SPARTANS

FOOTBALL
Special Teams Playbook
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We run a layered coverage, aggressive blocking, Special Teams Playbook. The basic goals are to block every Punt, PAT and Field Goal attempt, to cover every kick off smartly and aggressively, creating turnovers and poor field position for our opponent. Kickoffs and Punt Returns that we do not block, we will return for a gain utilizing layered zone blocking. They do not call it Special Teams for nothing. This phase can change the complexion of the game. A great kick or return can demoralize our opponent. We will make great kicks and returns! We must practice and execute Special Teams as aggressively as Offense and Defense. Goals for Kickoff and Punt Coverage No bad snaps No blocked kicks Deny the Return o Kick to the Hash Marks of the Field This Eliminates the Return Options o Kick/Punt Away From the Best Returner Allow NO Kickoff Return Beyond 15 Yards o Every Tackle Will Be a Gang Tackle o Cause 1 Turnover per Game Allow NO Punt Return of More than 10 yards o Every Tackle Will Be a Gang Tackle o Cause 1 Turnover per Game Goals for Kickoff and Punt Returns Block a punt Return Every Kick and/or Punt o MOTTO We Shall Return! o There is NO Fair Catch Return Every Kickoff for 30+ Yards Return Every Punt for 15+ Yards Have 1 or More Returns for a TD NO TURNOVERS! Goals for PAT/FG No bad snaps EVERY Kick Will Be GOOD! Proper Alignment/Spacing/Stance on the LOS Protect the Inside Gap No blocked kick Be Focused - - Every Kick is Important and Could Be the Difference Between Winning and Losing Block THEIR PAT/FG

Plays will be called by the coaches on the sideline and/or prior to going out to the field Kickoff Return The direction of return will be dictated by where and how the ball is kicked. The X will be the center of the blocking wedge. That player will dictate Left, Middle or Right Blocks o Ball kicked between the hash marks will dictate a Middle return o Ball kicked to the left hash marks or outside of them will dictate a left return o Ball kicked to the right hash marks or outside of them will dictate a right return Kickoff The Kicker will be given the play on the sideline and he will then give play to the players behind the ball Field Goal, PAT Attempts and Punts will be called from the sideline Punt Returns We will line up in our 7-1 Defensive Formation and will attack the Kicker with all 7 players on the line o All punts will be returned to the right Kickoff return Keys to success: Watch the ball off the tee Make sure we sprint hard to our area and block until the whistle Pick out your man and stay on him until the ball carrier passes by you DO NOT BLOCK SOMEONE UNLESS YOU SEE THEIR NUMBER If we see a surprise onside kick, get to the ball and fall on it Secondary Return man--check from the outside in as you are working up to the blockers Do not stop in the hole, remember we should be opening holes Back two players must communicate and tell players to GET AWAY from a short kicked ball o Make sure we talk (ME YOU Call)

Align:

Front 4 (Wall Men) align on the 49 yard line X is in the Middle of the Field (MOF) on the 45 yard line Ys align on the hash marks on the 40 yard line Fs align on the hash marks on the 30 yard line Rs align on the hash marks on the 20 yard line X and Wall Men (RT, RG, LG, LT) see ball kicked then turn as ball passes X sets wedge at the 40 yard line Wall Men meet up with the X at the 40 yard line Fs and Ys meet on the 30 yard line OL and X blow out first bad color that shows OL and X must stay tight Fs/Ys kick out closes bad color to the outside R who does not have ball, lead block up the middle of wedge

Wall:

Align:

Front 4 (Wall Men) align on the 49 yard line X is in the Middle of the Field (MOF) on the 45 yard line Ys align on the hash marks on the 40 yard line Fs align on the numbers on the 45 yard line Rs align on the between the hash and the number on the 35 yard line

Wall:

Wall Men, X, Fs see ball kicked then turn as ball passes If ball is near, drop on it Ys, Rs if ball is near, pick up and run ALL non-ball carriers rally 5 yards from ball carrier Blow out first bad color that shows Stay tight Kickoff Coverage

Our Attack will be a Cavalry Charge 1st phase o SPEED ZONE 20 Yards Cover ground Avoid contact Get back on track 2ND PHASE o Reaction Zone 10 Yards Adjust waves to close on ball Dip and rip with inside arm rd 3 Phase o Contact Zone Converge on ball Maintain proper leverage All blocks must be engaged with inside arm and shoulder Make a sure tackle

Align:

Gunners (LG & RG) 39 yard line on Field Numbers Kicker Middle of the Field on the 40 yard line #1s & #2s on the 38 yard line centered on Kicker #3s & #4s on the 37 yard line centered on Kicker

We will attack in 3 waves; not in traditional lanes. We will attack to a spot and contain ball carrier First wave (Gunners and #1s) o Attacks Ball Carrier Outside men (Gunners LG & RG) attack along the Outside Hash Marks line and the Field numbers line (kick-side dependent) once 10 yards from ball carrier, turn in and attack ball carrier. Stay on outside shoulders of ball carrier Inside men (#1s) attack directly at the ball carrier staying on the numbers of the ball carrier Second wave (#2s & #3s) o Breaks down 5-7 yards from the ball #2s attack along the Center of Goal Post line and Between Sideline & Hash Marks line (kick-side dependent) #3s attack along inside Goal Post line and inside the Hash Marks line (kick-side dependent) Third wave (#4s) o Are there for safety o Breakdown 10-12 yards from ball o Attack along outside Goal Post line and inside Field Numbers line (kickside dependent) Kicker kick to hash marks (Left or Right Scouting Report and play will dictate side) After kick, stay back and shadow ball carrier from the 50 Yard Line
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Kicker - Watermelon Kick to Field Number 40 (Left or Right Scouting Report and play will dictate side) After kick, stay back and shadow ball carrier from kicking site #1s, 2s & 3s Attack Ball! o #3s-- run over any ugly shirt they face o #1s & #2s-- avoid being blocked Guns & #4s-- stay back 5 to 10 yards from ball carrier along attack line. o Outside Gunner and #4 --stay 5 yards from ball carrier covering outside Hash Marks & Middle of Field accordingly o Inside Gunner and #4-- stay 10 yards from ball carrier covering inside Field Numbers and between Inside Hash Marks and Field Numbers accordingly

PAT/Field Goal Kick

Alignment & Responsibility The Center sets the neutral zone by assuming a good Center-Snap position, with his head down looking at the QB between his legs. He will raise his head prior to snapping the ball. All linemen, HB and Y, will assume a modified two-point stance when reaching the line of scrimmage with their feet 1 shoe length behind the Centers feet and a zero lateral split (everyones feet are touching). o To get in a good two-point stance: Squat slightly, with your knees bent a bit wider than 90 degrees Back is straight With hands gently resting on thighs Body weight evenly distributed Head up Place outside foot about a step behind inside foot. The toe of the outside foot should be nearly even with the heel of your inside foot. All linemen, HB and Y, determine which one or two defensive players they will have to stop. Block toward the center. If a player is in your hole, block him o Responsibilities Center Holes 1 & 2 Left Guards Hole 1 Right Guards Hole 2 Left Tackles Hole 3 Right Tackles Hole 4 #2 HB Run Flag-Out Route ensuring there is contact with rushing defensemen Y Run Flag-Out Route ensuring there is contact with rushing defensemen X and Z will be one foot behind and outside of the HB & Y o Responsibilities i. X Hole 5 ii. Z Hole 6
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QB Position yourself as Holder, 6 yards behind Center o Conduct a Pre-SNAP READ i. If #2 HB or Y is covered, anticipate passing to them ii. If they are uncovered, anticipate being the holder and holding the ball for the kicker iii. Call for the ball to be snapped K Take proper position for kicking the ball o Take one stride backward from where the ball will be placed o Take two or three strides to the side, measuring off the distance from where the ball will be addressed o Relax and wait for ball to be snapped Upon the snap of the ball Both Guards, Center and Both Tackles o Kickback and Slide - Kick outside foot back as far as possible, slide back front foot; staying balanced Your outside foot slide will be a more dramatic movement as it carries your body out and back. Your body will open up, facing out as you do this Your inside foot should remain close to the ground, almost sliding across the turf o Keep body facing out and protect the inside with a firm inside leg. The quickest route to the quarterback is through the inside, so the defender will be trying to go that way. Force the defensive player out the longer way around you, creating a pocket for the Quarterback and Kicker to operate in o As the defender approaches in the rush -- Punch the defender's breastplate and shoulder pad with the palm of your hands (with hands shooting upwards from hips, thumbs up, fingers out, lock elbows out and drive defender.) Your outside palm should make contact at the defender's outside armpit, while your inside palm should hit at about his sternum. This motion will manipulate the defender's body outside, further protecting the inside o If you have to, plant your facemask where his inside shoulder pad meets his helmet. When you do this, you should keep your center of gravity above your legs rather than putting your weight forward o Give ground. If momentum is moving slightly backwards, then you are able to move with him while you block. Do not be too concerned with giving up too much ground. If the play is not off in about five seconds, then it is the quarterback and fault. Aim to hold your block for five seconds o Do not give up the inside. If everything else goes wrong, but you protect the inside, you can oftentimes still effectively block the play

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#2 HB Run Flag-Out Route ensuring there is contact with rushing defensemen o Look back at QB over left shoulder, hands out ready to catch pass Y Run Flag-Out Route ensuring there is contact with rushing defensemen o Look back at QB over left shoulder, hands out ready to catch pass X - Pull as far as the Left Tackle and engage the bad-guy coming through the 5 hole Z - Pull as far as the Right Tackle and engage the bad-guy coming through the 6 hole QB If during Pre-SNAP, READ #2 HB or Y we covered o Receive ball, stand up, and pass ball to open player (#2 HB or Y) K Attack ball, make kick o If QB is up and passing, attack most dangerous bad-guy

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PAT/Field Goal Kick Block

Alignment & Responsibility Weak Side Defensive End o Lines up on the line of scrimmage outside of the last offensive lineman on the weak/short side of the field o Responsible for anything outside of the last offensive line man to the sideline o On Snap, Attack the ball Will Linebacker o Lines up on the line of scrimmage between the weak/short side Offensive Tackle and Offensive Guard (B Gap) o Responsible for Fullback and Running Back on Weak Side o On Snap, Attack the ball Weak Side Defensive Tackle o Lines up on the line of scrimmage in the Weak/Short Side A Gap between the Center and the Offensive Guard o Responsible for the Weak/Short Side A Gap o On Snap, Attack the ball Nose Guard o Lines up on the line of scrimmage in the Strong/Wide Side A Gap between the Center and the Offensive Guard o Responsible for the Strong/Wide Side A Gap o On Snap, Attack the ball Strong Side Defensive Tackle o Lines up on the line of scrimmage between the Strong/Wide Side Offensive Tackle and the Offensive Guard (B Gap) o Responsible for the B Gap o On Snap, Attack the ball Strong Side Defensive End o Lines up on the line of scrimmage, 1 yard outside of the strong/wide side Offensive Tackle o Responsible for anything outside of the strong/wide side Offensive Tackle to the sideline o On Snap, Attack the ball
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PAT/Field Goal Kick Block

Sam Linebacker o Lines up on the line of scrimmage outside of the last offensive lineman on the Strong/Wide side of the field o Responsible for covering the 3rd receiving threat o On Snap, Attack the ball Mike Linebacker o Lines up 5 yards away from the line of scrimmage in line with the Center o Responsible for Quarterback and Kicker o On Snap, Attack the ball Left Cornerback o Lines up on the line of scrimmage on the inside shoulder of Left Wide Receiver o Responsible for covering most outside player o On Snap, Attack the ball Free Safety o Lines up 15 yards away and in line from the Center o Responsible for ensuring all offensive players stay in front of him o On Snap, Attack Ball Right Cornerback o Lines up on the line of scrimmage on the inside shoulder of Right Wide Receiver o Responsible for covering most outside player o Upon Snap Attack the Ball

