Coach ,

You see it all the time...a big return negated by a block in the back. You can eliminate these by teaching detailed techniques that put your players in the correct position.

Something that is taught now at the highest level and you should consider teaching now in camp are techniques called “Penalty Beaters.” Not only are they effective in making the blocks needed for the returner, they avoid the flags that put the offense back further from the goal line. 

#1 Rip Thru

Special Teams Coordinator at Arkansas Scott Fountain is known for creating explosive returns and the techniques that keep the yellow flags off the field and effectively win the blocks are a big part of it.  

In this video he explains a technique that allows a returner to get vertical with the ball and get those extra yards. The technique illustrated in the video is the “Rip Thru” (click on image for video):

#2 Sit & Fit with Shield

Tony Coaxum was an NFL assistant and is now the Head Coach at Bluefield State. He teaches this drill for blocking the cover man who has broken stride and is starting to break down. He shows the drill they utilize to teach it here:

#3 The Wall

If the cover man doesn’t break stride and chop and drop, Nevada Special Teams Coordinator Thomas Sheffield teaches the “High Wall” technique as the answer.This technique eliminates the “block-in-the-back” penalty calles. Here is an example of a technique he calls “The Wall”:

The details make a difference, and these techniques taught as part of your punt return progression can make all the difference this fall as you watch your returner take it to the house...

...or you can throw your hat and kick yourself for not teaching these techniques when you see the zebra marching off 15 yards from the spot!

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski

PS all of these drills and more are available in the Big Returns Bundle