The following lists the qualities of a great special team’s player. Make a photocopy of this list and give it to every player who plays on any of your special teams.
The great special team’s player:
- Understands the importance of the kicking game.
- Is a team player and masters the techniques of his position.
- Feels a sense of urgency to pay attention to detail, know his responsibilities and execute them.
- Is judged by his performance, effort, toughness, enthusiasm and willingness to “give it up!”
- Has good knowledge of the rules that apply to his situation.
- Is poised and performs best when the pressure is the greatest.
- Remains poised after making a mistake and comes back with a winning performance later in the game.
- Has good communication with teammates.
The great placekicker:
- Is a team player and masters the different types of kicks needed by his team.
- Kickoffs. With maximum height, an average hang time of 4 seconds and gets the ball to at least the 5-yard line.
- Special Kicks. Onside, squib and bloop.
- Field Goals. From every spot and angle on the field.
- Is judged by:
- Average yard line that the opponent starts on.
- Average yards allowed per return.
- Percentage of made PATs.
- Percentage of made field goals.
- Is poised at all times and performs best when the pressure is greatest.
- Remains poised after a poor kickoff, missed PAT or field goal and comes back with a winning performance later in the game.
- Develops consistent steps on place kicks and kickoffs.
- Maintains a winning performance in adverse weather and with poor field conditions.
- Makes the place kick, regardless of the snap or hold.
- Studies his own technique and is constantly striving to improve.
The great punter:
- Is a team punter and masters the following types of punts needed for the team.
- “Sky” Punt (Normal Punt). A punt with maximum height and an average hang time of 4.5 seconds.
- Kill. “Kills” the ball inside the opponents 20- or 10-yard line.
- Distance. Drives the ball when pinned deep. Drives the ball deep in bad conditions or strong winds.
- Pooch Punt. Punches the ball into an open area and gets it to roll.
- Is judged by:
- Release time.
- Net punt average.
- Average yards allowed per return.
- Average yards per punt.
- Percentage of punts not returned.
- Ability to punt on two steps.
- Percentage of successful “kill” punts inside the 20- or 10-yard line.
- Is poised at all times and performs best when the pressure is greatest.
- Remains poised after a poor punt and comes back with a winning performance later in the game.
- Alerts his coverage men to the direction of the punt (left, right or middle).
- Develops a consistent drop.
- Is alert to the side of the free rusher and adjusts to the opposite leg of the center.
- Maintains a winning performance in adverse weather and on poor field conditions.
- Handles poor snaps.
- Is aware of all situations, including:
- Position on the field.
- Is ready to give up 2 points as opposed to a possible 7 points.
- Down, time, score, play clock and position of the ball.
- Studies the opponents fronts and rushes.