University of Arkansas–Pine Bluff’s Special Teams
On every good football team, there is a group of special people who are the heart and soul of special teams. They are people who believe and understand the importance and significance of their role in helping the team win “As One and Together As One”. All special teams at UAPB are built around intensity, enthusiasm, communication, and speed which enables us as a unit to get the job done. As a member of special teams units at UAPB, players will “Believe”. Believing is our philosophy and specific schemes will bring our special teams unit’s confidence and that will bring both attitude and a swagger. A confident football player with the right attitude who believes is both “Dangerous” and “Unstoppable”. UAPB special teams players who display leadership through example will set our tempo and attitude to what our special teams can accomplish through hard work. Special team units will be held to the highest standard of performance because they are momentum changers that will help determine wins and losses. The commitment to UAPB special teams to perform to the highest level is very important to the overall success of our team. Here is a list of both drill progressions and coaching points for kickoff returns...
UABP Kick Off Return Drill Progression and Coaching Points
Sprint and Settle (L, R)
• No wasted movement.
• Straight line from point A to point B.
• Open hips at the top (from stance).
• Don’t baseball turn at the bottom.
Sprint, Settle and Strike (Square) – with Cover Man (L, R)
• Live feet with a good base.
• Use 3 whistles (drop, cover, finish).
Sprint, Settle and Strike (Square) plus Shuffle – with Cover Man (L, R)
• Can’t rise up before contact – low man wins.
• Great football position.
• Hands inside – grab and steer.
Shuffle and Maintain – from Fit (L, R)
• Go across field – numbers to hash.
• Step left to go left, step right to go right.
• Good station if doing two in 10 minute period.
Angle Drop (Sprint), Settle, Strike (Square) – with Cover Man (L, R)
• Emphasis on snap key – eyes on returners.
• Need 6 cones with 4 lines.
Angle Drop (Sprint), Settle, Strike (Square) plus Shuffle – with Cover Man (L, R)
• Incorporates snap key with shuffle to return side.
Spring, Settle, Strike (Square) – with unpredicted movement (L, R)
• Cover man avoids butt side or “takes the chute”.
• Shuffle vs. avoid to return side.
• Stay square and “take the heat off” vs. two gapper.
Angle Drop (Sprint), Settle, Strike (Square) – with unpredicted movement (L, R)
• Incorporates snap key with unpredicted movement.
Sprint and Gather (L, R)
• No wasted movement.
• Straight line from point A to point B.
• Open hips at the top (from stance).
• Don’t baseball turn at the bottom.
Sprint, Gather and Strike (Square) – with Cover Man (L, R)
• Live feet with a good base.
• Use 3 whistles (drop, cover, finish).
Sprint, Gather and Strike (Square) plus Shuffle – with Cover Man (L, R)
• Can’t rise up before contact – low man wins.
• Great football position.
• Hands inside – grab and steer.
UAPB Kick-Off Return – Points of Emphasis
Kick-Off Return:
• Good alignment and technique.
• Always key the ball.
• Front line, “Don’t leave early”. See the ball kicked and be aware of onside kick at all times.
• Never clip or block below the waist.
• Ball is “alive” after 10 yards.
• Move quickly to block area and sustain blocks. Know where the ball is.
• Timing is a must for good execution. Don’t block too soon.
• Communicate!
• Front line avoid the ball. Let all line drives through.
• Wedge captain must be clear with all calls.
Kick-off return information:
Objectives:
• Score touchdown – or
• Gain good field position for our offense (outside 30-yard line).
• Set tempo of game in our favor with good returns, hard hitting, and intimidation.
• Stay free of penalties and keep the ball off the ground (no turnovers).
Kick-Off Return Principles:
• Field all kicks (All kicks after 10 yards are free balls).
• Always see the ball being kicked.
• Know the direction and distance of the kick so the captain of the wedge can set the wedge.
• Block in front and above the waist.
• After the kick, keep your eyes on your man. Work proper angles and correct timing to carry out blocking assignments.
• We must have the toughness to run through people.
• Always anticipate an onside kick.
• Be alert for squib kick-off if opponent is kicking into a strong wind or kicking near end of the half.
The key principle for a successful kick-off is communication. We practice
the kick-off return every day in practice. The attached diagram is an example
of UAPB’s kick-off return to the right side where all 11 players have specific responsibilities (See Diagram).
About the author: Philip Cole is the special teams coach at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. He previously coached at Winston Salem State, Norfolk State and SUNY Canton College. Cole is a graduate of St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY.