Now that you've learned to properly secure and hold the ball, you're ready to proceed with the hand, arm, and drop action of the kick. When first learning these techniques it is best if you do not actually kick the ball. Without the actual kick you will be able to go through these movements a number of times in rapid succession.
Begin the drill with the ball held properly in both hands. You will not be stepping with your feet during this drill. The actual kicking movement starts with the removal of your hand away from your kicking foot.
This hand and arm should be allowed to swing back to the outside at waist height and serve as a balance for your kick. As the hand swings back:
1. Your hips should turn slightly to the inside in the direction of your arm swing
2. Your opposite shoulder should rotate slightly forward
3. Your ball hand and arm should be easily extended in front of your body
As the ball is extended in your drop hand, the hand on the side of your kicking foot, the following should be true:
1. The point of the ball should be rotated slightly to the inside and aimed in the same direction as your hips
2. The wrist of your drop hand should be locked
3. The ball should be level and pointing neither up nor down
4. The drop hand should be just above waist-height
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Special Teams - Punters & Ballhandling
As a punter, its obvious that your job is to help secure field position for your team with well-placed punts. Often overlooked when it comes to the position is the importance of proper, secure ballhandling to make sure that a punt doesn't turn into a loss of yards AND a turnover or worse - six points the other way!
Even if sloppy ball management doesn't result in giving the ball away, proper technique helps your punt yardage and placement significantly.
Start with the laces of the ball straight up. The placement of the ball into the hand on the side of your kicking leg is most important.
1. The back tip of the ball should make contact with the palm of your hand
2. The tip should be located midway between your thumb and forefinger
3. Your thumb should be on the inside top panel of the ball
4. Your forefinger and your second finger should be on the outside top panel of the football
5. Your remaining two fingers - ring and little - will be placed on the outside bottom panel of the ball
6. The pressure from your thumbs and fingers of your drop hand should allow you to hold the ball comfortably and securely
Your other hand should be in a position on the front inside of the ball with your four fingers on the inside under panel and your thumb on the top inside panel just above the side seam.
One thing to remember is that you want to grasp the ball with as little pressure as is necessary. Holding the ball with a grip that is too tight will adversely affect the way the ball is dropped to your foot.
Even if sloppy ball management doesn't result in giving the ball away, proper technique helps your punt yardage and placement significantly.
Start with the laces of the ball straight up. The placement of the ball into the hand on the side of your kicking leg is most important.
1. The back tip of the ball should make contact with the palm of your hand
2. The tip should be located midway between your thumb and forefinger
3. Your thumb should be on the inside top panel of the ball
4. Your forefinger and your second finger should be on the outside top panel of the football
5. Your remaining two fingers - ring and little - will be placed on the outside bottom panel of the ball
6. The pressure from your thumbs and fingers of your drop hand should allow you to hold the ball comfortably and securely
Your other hand should be in a position on the front inside of the ball with your four fingers on the inside under panel and your thumb on the top inside panel just above the side seam.
One thing to remember is that you want to grasp the ball with as little pressure as is necessary. Holding the ball with a grip that is too tight will adversely affect the way the ball is dropped to your foot.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Special Teams - Receiving the Snap as a Punter
After assuming the proper stance, you should extend the hand and arm on the side of your kicking foot directly out in front of your shoulder. Move your arm so that your hand is near the center of your body. Next, turn the palm of your hand over so that it's facing the ground. This position sets the top part of the target for the center.
With your other hand and arm, reach out at a level even with the middle of your stomach. The palm of this hand should be facing up. This is the bottom half of the center's snapping target.
When you feel you are ready to receive the ball and that the center has seen the target you've presented, move your top hand down so that it is even with your bottom hand. At the point, the palms of both hands should be up and the little fingers should nearly be making contact.
To guarantee you see your hands and the ball when the latter is snapped, it's necessary to have your arms extended out away from your body. For now, we'll keep the ball out of your practice sessions. Without the ball, start with your normal steps. Both hands should remain in position with your first step. As you begin your second step:
1. The hand away from your kicking foot should drop off
2. This hand should swing behind your hip
3. At the same time, the hand on the side of the kicking foot should be pushed forward
4. This hand should be positioned slightly outside of the thigh of the kicking leg
5. Allow the extended hand to drop naturally to your side as the kicking leg comes through in a practiced kicking motion
With your other hand and arm, reach out at a level even with the middle of your stomach. The palm of this hand should be facing up. This is the bottom half of the center's snapping target.
When you feel you are ready to receive the ball and that the center has seen the target you've presented, move your top hand down so that it is even with your bottom hand. At the point, the palms of both hands should be up and the little fingers should nearly be making contact.