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Punt

Alignment & Responsibility The Center sets the neutral zone by assuming a good Center-Snap position, with his head down looking at the QB between his legs. He will raise his head prior to snapping the ball. All linemen, HB and Y, will assume a modified 2-point stance when reaching the line of scrimmage with their feet 1 shoe length behind the Centers feet and a zero lateral split (everyones feet are touching) o To get in a good 2-point stance: Squat slightly, with your knees bent a bit wider than 90 degrees Back is straight With hands gently resting on thighs Body weight evenly distributed, Head up Place outside foot about a step behind inside foot. The toe of the outside foot should be nearly even with the heel of your inside foot. All linemen, HB and Y, determine which one or two defensive players they will have to stop. Block toward the center. If a player is in your hole, block him. o Responsibilities Center Holes 1 & 2 Left Guards Hole 1 Right Guards Hole 2 Left Tackles Hole 3 Right Tackles Hole 4 #2 HB Hole 5 Y Hole 6 X and Z will be 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage and between the Guard and the Tackle o Responsibilities i. X The most dangerous man on the outside left ii. Z The most dangerous man on the outside right
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QB Position yourself as Holder, 5 yards behind Right Guard K Position yourself 7 yards from Center o Hands up, ready to receive the snap o Call for the ball to be snapped by lifting right leg Upon the snap of the ball Both Guards, Center, Both Tackles, HB & Y o Kickback and Slide - Kick outside foot back as far as possible, slide back front foot; staying balanced Your outside foot slide will be a more dramatic movement as it carries your body out and back. Your body will open up, facing out as you do this Your inside foot should remain close to the ground, almost sliding across the turf o Keep body facing out and protect the inside with a firm inside leg. The quickest route to the quarterback is through the inside, so the defender will be trying to go that way. Force the defensive player out the longer way around you, creating a pocket for the Quarterback and Kicker to operate in o As the defender approaches in the rush -- Punch the defender's breastplate and shoulder pad with the palm of your hands (with hands shooting upwards from hips, thumbs up, fingers out, lock elbows out and drive defender.) Your outside palm should make contact at the defender's outside armpit, while your inside palm should hit at about his sternum. This motion will manipulate the defender's body outside, further protecting the inside o If you have to, plant your facemask where his inside shoulder pad meets his helmet. When you do this, you should keep your center of gravity above your legs rather than putting your weight forward o Give ground. If momentum is moving slightly backwards, then you are able to move with him while you block. Do not be too concerned with giving up too much ground. If the play is not off in about five seconds, then it is the quarterback and fault. Aim to hold your block for five seconds o Do not give up the inside. If everything else goes wrong, but you protect the inside, you can oftentimes still effectively block the play o Give ground. If momentum is moving slightly backward, then you are able to move with him while you block. Do not be overly concerned with giving up too much ground. If the play is not off in about 5 seconds, then it is the quarterbacks fault. Aim to hold your block for 5 seconds o After 3 Seconds, shed block and attack ball carrier Attack ball carrier at his Numbers X Protect Punter against most outer more Right threat o After Ball is kicked, Attack along Left Hash Marks Z - Protect Punter against most outer more Right threat o After Ball is kicked, Attack along Left Hash Marks QB Protect Punter from most dangerous man o After punt, be last man down, inside Right Hash Marks K Punt ball to opposite Hash Mark o After punt, be last man down, inside Left Hash Marks

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Punt Block/Return

Our standard defensive formation on 4th down will be the 7-1 Defense. The Coverage and blitz package will be dependent on yardage needed for a first down. However, once a punt is identified, all players yell out PUNT and suspend the coverage and blitz package called and take appropriate punt play responsibilities. Remember that Punts are not live; it is OK to let them grab/touch the ball first. Alignment & Responsibility Weak Side Defensive End o Lines up on the line of scrimmage outside of the last offensive lineman on the weak/short side of the field o Responsible for anything outside of the last offensive line man to the sideline o On Snap, Attack the ball Will Linebacker o Lines up on the line of scrimmage between the weak/short side Offensive Tackle and Offensive Guard (B Gap) o Responsible for Fullback and Running Back on Weak Side o On Snap, Attack the ball Weak Side Defensive Tackle o Lines up on the line of scrimmage in the Weak/Short Side A Gap between the Center and the Offensive Guard o Responsible for the Weak/Short Side A Gap o On Snap, Attack the ball Nose Guard o Lines up on the line of scrimmage in the Strong/Wide Side A Gap between the Center and the Offensive Guard o Responsible for the Strong/Wide Side A Gap o On Snap, Attack the ball Strong Side Defensive Tackle o Lines up on the line of scrimmage between the Strong/Wide Side Offensive Tackle and the Offensive Guard (B Gap) o Responsible for the B Gap o On Snap, Attack the ball
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Punt Block/Return (Cont)

Strong Side Defensive End o Lines up on the line of scrimmage, 1 yard outside of the strong/wide side Offensive Tackle o Responsible for anything outside of the strong/wide side Offensive Tackle to the sideline o On Snap, Attack the ball Sam Linebacker o Lines up on the line of scrimmage outside of the last offensive lineman on the Strong/Wide side of the field o Responsible for covering the 3rd receiving threat o On Snap, Attack the ball Mike Linebacker o Lines up 5 yards away from the line of scrimmage in line with the Center o Responsible for Quarterback and Kicker o On Snap, Attack the ball Left Cornerback o Lines up on the line of scrimmage on the inside shoulder of Left Wide Receiver o Responsible for covering most outside player o On Snap, Attack the ball Free Safety o Lines up 15 yards away and in line from the Center o Responsible for ensuring all offensive players stay in front of him o On Snap, Attack Ball Right Cornerback o Lines up on the line of scrimmage on the inside shoulder of Right Wide Receiver o Responsible for covering most outside player o Upon Snap Attack the Ball

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Punt Block/Return (Cont)

After the Snap

Weak Side Defensive End 1. Attack through Gap of responsibility 2. Seek and block ball by raising hands a. Do not jump at Kicker, jump up but do not dive at kicker 3. Once ball is kicked, disengage and run toward ball a. Meet up with Kick-side Cornerback. The CB will set the wedge at 10 yards from ball b. Turn around and face oncoming players c. Block closest ugly shirt to you No blocks on the back Will Linebacker 1. Attack through Gap of responsibility 2. Seek and block ball by raising hands a. Do not jump at Kicker, jump up but do not dive at kicker 3. Once Ball is kicked, disengage and run toward ball a. Meet up with Kick-side Cornerback. The CB will set the wedge at 10 yards from ball b. Turn around and face oncoming players c. Block closest ugly shirt to you No blocks on the back Weak Side Defensive Tackle 1. Attack through Gap of responsibility 2. Seek and block ball by raising hands a. Do not jump at Kicker, jump up but do not dive at kicker 3. Once Ball is kicked, disengage and run toward ball a. Meet up with Kick-side Cornerback. The CB will set the wedge at 10 yards from ball b. Turn around and face oncoming players c. Block closest ugly shirt to you No blocks on the back Nose Guard 1. Disengage and run toward ball a. Meet up with Kick-side Cornerback. The CB will set the wedge at 10 yards from ball b. Turn around and face oncoming players c. Block closest ugly shirt to you No blocks on the back 18

Punt Block/Return (Cont)

Strong Side Defensive Tackle 1. Attack through Gap of responsibility 2. Seek and block ball by raising hands a. Do not jump at Kicker, jump up but do not dive at kicker 3. Once Ball is kicked, disengage and run toward ball a. Meet up with Kick-side Cornerback. The CB will set the wedge at 10 yards from ball b. Turn around and face oncoming players c. Block closest ugly shirt to you No blocks on the back Strong Side Defensive End 1. Attack through Gap of responsibility 2. Seek and block ball by raising hands a. Do not jump at Kicker, jump up but do not dive at kicker 3. Once Ball is kicked, disengage and run toward ball a. Meet up with Kick-side Cornerback. The CB will set the wedge at 10 yards from ball b. Turn around and face oncoming players c. Block closest ugly shirt to you Sam Linebacker 1. Attack through Gap of responsibility 2. Seek and block ball by raising hands a. Do not jump at Kicker, jump up but do not dive at kicker 3. Once Ball is kicked, disengage and run toward ball a. Meet up with Kick-side Cornerback. The CB will set the wedge at 10 yards from ball b. Turn around and face oncoming players c. Block closest ugly shirt to you No blocks on the back

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Punt Block/Return (Cont)

Mike Linebacker 1. Run towards ball a. If PETER-PETER is called by the Free Safety, find ball and get away from it 2. If you are the Kick-side Corner back, be center of wedge and guide D-line to point of attack a. Block first ugly shirt in your area 3. If not the Kick-side Cornerback unclear sentence 4. Escort Punt returner, blocking most dangerous ugly shirt Left Cornerback 1. Run towards ball a. If PETER-PETER is called by the Free Safety, find ball and get away from it 2. If you are the Kick-side Corner back, be center of wedge and guide D-line to point of attack a. Block first ugly shirt in your area 3. If not the Kick-side Cornerback unclear sentence 4. Escort Punt returner, blocking most dangerous ugly shirt Free Safety 1. Move under ball, catch, tuck, and run toward closest sideline and in between wedge 2. If ball is uncatchable, YELL out PETER-PETER repeatedly 3. Tell everyone to get away from the ball. a. Punts are not live balls-- it is OK if the defense touches it first Right Cornerback 1. Run towards ball a. If PETER-PETER is called by the Free Safety, find ball and get away from it 2. If you are the Kick-side Corner back, be center of wedge and guide D-line to point of attack a. Block first ugly shirt in your area 3. If not the Kick-side Cornerback unclear sentence 4. Escort Punt returner, blocking most dangerous ugly shirt

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