RANGERS

Most important play in the game

RANGERS

The momentum of many games has turned due to a blocked punt or long return. For these reasons this area of the kicking game demands more practice time and maximum concentration by the participants.

Physical and Mental Requirements to be a Ranger 1. 2. 3. Responsible - People we can count on to do their job. Intelligent - People that know what to do and how to do it. Fearless - People that arent afraid to run down the field and hit.

RANGER GOALS FOR 2011: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. No Blocked Punts No Punts returned for touchdowns Limit opponents Punt Return Avg. to 6 yards or less Net Punting average of 37 yards or more 100% Sky Punt Situations

PUNT STANDARDS
EXAMPLE: SNAP KICK OPERATION HANG TIME .65-.8 seconds 1.0-1.2 seconds 1.65-2.0 seconds 4.5 seconds (minimum)

Types of Punts Used: Spread Punt Used in most situations Tight Punt Used from inside our own 5 yard line or in block attempt situations Sky Punt Used when punting from inside opponents territory Jet Used vs. teams that are stemming or are slow in getting on the field Punt fakes Used as part of a check system

Punt Game Rules

1. 2.

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4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

12. 13.

During a kick from scrimmage, only the end men as eligible receivers (Gunners), at the time of the snap, are permitted to go beyond the line of scrimmage before the ball is kicked. Any punt that is blocked and does not cross the line of scrimmage can be recovered and advanced by either team (however if the punting team recovers it, it must make the yardage necessary for its first down to retain possession if the punt was a forth down. If a member of the punting team attempting to down the ball on or inside the opponents 5 yard line carries the ball into the end zone, it is a touchback. Fouls during a punt are enforced from the previous spot (line of scrimmage) It is interference, and you can be penalized, if you interfere with an opportunity to catch a punt, or make a fair catch. After a punt, the ball is not dead until blown dead; even if the punting team touches the ball, it is still a Live ball; until the whistle is blown. The punter has no protection when; a) he drops the ball b) moves laterally (becomes a runner) c) holds the ball d) the snap bounces before reaching the punter. A punt that is partially blocked and goes beyond the line-of-scrimmage is a punted ball. It should be treated as short situation to the punt team. All players are prohibited from blocking below the waist. Fair Catch A fair catch signal is valid (while the ball is in flight) when one arm is fully extended above the head and waived. No opponent may interfere with the fair catcher, the ball, or his path to the ball. A player who signals for a fair catch is not required to catch the ball. However, if a player signals for a fair catch, he may not block or initiate contact with any player on the kicking team until the ball touches a player. If the ball hits the ground all rules for a kicked ball apply. (If a fair catch signal is given and the ball hits the ground, the returner cannot advance the ball. Any undue advance by a fair catch receiver is delay of game. If a fair catch is muffed, the returner has the right to catch the ball without being interfered with, if the ball has not hit the ground. (No fair catch signal, no such protection) It is illegal for a punter to simulate being roughed or run into by a defensive player. Running into or roughing the punter will not be called when such contact: Is incidental to or after he has touched the kick in flight Is caused by the kickers own motion Occurs after the punter recovers a loose ball on the ground Is caused because a defender is blocked into the punter

PUNT PROTECTION
CADENCE

The Personal Protector will: a) make sure we kick the ball before the play clock hits zero b) identify the front c) insure that our protection is sound d) change the protection if needed e) initiate the punt/fake process by commanding Set f) call for a directional kick by the punter to help our coverage because of a front or weather conditions (Red, White, Blue) First Call: Front shown by the opposing team. How many defenders in the box and on each side of the center counting from left to right. (44, 35 man, 53 man) Second Call: Will determine what side the snapper blocks to Ringo/Lucky. (Snapper will only block vs. 8 man front) Third Call: Final call will be Set. At this point the snapper controls when the ball will be snapped. No movement or leaning at this point. Key the ball because our long snapper will be taught to change up the rhythm of the snap. Freeze Call: Changeup if absolutely necessary & as time permits.

SNAPPER

Stance:

- Comfortable square stance to insure a great snap then best protection possible. - On the ball. Get set quickly because all others align off you. - Perfect snap. You are responsible for #4 in an 8 man front

Alignment: Assignment:

Technique: RG/LG Stance:

- Vary the rhythm of the snap. Once #4 enters your zone attack his inside # and re-route with force. - Two-point stance with hands ready to strike. Outside foot back in toe to heel stagger. Bend in hips, knees and ankles. Shoulders square, feet shoulder width apart with most of the weight on the inside foot.

