KICKOFF: ALIGNMENT & ASSIGNMENT

Combining the knowledge and understanding of where we need to be

ON the field of play with what we need to do FROM those alignments,
we can best EXECUTE sound, solid special teams play.
For kickoff coverage, we use a basic concept of ten cover players and
one safety in defense of the football on the field - tracking down and
tackling the ball carrier as far back down the field as possible.
To do this as successfully as possible, we use a combination attack,
squeeze and destroy scheme designed to get as many of our players to
the ball carrier as quickly and effectively as possible.
Our attacking coverage theory puts four gunner lanes on a direct line
to where the ball is kicked. We then have two lanes in contain
assignments (keeping the ball fifteen yards to their inside shoulder and
squeezing the ball carrier from that leverage), two lanes in force
assignments (keeping the ball ten yards to their inside shoulder and
squeezing the ball carrier from that leverage), two lanes attacking down
the alleys (keeping the ball five yards to their inside shoulder and
squeezing the ball carrier from that leverage), and one safety (who is to
shadow the ball at @ 25 yards, watching for any openings or
breakdowns in lane/attack integrity and filling either of those deficits
fiercely and decisively...!!).
These lane and attack assignments remain constant, regardless of
whatever coverage scheme we use, meaning: you will be required to
know and demonstrate the ability to positively execute multiple
techniques and executions. In order to dominate every phase of the game
we need to dominate every aspect of special teams - and relentless,
consistent, quality kick coverage will help us do just that!!
KICKOFF: ALIGNMENT & ASSIGNMENT
KICKOFF: ALIGNMENT & ASSIGNMENT

1s (Gunner)- Direct line to where the BALL is kicked.

2s (CONTAIN)- Keeping the ball fifteen yards to inside

shoulder and squeezing the ball carrier from that level.

3s (FORCE)- Keeping the ball ten yards to inside

shoulder and squeezing the ball carrier from that level.

4s (ALLEY)-Keeping the ball five yards to inside

shoulder and squeezing the ball carrier from that level.

5s (BALL)- Direct line to ball carrier.

K (SAFETY)- Shadow the ball at twenty five yards

watching for any openings or breakdowns in lane/attack

and filling either of those fiercely!!

KICKOFF: ALIGNMENT & ASSIGNMENT

KICKOFF LANE RESPONSIBILITY

1.Start
a. A good get off is essential for good coverage.
b. Must cross (-40 or -20) at full speed, onsides, and together. You
accomplish this by alignment of your depth from the ball before it is
kicked.
2. RUN!
a. Speed defeats early blockers. Always attempt to avoid early block
toward direction of the kick. This should put you on your landmark,
keeping a good lane distribution. Never follow your own color!
3. Read
a. Front line key First read in determining return formation. Key
angles and drops.
b. Back line key Will support the final decision we make on the type
of return. Key the wedge, direction of E, FB, HB.
c. Direction of returner is the final key and most important.
d. Always be aware of trick plays or unusual looking players during a
return.
e. Always be aware of side/trap blocks. Must not have tunnel vision.
Beat these blocks with speed.
4. ATTACK!
a. Must aggressively gain control of blockers using your hands. Stay
square and penetrate. b. Always keep ball inside and in front.
c. Do not trade one for one on blocker. Drive him backwards.
d. Disengage blocker by using hands when runner commits.
5. Reckless Commitment to Achievement = WIN!
a. Make the big hit or make the ball carrier go east and west.
KICKOFF: ALIGNMENT & ASSIGNMENT

KICKOFF COVERAGE ZONES: RUN ATTACK WIN

RUN:
Timing with the kickers steps as he approaches the ball is
critical to this technique. You want to be going full speed
when the kicker hits the ball and continue to RUN!
downfield at speed!

ATTACK:
You make plays on our kickoff by not getting blocked. You
must use your techniques to
get by defenders. The ATTACK! zone usually takes place
between + 40 to +30. (Dip & Rip)

WIN:
The WIN! area is usually between the + 30 to +10 yard
line. Use your technique here and bench press the
defender, shed, and go make a play. You must be able to
find the ball carrier.
KICKOFF: ALIGNMENT & ASSIGNMENT

HOW IMPORTANT IS FIELD POSITION?

Teams starting on:! ! ! ! Scored:! ! ! ! %

-20 or inside 1 out of 30 3%

-40 yard line 1 out of 8 13%

50 yard line 1 out of 5 20%

+40 yard line 1 out of 3 33%

+30 yard line 1 out of 2 50%

+20 yard line 2 out of 3 66%

Our Special Teams can give us the best field position and put our opponents
in the worst field position!!