FOR A FAKE PUNT to be successful, whether run or pass, you must line up close to your normal punt formation.
This spread-punt formation has the ends split 10 yards from the tackles. The guards split 2 feet from the center and the tackles split 1 foot from the guards. The up backs line up in the guard-center gap about 3 yards deep. The deep blocking back lines up just a little bit deeper than normal — about 5 yards from the two up-backs. The punter lines up 13 yards deep.
Take some extra practice time to work on the exchange between the punter and the deep blocking back. Our deep blocker is a left-handed quarterback, which is very beneficial.
DIAGRAM 1: Fake Punt (Run or Pass) From Spread-Punt Formation.
PLAYER ASSIGNMENTS:
Left Split End: Runs deep up the rail to clear the area in the left flat. The right end runs a 7-yard vertical and then squares in.
Left Up Back (UB): Waits for a two-count and swings left to block for the deep blocking back who has received the ball from the potential punter.
Right Up Back (UB): Blocks for a two-count and goes through the line, running a crossing pattern deep enough to pick up a first down.
Deep Blocker (DB): Takes the hand-off from the punter after the fake punt and runs left. He has the option of running or passing for the first down.
Punter (P): Fakes the punt and hands the ball to the deep blocker, swinging his right arm back as he follows through on his fake punt.