Alignment:

- Take a 6 inch split from center. Align your inside foot on the instep of the centers foot. Sternum should be over the knee cap. Your helmet should be at snappers belt.
- You are responsible for the #3 rusher from the outside. You must be prepared to zone a stack, twist or stunt. You cannot be grabbed and held. - On snap immediately push off the inside leg kicking straight back with your outside leg. Keep the weight on your inside foot and stay square with your inside hand extended (zone side) . Once #3 enters your zone and is within arms length attack his inside #s and re-route with force.

Assignment:

Technique:

PUNT PROTECTION (cont.)

RT/LT Stance: - Two-point stance with hands ready to strike. Outside foot back in toe to heel stagger. Bend in hips, knees and ankles. Shoulders square, feet shoulder width apart with most of the weight on the inside foot. - Take a 1 foot split from the guard. Align your inside foot on the instep of the Guards inside foot. Sternum should be over the knee cap. Your helmet should be at snappers belt, even with the guard. - You are responsible for the #2 rusher from the outside. Be prepared to zone any stack, twist or stunt. You must also be aware of a 2-vise Bullet sneaking in and coming at the last second. - On snap immediately push off the inside leg kicking straight back with your outside leg. Keep the weight on your inside foot and stay square with your inside hand extended (zone side). Once #2 enters your zone and is within arms length attack his inside #s and re-route with force. - Two-point stance with hands ready to strike. Outside foot back in toe to heel stagger. Bend in hips, knees and ankles. Shoulders square, feet shoulder width apart with most of the weight on the inside foot. - Line up 1 yard (3 feet) behind the tackle with your inside foot just inside his outside foot. You must keep leverage on the outside #1 rusher and force him out around you. Be alert for a Bullet cheating in from the 2vice. - You are responsible for #1 rusher from the outside. - On snap immediately buzz your feet in place and be patient. Once #1 enters your zone and is within arms length attack inside # and re-route with force. - Two-point balanced stance. Feet are shoulder width apart. - 5 yards deep directly behind the guard. Do not crowd the snapper. - Make front and protection calls. Take charge. You are responsible for #4. You are a free blocker on 6 man calls. Be aware of the clock.

Alignment:

Assignment:

Technique:

RW/LW

Stance:

Alignment:

Assignment: Technique:

PP

Stance: Alignment: Assignment:

Technique:
GUNNERS

- Take one lateral step up into the A gap and get big (never back up). Once #4 enters your zone strike square and maintain base.
- Two-point staggered stance (i.e. WR) - Ball in middle, align on the numbers. Ball on far hash, Boundary Gunner align between the sideline and the numbers. Field Gunner align between the hash and the numbers. - GET TO THE BALL! Force a fair catch or make the tackle on the returner. Keep the ball in play on Sky punts. Run past the fair catch signal and sprint to the goal line. You may catch punt if no returner. - Work your best release. 1st gunner down make returner go lateral. Aim at the near eye of the returner and breakdown. If you have a close, clean, close shot take it!!!!. 2nd Gunner down make the tackle.

Stance: Alignment:

Assignment:

Technique

PUNT PROTECTION (cont.)

Punter Alignment: Assignment: - Heels at 14-yards - Look the ball into your hands. Get the ball off in 1.2 or less. Hang time is the most important aspect of the punt. Line Drives = Big Returns 40 yard punt-4.5 seconds 45 yard punt-5 seconds - Always put the ball down the near hash unless the PP directs you elsewhere. If we are in the middle of the field go where youre comfortable. Be aware of overload call and punt away from it. Get it off!

Technique:

ZONE SIDE TECHNIQUE BY GUARDS AND TACKLES Always start footwork with vertical kick by the set foot (outside foot). Get as much depth as necessary to intersect your man. The wider the rush the deeper the kick. Never kick for width. Lockout inside arm to help hand check the inside gap. Attack inside # of your man. Lead with the outside foot and plant to deliver with the inside foot. Post and strike. Never catch. Re-direct your assignment 1 full man by locking out & running your feet. Shed & run to coverage

On #s Contain

1 yd outside Post Hash Split H&#

Post 1 yd outside On #s Hash Split H&# Contain

GN W

C G T PP W

GN

Safety

PUNT PROTECTION (cont.)

BLOCKING CONCEPTS
1. Our punt protection is based on a man/zone concept of blocking. Each player has a specific defender they are responsible for blocking once they enter their zone Example: The RG is responsible for #3 once he enters his zone (his nose to the nose of the RT).

2.

Each blockers man/zone area is structured to enable them to block the rushers with insideout leverage. Blocking the rush with inside-out leverage increases the rushers distance to the block point and maintains the integrity of the kicking pocket.

3.

Constant Split Relationship In using a man/zone blocking concept, it is imperative that the blockers maintain their relationship (splits) to each other. Example: If the RT blocks with depth and width from the RG instead of just depth, he forces the RG to block more space. By doing this, the RT has lost his Constant Split Relationship with the RG. KICK STRAIGHT BACK AND KEEP YOUR SHOULDERS SQUARE!

PUNT PROTECTION (cont.)

BLOCKING CONCEPTS

4.

Vertical Set In order to avoid a loss in Constant Split Relationship, it is important for your first kick step to get as much depth off the LOS as possible.

PUNT PROTECTION vs. TWIST

In this example RG has continued to kick for depth until a new #3 arrives. RT has now squeezed with his inside foot and let a new #2 arrive. We beat twist by getting as much depth as possible off the LOS with our initial kick step.

PUNT PROTECTION vs. STACK

In this example C-G-T all get depth and allow the stack to declare itself. We beat stack by getting as much depth as possible off the LOS with our initial kick step. With only 1 stack defender our PP may call out his # and declare him. PP now has #21 wherever he enters.

PUNT COVERAGE
PHILOSOPHY Punt coverage is an area of strict discipline yet flexible adjustment. Each player has an assigned responsibility that can be altered according to where the ball is punted or the type of return being used. Our philosophy of coverage is to force the returner with our Gunners; contain the returner with our Wings; and cover the area in between, with our Snapper, Guards and Tackles. How well (and how fast) we coordinate these actions will determine our effectiveness as a coverage team. COVERAGE PRINCIPLES 1. PROTECT-RELEASE-COVER-TACKLE-FORCE A TURNOVER! 2. Get outside release if at all possible. 3. Speed and desire are the two most apparent qualities of good coverage teams. Make your mind up that it is a 40 yard sprint. PRIDE! 4. Only the Gunners are allowed to quick release into coverage. All other players must wait until the ball is punted. In order for these players to release together, each player should kick/slide back two steps punch and rip through the blocker to his landmark. 5. Squeeze, gather, and breakdown Gradually our coverage squeezes on the return man yet leverage and contain principles are still maintained. As each coverage man nears the returner, they must bring themselves under control by gathering and breaking down. Use a focal point of five yards in front of the returner as the area to be ready to tackle. (Start breakdown at 10 yards mirror at 5 yards from returner). 6. Know where we are kicking the ball from- Right Hash/Left Hash/Middle. 7. Know where we are kicking the ball to Left (Blue) /Middle (White) /Right (Red) / Sky 8. Find the ball in the air on +50 punts (sky). Otherwise focus on the returner. He will take you to the football. 9. Short Short warns of a poor punt. Immediately locate and front the ball or returner. Avoid letting the ball hit you. It can be advanced at no risk to our opponent. 10. Feel holdup as soon as possible. Fight through hold-up to release. 11. The Gunners must recognize rush or hold-up immediately if in Tight Punt 12. Do not follow a teammate downfield adjust and fill another lane. Try to run in front (stack) of the man blocking you. 13. Keep leverage on the returner. Keep the returner inside and in front of you (not even with returner)

14. First coverage man downfield should make the returner go lateral (get in a breakdown position) to let other people converge on returner. If returner fumbles or muffs the ball, make a decision to take-out the returner or recover the ball. (If you have a clean, close shot take it!!) 15. If returner signals for a fair catch (in normal field position), first man down must gather and expect a fumble. If the returner muffs the ball, you still must allow him to catch the ball as he is protected by the fair catch signal. 16. If returner signals for a fair catch (at the 10 yard line) pass returner, find ball, and look to down ball inside the 10 yard line. 17. If ball is untouched and rolling, front ball and follow as it gains field position for us. Do not down ball until it stops rolling. Do not down ball and walk away. This ball can be advanced at no risk to our opponent. Let the officials blow the ball dead. 18. Gunners vs. Double Bullets Beat man 1 on 1. Think speed move first. Vs. 2 on 1, always work to beat 1 not both. If knocked out of bounds, keep going (make effort to get back into field of play). Alert on shorter kick with not much hand to use 2-vise man and push him into ball. Vs 2 on 1, be decisive on move. Come under now. Go over top now (be careful if you are away from directional kick). 19. When trying to down the football, feet can touch the goal line first and down the ball in field of play (ball cant cross the goal line but the body can). 20. Coverage team must give the returner room to catch the ball, but if returner removes himself from the area, then coverage team can catch the football. 21. The entire field must be covered by 15 yards. 22. Tackle with the intent of forcing a fumble.

PUNT COVERAGE (cont.)

COVERAGE RESPONSIBILITIES & LANDMARKS

RIGHT GUNNER/LEFT GUNNER A. GET TO THE BALL! If you cannot make the play, you must force the returner laterally, aiming at near eye. On a Sky punt we want to down the ball inside the +10. Keep the ball in play when punted to your side. It does not matter if your body is in the end zone. If the ball is punted away, work more flat on your release

B.

RIGHT WING/LEFT WING A. You are the contain man. Keep leverage on the ball carrier. Your landmark is on the numbers. Keep the ball inside of you and in front of you. If you can make the tackle, do so, if not, force everything back inside. You must be disciplined in your coverage. If the ball is outside the numbers to your side you can use the sideline as a man. If the ball is punted away from you and you are the fold player, work to gain leverage on the ball. Look for the ball to reverse directions. Keep contain.

B. C.

RIGHT TACKLE/LEFT TACKLE

Your landmark is to split the hash and the numbers. Squeeze to the ball and make the play. RIGHT GUARD/LEFT GUARD Your landmark is 1yd outside the hash. Squeeze to the ball and make the play. CENTER Your landmark is the goalpost to the Ringo/Lucky call. Nose up on the ball carrier and make the tackle. Do not allow the ball to go vertical. You are responsible for all middle returns. PERSONEL PROTECTOR Your landmark is the goalpost away from the Ringo/Lucky call. Nose up on the ball carrier and make the tackle. Do not allow the ball to go vertical. You are responsible for all middle returns.

PUNTERS CHECK LIST

1. Spread punt heels at 14 yards deep. 2. Feet pointed straight ahead. 3. Concentrate on the snap from Center. Catch the ball. 4. Place the ball correctly on the foot. 5. Follow through. 6. Kick up and through the ball. 7. Cover and shout direction of kick. 8. Know what yard line youre on for punch or coffin corner punt. 9. Strive for height and accuracy. 10. Be aware of an overload or all out 11-man rush (1 step). 11. A blocked kick behind the line of scrimmage can be advanced by you or the opponent. Be prepared to recover ball or tackle the opponent. 12. Never attempt a run on 4th down without checking down, distance, position on field, score of game, defensive rush and with Head Coach. 13. When in end zone and a bad snap occurs If a safety will beat you, punt the ball at all costs (late in 4th quarter) If a safety will tie, give them that rather than a chance to recover a blocked punt for TD or near our goal line. If ahead by 3 to 8 points take a safety. 14. Always keep kicking tempo the same. Important since coverage cannot occur until ball is punted. 15. Always know wind direction.

TAKING A SAFETY
There may be a situation late in the game when taking a safety would work to our advantage. We would employ this strategy when punting the ball inside our 10 yard line. Our objectives in taking a safety are: A. To kick ourselves out of poor field position with no risk. (Kick after a safety) B. Avoid giving up any more than two points via catastrophic play, I.E. lost fumble in end zone or blocked punt for a touchdown. Procedure: 1. On the sideline we will call Take a safety. 2. If the game clock is running, as we start onto the field, (our opponents have no timeouts), our Personal Protector will not start the cadence and instead take a delay of game penalty in order to use as much time as possible. 3.After taking a delay, the Personal Protector will start the cadence. 4.Protection: We will use normal Tight Punt protection. Do not release maximum protection (all out blocking). 5.Coaching Points for Punter: A.Stand with heels just inside end line. B.Watch the ball into your hands (Catch the ball). C.Wait until the rushers get near and then step outside the end line (move around and waste as much time as possible). D.If you drop the snap, fall on the ball do not try and pick the ball up. E.If the ball is snapped wildly, do not try and save the snap let the ball go out the back of the end zone. 6.Block and hold onto your man. We do not care if we get a holding penalty. 7.If the clock will expire during the taking of a safety, DO NOT HOLD! A penalty will force a kick off.