WE’VE ALL HEARD the theory that the difference in close games usually comes down to special teams play. Our program believes that execution, communication and efficiency in the kicking game are the cornerstones for success. Special teams (we refer to our players as “Special Forces”) demand a great deal of preparation, organization and attention to detail.
Our mission is to educate, train and inspire the “Special Forces” so that each player is a leader of character who is fully committed to the values of duty, honor and discipline.
Our program believes in: identifying special talents and using the best players on special teams, using meeting and practice time efficiently, teaching and drilling fundamentals and selling players on the importance of special teams.
The head coach must be involved and set a standard for special teams and their importance. His commitment is seen through the allotment of practice time, personnel selection and emphasis placed on the importance of special teams.
Practice Time
The number one key to special teams success is practice time. In our program, 40 minutes are devoted to special teams in every practice throughout the season. During the preseason camp, we spend 1 hour every other day teaching special teams skills, techniques and schemes. It is taught by first demonstrating the whole scheme and then breaking into individual positions to teach specific skills. Finally, the big picture is put together and the team runs through the whole scheme.
To increase our efficiency during practice, we use a scout team we call the “Red Hats” (named for the helmet caps they wear). Both the starting Special Forces and the Red Hats are posted each day on the locker room bulletin board. The athletes know their special teams responsibilities before practice, thus reducing wasted time on the field.
On game day, our Special Forces meet in a “box” prior to taking the field. This ensures that we have the correct personnel and allows a forum for instructing the athletes on the schemes to execute.
The kickers have specific kicks to execute during the week and have their own practice plan. They also chart all of their kicks during the week. It is important that the kickers work as hard as the offensive and defensive personnel.
MOTIVATION, camaraderie
Another way to make special teams “special” is by inviting the upperclassmen to special teams practice during camp. Invite only those candidates who possess the ability to strengthen and make a difference on the various special teams units. Create special invitations and hand-deliver them to the athletes. The invitations make the athletes feel wanted and “special.” This in turn adds to their internal motivation. First-year players also are welcome to compete for spots on all special teams.
Each of the special teams has its own identity and slogan. The punt team is known as the “Bomb Squad” with a slogan of “initial success or total failure.” The punt return/punt block and slogan is “Sharks — Attack.” Kickoff return is “Showtime — Crank It Up.” Kickoff is called “Headhunters — Seek & Destroy.” Extra-point and field goal is called, “Money — Count On Me.” The hands team is called “All-State — Victory. “ Extra-point and field goal-block is called, “Regulators — Mount Up.”
Other methods of special teams motivation include yearly and weekly goal sheets and the weekly award of the special teams “brick.” The brick is awarded to the top special teams performer at a weekly special teams meeting. The weekly winner gets to write his name on the brick and then keeps it in his locker for the week. The person who has won the brick the most times throughout the season is awarded the brick as a special teams “trophy” at the end-of-the-season banquet.
The camaraderie among the Special Forces is vital to the team’s success, and members must feel important and an integral part of the squad. The Special Forces serve as a key motivational tool and help build team unity.