OUR RETURN TEAM uses a 2-deep return set, with the kickoff returner aligned at the 5-yard line, 3 yards outside the hash marks. The returner needs to know the opposing team’s kicker, his average distance and where he likes to place the ball. He must also know what type of kick the kicker likes and what kind of hang time he gets on kicks. A scouting report should help the returner know where to align based on the kicker’s tendencies.
The returner must also be aware of the wind and if it’s at the kicker’s back or against him, a crosswind or if there’s no wind.
A returner must know the rules on the kickoff return. All kicks are live and if the ball is on the ground or bounces, he needs to get on it. A returner can call for a fair catch on a bloop kick and be protected. A ball kicked into the end zone may be downed.
In a 2-deep setup, communication between the two returners is crucial. One of the returners should be in charge of balls kicked between the two of them. The returner in charge should use a “Me, me, me!” or “You, you, you!” call. The off returner should always secure the kick — making sure the ball is fielded cleanly — before he carries out his blocking assignment.
On squib kicks, the off returner should back up his partner, being sure to give him 10 yards of space to allow for a big bounce. When a ball is kicked into the end zone, the off returner should help the return man decide whether or not to return the ball.
As a general rule, returners should down a ball kicked 3 yards deep or more and return a ball kicked less than 3 yards deep, depending on the height and hang time of the kick. The keys are communication and no hesitation.
As he lines up, the returner should always know where a return is designed to go. He also should be aware of the situation, score, time and field conditions. He should look for the kicker’s angle to anticipate a directional kick. Again, scouting reports help reveal the kicker's tendencies.
Catching Kickoffs
The No. 1 rule when catching kickoffs is to field all kicks. Remember, kick returners must know the rules. Because the ball is live and can bounce in different ways, the kickoff returner must field the kick in the air if at all possible.
Catching the ball first is the key to any good return. The returner needs to look the ball into his hands and all the way into the pocket, the area between his arm and body. It helps if the returner tries to overemphasize looking the ball all the way in the pocket. The returner should cover the point of the ball as he tucks it away. Once the ball is tucked away, the returner should let the ball swing in a natural rhythm as he runs. He should cover the ball with both hands. Even if the returner breaks into the open field, he cannot relax. Many fumbles occur when a defender pursuing from behind strips the ball.
The kickoff returner must work to get square and underneath the ball. This allows him to get into a rocker-step position so that he can accelerate upfield following the catch. It’s especially important for the returner to sprint to get square and underneath the ball in the case of wedge return teams because most wedge teams set their wedge on the returner's alignment.
If a ball is kicked to the corner, the returner must sprint to get square and underneath the ball. He needs to get in a rocker-step position on these kicks as well. He must get to the ball first and then make a decision on fielding the ball.
The returner should not field a ball that is going sideways toward the sideline, especially if the returner feels like his momentum will take him out of bounds. If the ball looks like it will go out of bounds, the return team has a chance to get the ball in a decent field position. The ball also could bounce into the end zone.
The returner needs to field squib kicks cleanly and safely. He must be sure to get square to the ball, field it and then move directly up the field.
The returner should think “score” every time. He wants to locate a seam and then accelerate. The kick returner should avoid dancing around. He needs to find the seam and get vertical up the field with great speed.
Again, a general rule for touchbacks is if the ball is 3 or more yards deep in the end zone, the returner should down the ball. If it’s less than 3 yards deep, the returner should return the kick, depending on the hang time of the kick.