to let i t roll into the endzone.You must find the ball. This phase of our punt team can force the oppositionto play in an area they will be restricted. We may pooch Red, White or Blue.Ball placement is very important for our coverage and ability to down puntinside 10 yardline.

24



POOCH PUNT

RIGHT FLYER AND THE SNAPPER SPRINT TO THE GOALLINE AND TURN AROUND

ON THE ONE YARD LINE TO KEEP THE BALL FROM GOING IN THE END ZONE. THE

LEFT FLYER COVER LIKE A NORMAL PUNT FIND THE RETURN MAN.

WHITE

LEFT FLYER AND THE SNAPPER SPRINT TO THE GOALLINE AND TURN AROUND

ON THE ONE YARD LINE TO KEEP THE BALL FROM GOING IN THE END ZONE. THE

RIGHT FLYER COVER LIKE A NORMAL PUNT FIND THE RETURN MAN.

BLUE

BOTH FLYERS SPRINT TO THE GOALLINE AND TURN AROUND ON THE ONE YARD

LINE TO KEEP THE BALL FROM GOING IN THE END ZONE. THE SNAPPER COVER

LIKE A NORMAL PUNT FIND THE RETURN MAN.

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TAKING A SAFETY

There may be a situation in a game when a deliberate safety may work to ouradvantage. The decision will come from the HEAD COACH or if situation dictatesduring a mishandled or bad snap.

1. Must avoid the catastrophe . . Example Fumble in the endzone

Blocked punt for TD

2. Call is uTake A SafetyU - No PuntAutomatic Tight Formation - Block solid and don1t cover

3. Punter

A. Heels inside the end line but no deeper than 15 yards from C e n t e ~ B. Totally concentrate on catching the ball

way in.

C. Tightly secure the ball into your arms.

. watch i t all the

D. Smartly move to fa r corner of the endzone. Waste as much time aspossible. Step out of bounds.

E. If the ball is dropped. fallon it--OO NOT attempt to pick i t upand run

F. Versus a wild-type snap. let i t go--OO NOT attempt to save the ball

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STEELER TIGHT PUNT

WE WILL USE TIGHT PUNT WHEN LINE OF SCRIMMAGE IS INSIDE THE 5 YARD LINE. THIS

WILL PROVIDE US MAXIMUM PROTECTION.

®

ALIGNMENTS:

GUARDS

TACKLES

WINGS

FLYERS

ASSIGNMENT:

CENTER

LINEMEN

WINGS

FLYERS

FB

@ CD ®

®

- SAME AS ON REGULAR SPREAD PUNT.

- CLOSE ALIGNMENT DOWN TO 6 INCH SPLIT.

- SAME AS ON REGULAR SPREAD PUNT.

- YOU WILL COME IN AND ALIGN ON THE L.O.S. WITH A 2 FOOT SPLIT

FROM WING.

- QUICK ACCURATE SNAP, SAME RULES AS REGULAR SPREAD PUNT.

- SAME RULES AS REGULAR SPREAD PUNT.

- SAME RULES AS REGULAR SPREAD PUNT.

- YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO BLOCK AND RELEASE THROUGH #2

COUNTING FROM OUTSIDE IN. YOU MUST STOP HIS RUSH AND

RELEASE TO FORCE THE PUNT RETURNER.

- SAME RULES AND CALLS ON REGULAR SPREAD PUNT.

*CP* ALWAYS START IN WIDE FORMATION AND LET THE FB CALL THE FLYERS

IN IF THERE ARE 8 IN THE BOX. RUN SPREAD PUNT WITH 6 IN THE BOX.

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Punt Team Pittsburgh

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