To guarantee you see your hands and the ball when the latter is snapped, it's necessary to have your arms extended out away from your body. For now, we'll keep the ball out of your practice sessions. Without the ball, start with your normal steps. Both hands should remain in position with your first step. As you begin your second step:
1. The hand away from your kicking foot should drop off
2. This hand should swing behind your hip
3. At the same time, the hand on the side of the kicking foot should be pushed forward
4. This hand should be positioned slightly outside of the thigh of the kicking leg
5. Allow the extended hand to drop naturally to your side as the kicking leg comes through in a practiced kicking motion
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Special Teams - More on Punters
As a punter, you'll either be using a two- or three-step punting motion. Because there is less chance to have the punt blocked in a two-step setup, we'll focus on that technique. In a real world application, you'll have to adjust if your coach wants you using a three-step approach.
With either style, it's important that your steps be smooth and that you don't overstride. You will want to picture yourself walking toward the ball, never in a hurry or leaning back as you take your steps.
In a two-step motion, you want to be in a comfortable stance and:
1. Your kicking foot should be slightly in front of your back foot
2. Your first step should be a short step with your front foot
3. Your first step should be slightly to the outside and not straight ahead
4. You want to land on the ball of your kicking foot
5. Your next step should be a normal step
6. The length of this step should be the same as your normal walking stride
7. You want this step to land in a position slightly across the center of your body
8. As with the kicking foot, you want to land on the ball of your foot, allowing you to transfer power into the actual kick
We've practiced your approach...in future tips we'll be going through the process of getting the ball in your hands and actually striking it to give your team the best field position possible!
With either style, it's important that your steps be smooth and that you don't overstride. You will want to picture yourself walking toward the ball, never in a hurry or leaning back as you take your steps.
In a two-step motion, you want to be in a comfortable stance and:
1. Your kicking foot should be slightly in front of your back foot
2. Your first step should be a short step with your front foot
3. Your first step should be slightly to the outside and not straight ahead
4. You want to land on the ball of your kicking foot
5. Your next step should be a normal step
6. The length of this step should be the same as your normal walking stride
7. You want this step to land in a position slightly across the center of your body
8. As with the kicking foot, you want to land on the ball of your foot, allowing you to transfer power into the actual kick
We've practiced your approach...in future tips we'll be going through the process of getting the ball in your hands and actually striking it to give your team the best field position possible!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Special Teams - Stance for Punters
As a punter, you'll want to have a stance that puts you in the best position to move to the right or left, bend to the ground, or even leap high to corral a poorly snapped ball.
Start getting into your stance by:
1. Standing straight up
2. Keeping your feet even
3. Spreading your feet about hip-width or slightly wider
4. Taking a slight step forward with your punting foot from the feet-even position
5. Positioning the toe of your back foot even with the middle of your forward kicking foot
When set in your stance:
1. You should feel your weight on the balls of both feet
2. You should have a slight bend to your knees
3. Your shoulders should be brought forward so that they are slightly in front of your hips
4. Your head should be upright with your eyes looking straight ahead
From this position you should practice without the ball, moving in every direction. You must feel comfortable going after any snapped ball no matter where it is, including those in danger of sailing over your head. After practicing this without the ball, without a rush, you'll be ready for team practice and better prepared for a live situation.
Start getting into your stance by:
1. Standing straight up
2. Keeping your feet even
3. Spreading your feet about hip-width or slightly wider
4. Taking a slight step forward with your punting foot from the feet-even position
5. Positioning the toe of your back foot even with the middle of your forward kicking foot
When set in your stance:
1. You should feel your weight on the balls of both feet
2. You should have a slight bend to your knees
3. Your shoulders should be brought forward so that they are slightly in front of your hips
4. Your head should be upright with your eyes looking straight ahead
From this position you should practice without the ball, moving in every direction. You must feel comfortable going after any snapped ball no matter where it is, including those in danger of sailing over your head. After practicing this without the ball, without a rush, you'll be ready for team practice and better prepared for a live situation.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Special Teams - Intro to Punting
A punter must have good hands and the coordination to drop the ball and strike it accurately and with force in the air with his foot.
A punter is responsible for catching the ball from center, stepping forward and dropping the ball to his foot to make the kick, accurately punting the ball high in the air and down the field, and being the last man in position to tackle a punt returner.
When you're a punter, you're in a unique position. Every time you take the field, you have a great chance to heavily influence the battle of field position. With a good punt and good coverage by your teammates, you have the chance to pin an opposing team's offense deep within their own territory.
Every offense struggles occasionally. Your punting is key to moving the ball away from your endzone and giving the defense an opportunity to get a key stop and give your offense a breather.
The greatest punters accept the challenge and pressure of this critically important role and shine in the spotlight of being a field position general.
A punter is responsible for catching the ball from center, stepping forward and dropping the ball to his foot to make the kick, accurately punting the ball high in the air and down the field, and being the last man in position to tackle a punt returner.
When you're a punter, you're in a unique position. Every time you take the field, you have a great chance to heavily influence the battle of field position. With a good punt and good coverage by your teammates, you have the chance to pin an opposing team's offense deep within their own territory.
Every offense struggles occasionally. Your punting is key to moving the ball away from your endzone and giving the defense an opportunity to get a key stop and give your offense a breather.
The greatest punters accept the challenge and pressure of this critically important role and shine in the spotlight of being a field position general.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Special Teams: Placekicking for Holders
As the holder, you must position yourself on the opposite side of the kicking tee (or the spot you'll place the ball) from the kicker. Once even with the tee, kneel down with your back knee on the ground seven yards from the center. The foot of your front leg should be up with your toe pointed directly at the goal post. From this position, lean slightly forward toward the center.
Next, put your back hand on the center of the "tee" and extend your front hand and arm toward the center. This front arm and hand, palm down, is the top portion of the center's target and should be even with the middle of your chest. Ask the kicker if he is ready to proceed. When he tells you he is:
1. Bring your other hand off the ground and form a complete target for the center's snap
2. Touch your thumbs together to catch the ball correctly
3. Be prepared for the snap to come at any time
It would be ideal if the ball zipped into your hands at the frame you created as a target every time. In the real world, this won't always be the case - you must be prepared to catch the snap no matter where it comes in. Your first job is to make the catch and get the ball down on the "tee". As you do:
1. Use one smooth motion in placing the ball on the "tee"
2. Turn the ball so that the laces are facing straight at the goal post while you are bringing the ball down
3. In the event the laces aren't pointed correctly, use your front hand to rotate the ball slightly to the proper position as the ball is being placed
4. Place the index finger of your back hand lightly on the top point of the ball to balance it at the correct position for the kicker to strike
Next, put your back hand on the center of the "tee" and extend your front hand and arm toward the center. This front arm and hand, palm down, is the top portion of the center's target and should be even with the middle of your chest. Ask the kicker if he is ready to proceed. When he tells you he is:
1. Bring your other hand off the ground and form a complete target for the center's snap
2. Touch your thumbs together to catch the ball correctly
3. Be prepared for the snap to come at any time
It would be ideal if the ball zipped into your hands at the frame you created as a target every time. In the real world, this won't always be the case - you must be prepared to catch the snap no matter where it comes in. Your first job is to make the catch and get the ball down on the "tee". As you do:
1. Use one smooth motion in placing the ball on the "tee"
2. Turn the ball so that the laces are facing straight at the goal post while you are bringing the ball down
3. In the event the laces aren't pointed correctly, use your front hand to rotate the ball slightly to the proper position as the ball is being placed
4. Place the index finger of your back hand lightly on the top point of the ball to balance it at the correct position for the kicker to strike
Monday, September 30, 2013
Special Teams: Placekicking for Centers (continued)
Once in position, you'll want to reach out and make sure the laces of the ball are rotated to the outside of your snapping hand. The laces should be rotated down so that they are just past the center point.
You want to grip the ball as you would if you were a QB preparing to throw a forward pass. Without a proper grip, you will find you don't have the accuracy or velocity you need for a successful snap.
Keep -
1. Three out of four fingers of the snapping hand on or over the laces of the ball
2. Your index finger near the tip of the ball - off the laces and across the seam
3. Your middle and third finger across the laces. The fingertips should be on the surface of the ball, not the laces.
4. The little finger on the laces of the ball
5. The most pressure between the ball and passing hand just in front of the center point on the front of the ball
Your grip may need tweaks based on the size of your hand.
At this point, your other hand should be placed on top of the ball and you should be prepared to snap it. Look back through your legs to the holder. His hands are always your target. When both of his hands are extended and ready, you know he is prepared for the snap.
As you snap the ball, follow-through with both hands. The fingers of both hands should end up pointing directly at the holder's hands. On a good follow-through, you'll feel your body shift slightly back toward the holder and kicker.
You want to grip the ball as you would if you were a QB preparing to throw a forward pass. Without a proper grip, you will find you don't have the accuracy or velocity you need for a successful snap.
Keep -
1. Three out of four fingers of the snapping hand on or over the laces of the ball
2. Your index finger near the tip of the ball - off the laces and across the seam
3. Your middle and third finger across the laces. The fingertips should be on the surface of the ball, not the laces.
4. The little finger on the laces of the ball
5. The most pressure between the ball and passing hand just in front of the center point on the front of the ball
Your grip may need tweaks based on the size of your hand.
At this point, your other hand should be placed on top of the ball and you should be prepared to snap it. Look back through your legs to the holder. His hands are always your target. When both of his hands are extended and ready, you know he is prepared for the snap.
As you snap the ball, follow-through with both hands. The fingers of both hands should end up pointing directly at the holder's hands. On a good follow-through, you'll feel your body shift slightly back toward the holder and kicker.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Special Teams - Placekicking for Centers
Every placekicker in football knows that in order to have success, he must work very closely with two other members of the team. The play starts with the center, moves to the holder, and culminates with the kicker. Improper technique by any of the three can result in a failed kick attempt. As a placekicker, it's important you understand the role the center and holder play.
Since the ball originates at the center, that's where we'll start our analysis. The first thing the center must do is position his body correctly to make the snap to the holder who is seven yards back. The snap will be made primarily with one hand - the other will act as a guide.
The center must consider the snap as a pass thrown back between his legs. In order to get this passing motion down, its important that the center make certain the ball is in front of him when he gets into his stance.
The stance should feature:
1. Feet shoulder-width apart
2. Feet even with each other, or, if more comfortable, the snapping hand side's foot may be slightly behind the other
3. Square shoulders
4. Hips and shoulders even
Hip height controls the height of the snap - high hips tend to snap high, low hips tend to snap low.
Next time we'll get into the center's grip and snap!
Since the ball originates at the center, that's where we'll start our analysis. The first thing the center must do is position his body correctly to make the snap to the holder who is seven yards back. The snap will be made primarily with one hand - the other will act as a guide.
The center must consider the snap as a pass thrown back between his legs. In order to get this passing motion down, its important that the center make certain the ball is in front of him when he gets into his stance.
The stance should feature:
1. Feet shoulder-width apart
2. Feet even with each other, or, if more comfortable, the snapping hand side's foot may be slightly behind the other
3. Square shoulders
4. Hips and shoulders even
Hip height controls the height of the snap - high hips tend to snap high, low hips tend to snap low.
Next time we'll get into the center's grip and snap!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Special Teams: Introducing the Ball
When you feel you have your setup, stance, approach, and kicking motion down to a single, controlled process, it is time to introduce the ball to the equation. One thing that will help you concentrate on the kick while you're learning is to eliminate the goal post from your mind (and your practice!) and focus completely on kicking the ball in a straight line.
To practice kicking without a goal post:
1. Practice on a sideline
2. Make the placement spot at a point where a yard line meets the sideline
3. Take your steps and setup properly
4. Have a coach or fellow kicker place the ball on the placement spot for you
5. Make certain the laces of the ball are pointing straight down the sideline
6. Kick the ball in a straight line directly down the sideline
Your goal should be to kick with a natural motion. As we're focusing on accuracy for now, there's no need for a center. Try not to overkick - you're not after distance yet. By kicking the ball down the sideline, you'll be able to quickly tell if you're hooking or pushing the ball as you kick. If you find the ball is veering excessively from the sideline, repeat earlier steps in the process to make sure your approach and follow-through are sound.
To practice kicking without a goal post:
1. Practice on a sideline
2. Make the placement spot at a point where a yard line meets the sideline
3. Take your steps and setup properly
4. Have a coach or fellow kicker place the ball on the placement spot for you
5. Make certain the laces of the ball are pointing straight down the sideline
6. Kick the ball in a straight line directly down the sideline
Your goal should be to kick with a natural motion. As we're focusing on accuracy for now, there's no need for a center. Try not to overkick - you're not after distance yet. By kicking the ball down the sideline, you'll be able to quickly tell if you're hooking or pushing the ball as you kick. If you find the ball is veering excessively from the sideline, repeat earlier steps in the process to make sure your approach and follow-through are sound.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Sutton and Christy named Preseason All-Americans
We're equal parts proud and thrilled to congratulate a duo of past O-D Bowlers for being named by SI.com as 2013 Preseason All-Americans!
2009 O-D Bowler and current Arizona State Sun Devil Will Sutton was a 2012 consensus All-American pick, made first-team All-Pac-12 selection the same year, won the 2012 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award, and earned himself the 2012 Morris Trophy as best defensive lineman on the west coast. In addition to SI's preseason pick, Sutton looks to collect more hardware as he wraps up his collegiate career in the desert!
Florida Gator Kyle Christy was the kicker for Team East in the 2011 O-D Bowl and is well-established as the Gators' punter already, having been a finalist for the Ray Guy Award presented annually to college football's top punter in only his sophomore season. Now entering his junior year, Christy is sure to build on his impressive resume that already includes 2012 selections to the first-team All-American and All-SEC squads.
Congrats and good luck, gentlemen!
2009 O-D Bowler and current Arizona State Sun Devil Will Sutton was a 2012 consensus All-American pick, made first-team All-Pac-12 selection the same year, won the 2012 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award, and earned himself the 2012 Morris Trophy as best defensive lineman on the west coast. In addition to SI's preseason pick, Sutton looks to collect more hardware as he wraps up his collegiate career in the desert!
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| Arizona State's Will Sutton |
Florida Gator Kyle Christy was the kicker for Team East in the 2011 O-D Bowl and is well-established as the Gators' punter already, having been a finalist for the Ray Guy Award presented annually to college football's top punter in only his sophomore season. Now entering his junior year, Christy is sure to build on his impressive resume that already includes 2012 selections to the first-team All-American and All-SEC squads.
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| Florida's Kyle Christy |
Congrats and good luck, gentlemen!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Special Teams - Alignment and The Kick
Before you get into your kicking motion, it's important you learn how to properly align yourself to the ball's placement spot. Place a kicking tee, cup, or a piece of tape on the ground. In your mind, make this the spot where the ball will be placed for your kick.
Once your spot is established, it becomes a case of stepping up and getting in proper position to make the kick. To do so, you need to:
1. Place your plant foot so that the instep of the foot is next to the placement spot
2. Place your kicking foot directly behind the placement spot
3. Beginning with your kicking foot, take three normal steps straight backward from the placement spot
4. Take two steps sideways with your plant foot at a right angle
5. Turn and face the placement spot and get into your proper stance
As you're starting out, you may find that you're not stepping straight back from the placement spot. One easy way to correct this error is to put the placement spot on a marked sideline on the field and concentrate on stepping back straight down the line.
As you approach the ball for your kick, remember that your plant foot should come down even with and six inches outside the placement spot with the toe pointed the same direction as the kicking spot. This is easier to practice if you're working on the sideline.
The power for your kick should start with your hips moving forward and your kicking leg coming forward in a full arch. It's important that the knee of the kicking leg precedes the foot toward the placement spot. The knee of the kicking leg should be bent slightly.
The position of the kicking foot is vitally important. You should have your toe pointed down and your ankle locked and stable. The toe of your kicking foot will pass just outside the placement spot. The center of the inside of the kicking foot should pass directly over the center of the placement spot. The top inside of the center of the kicking foot is the actual part of the foot we want to make contact with the ball.
As a kicker, you'll come to learn that your follow-through will be an excellent indication of how the kick will turn out. When your kicking foot moves over the placement spot, it's important that your entire body move straight at the target.
Remember - as your kicking foot moves over the placement spot:
1. Your body should be balanced
2. Your head must be down
3. Your eyes must stay focused on the placement spot
4. Your hips need to lead the way to the target
5. Your shoulders should precede your feet throughout the kicking motion
Once your spot is established, it becomes a case of stepping up and getting in proper position to make the kick. To do so, you need to:
1. Place your plant foot so that the instep of the foot is next to the placement spot
2. Place your kicking foot directly behind the placement spot
3. Beginning with your kicking foot, take three normal steps straight backward from the placement spot
4. Take two steps sideways with your plant foot at a right angle
5. Turn and face the placement spot and get into your proper stance
As you're starting out, you may find that you're not stepping straight back from the placement spot. One easy way to correct this error is to put the placement spot on a marked sideline on the field and concentrate on stepping back straight down the line.
As you approach the ball for your kick, remember that your plant foot should come down even with and six inches outside the placement spot with the toe pointed the same direction as the kicking spot. This is easier to practice if you're working on the sideline.
The power for your kick should start with your hips moving forward and your kicking leg coming forward in a full arch. It's important that the knee of the kicking leg precedes the foot toward the placement spot. The knee of the kicking leg should be bent slightly.
The position of the kicking foot is vitally important. You should have your toe pointed down and your ankle locked and stable. The toe of your kicking foot will pass just outside the placement spot. The center of the inside of the kicking foot should pass directly over the center of the placement spot. The top inside of the center of the kicking foot is the actual part of the foot we want to make contact with the ball.
As a kicker, you'll come to learn that your follow-through will be an excellent indication of how the kick will turn out. When your kicking foot moves over the placement spot, it's important that your entire body move straight at the target.
Remember - as your kicking foot moves over the placement spot:
1. Your body should be balanced
2. Your head must be down
3. Your eyes must stay focused on the placement spot
4. Your hips need to lead the way to the target
5. Your shoulders should precede your feet throughout the kicking motion
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Special Teams - Approaching the Ball
Your initial move toward the ball's placement spot should start with a slight forward lean of your shoulders. Then:
1. Take a short momentum step forward with your plant foot
2. Take a normal forward step with the kicking foot
3. Next, take a longer second step with the plant foot
Your second plant foot step should bring the foot even with and six inches outside the spot where the ball will be spotted for the kick.
In this position, the kicker has room and is in position to make proper contact with the ball.
When you're first working on getting your initial steps down, you require neither tee nor ball. It's better to use a piece of tape as your placement spot. You'll soon feel that your steps are the correct length and that you are ending in the proper position to make your kick with your head down and eyes focused on the placement spot.
1. Take a short momentum step forward with your plant foot
2. Take a normal forward step with the kicking foot
3. Next, take a longer second step with the plant foot
Your second plant foot step should bring the foot even with and six inches outside the spot where the ball will be spotted for the kick.
In this position, the kicker has room and is in position to make proper contact with the ball.
When you're first working on getting your initial steps down, you require neither tee nor ball. It's better to use a piece of tape as your placement spot. You'll soon feel that your steps are the correct length and that you are ending in the proper position to make your kick with your head down and eyes focused on the placement spot.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Special Teams - Placekicking
For you to perform a successful kick, your teammates must do their job just as well as you do yours. It's a total team effort.
Your blockers must be able to hold off the defenders from getting to you and blocking the kick.
The center must make a strong and accurate snap.
The holder needs to catch the snap and properly place the ball on the spot.
You need to maintain focus and kick the ball soundly and accurately.
As a placekicker, you are in the unique position of being able to score points whenever you take the field. This opportunity comes with increased pressure and responsibility that you must recognize and accept.
Your teammates have worked long and hard to put the ball in the best position for you to make your kick. All their work gets wasted if you are unable to perform your job successfully - it's vital you strive to be the very best kicker you can be.
As a placekicker, it's likely that you're a soccer-style kicker. It's important that your stance is comfortable and that you consistently adopt the same stance every time out.
1. Stand straight up and step forward with your non-kicking foot (the plant foot)
2. Have the heel of your plant foot just ahead of the toe of your kicking foot
3. Position your feet so that they are no wider apart than your hips
4. Maintain equal weight on both feet
5. Slightly bend both knees
6. Bend forward at the waist
7. Move your shoulders far enough forward so that they are in front of your hips
8. Relax your shoulders
9. Allow your hands and arms to hang down comfortably
10. Focus on the kicking tee/holder's hands and be prepared to attack the ball
If you practice each of these techniques away from the field, they will feel more natural and comfortable with the pads on on the field.
Stop by next time as we address the approach to the ball.
Your blockers must be able to hold off the defenders from getting to you and blocking the kick.
The center must make a strong and accurate snap.
The holder needs to catch the snap and properly place the ball on the spot.
You need to maintain focus and kick the ball soundly and accurately.
As a placekicker, you are in the unique position of being able to score points whenever you take the field. This opportunity comes with increased pressure and responsibility that you must recognize and accept.
Your teammates have worked long and hard to put the ball in the best position for you to make your kick. All their work gets wasted if you are unable to perform your job successfully - it's vital you strive to be the very best kicker you can be.
As a placekicker, it's likely that you're a soccer-style kicker. It's important that your stance is comfortable and that you consistently adopt the same stance every time out.
1. Stand straight up and step forward with your non-kicking foot (the plant foot)
2. Have the heel of your plant foot just ahead of the toe of your kicking foot
3. Position your feet so that they are no wider apart than your hips
4. Maintain equal weight on both feet
5. Slightly bend both knees
6. Bend forward at the waist
7. Move your shoulders far enough forward so that they are in front of your hips
8. Relax your shoulders
9. Allow your hands and arms to hang down comfortably
10. Focus on the kicking tee/holder's hands and be prepared to attack the ball
If you practice each of these techniques away from the field, they will feel more natural and comfortable with the pads on on the field.
Stop by next time as we address the approach to the ball.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Special Teams - Learning in the Right Order
Your stance must be functional and aid you in performing the motions and movements require to punt or placekick. Getting into a proper stance is a football skill you can practice repeatedly and easily both on and off the field. Use a mirror if you must to make sure you're adopting the correct stance.
The initial steps taken by a punter and/or kicker at the beginning of a play will greatly influence the outcome of the kick.
When you watch an excellent kicker, you'll see how consistent they are in their approach to the ball. Consistency is repetition and repetition breeds success.
Once you're comfortable getting into a stance and beginning your approach, the next technique to work on is your actual kicking motion. It's imperative you've got your setup and approach down before you move on to the actual kicking of the ball.
Don't rush! Trying to learn everything at once is nearly impossible and will cost you more frustration than slow, proper, steady progress through each step. Don't even utilize a ball at first. Once you're comfortable with everything involved in shadow kicking, you can move on to the real thing.
Tune in next time as we dig in to more kicking and punting!
The initial steps taken by a punter and/or kicker at the beginning of a play will greatly influence the outcome of the kick.
When you watch an excellent kicker, you'll see how consistent they are in their approach to the ball. Consistency is repetition and repetition breeds success.
Once you're comfortable getting into a stance and beginning your approach, the next technique to work on is your actual kicking motion. It's imperative you've got your setup and approach down before you move on to the actual kicking of the ball.
Don't rush! Trying to learn everything at once is nearly impossible and will cost you more frustration than slow, proper, steady progress through each step. Don't even utilize a ball at first. Once you're comfortable with everything involved in shadow kicking, you can move on to the real thing.
Tune in next time as we dig in to more kicking and punting!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Special Teams - Getting your Kicks!
In the next segment of Tips of the Day, we'll be covering special teams.
Early on, we'll focus on three players who must work together as one unit - the placekicker, short snapper, and the holder. After, we'll cover the two-unit team comprised of the punter and the long snapper. Later, our Tips will cover the kickoff man. Finally, we'll end up spotlighting the returner role.
The rest of this introduction should be of special interest to any player who is or wants to be the punter or placekicker for their team.
Being a punter or placekicker is a responsibility-laden role on a football team. Other players may have the luxury of making a mistake on a play and still have the knowledge that they'll have many more opportunities during the game to makeup for their gaffe. As a punter or placekicker, your opportunities may be more limited during a game and the pressure will be on to get it right every play. If you can handle this type of pressure, you're already one step closer to becoming a successful kicker.
The most important beginning attribute you'll require as a kicker is being able to focus on the kick you're about to attempt. It's vital you're able to run out onto the field and only think about making one kick at a time.
Having the physical ability to punk or kick will not guarantee your success unless you can mentally block out everything but the kick you need to make. Mental toughness combined with physical prowess (and the hard work to achieve that prowess!) are vital.
In the beginning, punting and placekicking will seem very difficult. Your punts may not have distance. Your drop might be wrong. You may find yourself preoccupied with the rush. As a kicker, you might have trouble with your steps, power, and accuracy.
Every kicker starts out with these problems. Work hard, focus, stay positive and LISTEN CLOSELY to what your coach is telling you in order to become a better, more complete player. Staying in peak physical condition is an underrated but VERY important part of game-preparedness and effectiveness.
Next time, we'll start getting into technique. Stay tuned!
Early on, we'll focus on three players who must work together as one unit - the placekicker, short snapper, and the holder. After, we'll cover the two-unit team comprised of the punter and the long snapper. Later, our Tips will cover the kickoff man. Finally, we'll end up spotlighting the returner role.
The rest of this introduction should be of special interest to any player who is or wants to be the punter or placekicker for their team.
Being a punter or placekicker is a responsibility-laden role on a football team. Other players may have the luxury of making a mistake on a play and still have the knowledge that they'll have many more opportunities during the game to makeup for their gaffe. As a punter or placekicker, your opportunities may be more limited during a game and the pressure will be on to get it right every play. If you can handle this type of pressure, you're already one step closer to becoming a successful kicker.
The most important beginning attribute you'll require as a kicker is being able to focus on the kick you're about to attempt. It's vital you're able to run out onto the field and only think about making one kick at a time.
Having the physical ability to punk or kick will not guarantee your success unless you can mentally block out everything but the kick you need to make. Mental toughness combined with physical prowess (and the hard work to achieve that prowess!) are vital.
In the beginning, punting and placekicking will seem very difficult. Your punts may not have distance. Your drop might be wrong. You may find yourself preoccupied with the rush. As a kicker, you might have trouble with your steps, power, and accuracy.
Every kicker starts out with these problems. Work hard, focus, stay positive and LISTEN CLOSELY to what your coach is telling you in order to become a better, more complete player. Staying in peak physical condition is an underrated but VERY important part of game-preparedness and effectiveness.
Next time, we'll start getting into technique. Stay tuned!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Defensive Back: Playing the Run
As a DB, your first concern must be pass defense. Second, but still vital, is knowing what to do when the offense runs the ball. Your action and technique will be determined by the defense your coach has called for the play. In this situation as a DB, you must:
1. Understand your responsibility during the play
2. Know what the offense must do for you to leave your pass coverage and attack the line of scrimmage
3. Know where and what your responsibilities are when you force the run
4. Understand which offensive player can block you
5. Know how to meet the blocker
When the defense is called, you'll be playing either zone or man-to-man pass defense. If you're covering a deep zone, you must go to that zone until the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage. When you're in man coverage, you'll need to run with him until he blocks OR the ball crosses the line of scrimmage - whichever happens first. In both cases you will be chasing the ball carrier after you are certain the ball can not be passed.
Tune in next time as we wrap up Playing the Run for Defensive Backs!
1. Understand your responsibility during the play
2. Know what the offense must do for you to leave your pass coverage and attack the line of scrimmage
3. Know where and what your responsibilities are when you force the run
4. Understand which offensive player can block you
5. Know how to meet the blocker
When the defense is called, you'll be playing either zone or man-to-man pass defense. If you're covering a deep zone, you must go to that zone until the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage. When you're in man coverage, you'll need to run with him until he blocks OR the ball crosses the line of scrimmage - whichever happens first. In both cases you will be chasing the ball carrier after you are certain the ball can not be passed.
Tune in next time as we wrap up Playing the Run for Defensive Backs!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Defensive Back: Four Deep Zone
You'll probably find yourself playing a four deep zone when your coach knows the offense has to throw deep for a shot at winning the game or when four or more wide receivers find their way onto the field at once.
In either case, both corners and both safeties will be asked to drop deep and cover only a quarter of the field each. Any ball thrown deep should be either knocked down or picked off.
All the techniques discussed for defensive backs covering in a deep zone previously should be used for a four deep zone defense.
