Punt ReturnThis is a featured page


Punt Return Team Objectives
To return each punt a minimum of 10 yards. To always give the offense good field position. Handle each punt properly. Hold opponents' net 33 yards per punt.

Return Specialist
Quick, tricky punt returnees who have sure hands and use their blockers. We must catch the ball. (Seldom let one hit the ground.) Fair catches should be almost non-existent when a return is called.

Return Team
Fast open field blockers using good judgement in blocking. Must stay onsides and avoid roughing the kicker on punt return.


Punt Return Philosophy

Our philosophy is simple:
1. Pressure all kicks.
2. Too many things have to be right to get a return.
a. Perfect kick.
b. Great timing in wall.
c. Blocking above the waist.
d. Avoiding clips.
3. We are not going to get them all but, we will get all if there is flaw in the punting operation.


Punt Return Scheme

Our scheme is simple:
1. Basic overload to out number the protection by one man, whether it is zone or man protection.
2. Disguise alignment by moving. (stemming and shifting)
3. Pressure all kicks.
a. Returns are automatic reactions if we do not get the block.
b. Return opposite the block.
4. Align 10 men on the line of scrimmage
a. Bring out one or two positions to play fake.

Things To Remember

1. Do not be offsides. Do not get a useless penalty.
2. When we partially block a punt attempt and it crosses the line of scrimmage, do not attempt to cover the ball, it will be
ours anyway. Do not let the ball touch you because the punting team will be eligible to recover it.
3. When we block a punt and it does not cross the line of scrimmage, try to pick it up and advance it towards our goal line.
Both teams are eligible to advance the ball.
4. When rushing a punt to block it, aim one yard in front of where the ball will leave the punter’s foot and look at the ball.
The blocking point is 4 1/2 to 5 yards in front of the punter’s starting point.
5. All blocking must be above the waist on punt pressure.

Punt Return Personnel

1. Proper selection of personnel is the most important aspect of successful blocks and returns.
2. Dependability is the most important trait.

Position Responsibilities

Linebackers Execute the punt pressure or punt return scheme.
D-Tackles Be alert for punt fakes.
D-Ends Execute the punt pressure or punt return scheme. Be alert for punt fakes.
Corners Watch your man for punt fakes; pin your man inside or outside depending on his alignment; execute a block down
field within 5 yards of the punt returner. Give the returner a running lane.
Returner Catch all catchable punts. The football will not hit the ground, especially on the turf. Fair catch only when
absol;utely necessary. (rare ocacsions) Get whatever yardage you can get, however your goal should be a 10 yard return. Be fearless!

Punt Return

1. We must catch all punts. Allowing a punt to roll on the ground loses valuable yardage. (average –16 yards)
2. Know the return, block, or prevent scheme called.
3. Be aware of the wind direction, sideline and distance that the opponent can punt the ball.
4. Always look to the bench for instructions.
5. Make your fair catch signal a decisive one. Wave one arm overhead twice.
6. You do not have to catch a punt even though you have signaled for a fair catch. However, you cannot block after
signaling for a fair catch.
7. If backed up deep in our own territory, set up on the 10-yard line. Handle all punts on or in front of the 10-yard line.
If the ball is punted inside the 10, let it go, drawing the coverage away. If the ball is going into the end zone, be a good actor and draw coverage to you and away from the ball.
8. Score a touchdown or make a first down (10-yard return).
9. “Peter…Peter” call - the term “Peter” means we do not want to touch the ball downfield. In certain prevent situations,
on partially blocked punts and on shanked punts, we will often not want to risk fielding the ball. Make the “Peter”
call and use a “wipe away” hand signal to alert our return team to get away from it. Let it roll!
10. Know the rule of first touch. The official’s whistle downs the ball.
11. Returners must communicate. Listen for “hot…hot” call by the corners. (This means to signal for a fair catch.)



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CoachTamo 		Latest page update: made by CoachTamo , Nov 19 2012, 1:23 AM EST (about this update About This Update CoachTamo Edited by CoachTamo

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