In general, when you play zone, the main rules are that you:
1. Recognize that the play is a pass
2. Get to your zone immediately
3. Get as deep as you can before the QB sets to throw
4. Focus on the QB and the ball
5. React to the pass and let the ball direct you to the receiver
One challenge, that you'll face in playing zone defense is that you'll often be taking your eyes off the QB to look at a receiver running into your zone. Another will be the urge to come up before the ball is thrown to cover a receiver running in front of you.
Both challenges can be overcome. If you practice alone, go to your zone and look in at where the QB will set up. Stop and settle in your backpedal and react to the right or left. Focusing on the QB and the ball gives you a much better chance at making a gamechanging play such as an interception.
In either case, both corners and both safeties will be asked to drop deep and cover only a quarter of the field each. Any ball thrown deep should be either knocked down or picked off.
All the techniques discussed for defensive backs covering in a deep zone previously should be used for a four deep zone defense.
In general, when you play zone, the main rules are that you:
1. Recognize that the play is a pass
2. Get to your zone immediately
3. Get as deep as you can before the QB sets to throw
4. Focus on the QB and the ball
5. React to the pass and let the ball direct you to the receiver
One challenge, that you'll face in playing zone defense is that you'll often be taking your eyes off the QB to look at a receiver running into your zone. Another will be the urge to come up before the ball is thrown to cover a receiver running in front of you.
Both challenges can be overcome. If you practice alone, go to your zone and look in at where the QB will set up. Stop and settle in your backpedal and react to the right or left. Focusing on the QB and the ball gives you a much better chance at making a gamechanging play such as an interception.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Defensive Back: Three-Deep Zone
Three of the four DBs will be dropping into a deep zone when your team employs a three-deep zone coverage. One of the DBs, usually the strong safety, will be moving up and to the outside to cover the under zone on one side of the field.
Instead of only having two defensive backs to cover deep, we now have three. Each DB, typically the two corners and the free safety, will have the responsibility of covering a third of the field.
The two corners will have the outside thirds of the field while the free safety positions himself to cover the middle third. This ensures that passes will be much harder to complete in the deep zone.
All three cover men should play the same way as the two we discussed in the two-deep section earlier - backpedal quickly, get as deep as possible, keep the receivers in front of them, watch the QB, and react the instant he releases the ball.
For safeties not in deep coverage, you'll need to use a different technique. This will depend on how wide from your original position you'll have to go to get into your zone. The wider you go, the more you'll have to sprint to get there. When you sprint:
1. Roll over the foot in the direction you need to go
2. Run as fast as you can to get there
3. Watch the QB over your shoulder
Once you arrive in your zone, swing your inside leg around to get into your backpedal. As you backpedal:
1. Focus on the QB
2. Cease your backpedal when you see the QB is ready the throw
3. Keep running in place with your feet moving in short choppy steps
4. Prepare to move to either your right or left once you see the QB begin his release
5. Break to the ball by rolling over the foot in the direction you need to go
Instead of only having two defensive backs to cover deep, we now have three. Each DB, typically the two corners and the free safety, will have the responsibility of covering a third of the field.
The two corners will have the outside thirds of the field while the free safety positions himself to cover the middle third. This ensures that passes will be much harder to complete in the deep zone.
All three cover men should play the same way as the two we discussed in the two-deep section earlier - backpedal quickly, get as deep as possible, keep the receivers in front of them, watch the QB, and react the instant he releases the ball.
For safeties not in deep coverage, you'll need to use a different technique. This will depend on how wide from your original position you'll have to go to get into your zone. The wider you go, the more you'll have to sprint to get there. When you sprint:
1. Roll over the foot in the direction you need to go
2. Run as fast as you can to get there
3. Watch the QB over your shoulder
Once you arrive in your zone, swing your inside leg around to get into your backpedal. As you backpedal:
1. Focus on the QB
2. Cease your backpedal when you see the QB is ready the throw
3. Keep running in place with your feet moving in short choppy steps
4. Prepare to move to either your right or left once you see the QB begin his release
5. Break to the ball by rolling over the foot in the direction you need to go
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Defensive Backs: More on Zone Coverage!
Zone defenses will usually be broken down into three different types of zone pass coverages. There's the two-deep zone, a three-deep zone, and an occasional four-deep zone. In all three zone defenses, the first rule is, if you're in coverage, that you can backpedal deep enough so that you stay between your goal line and the deepest offensive receiver in your zone. Before the play begins, make certain you know what type of pass coverage has been called - zone or man. If it's zone:
1. Know where you need to go and/or which zone you must cover
2. Know how you're going to get to your zone
3. Know what your responsibilities are once you reach and are set up in your zone
A two-deep zone will usually involve both safeties dropping deep, each covering half of the field. It's important they backpedal as quickly as possible, get as deep as they can, stay deeper than any receiver in their half of the field, look at the QB, and react the instant the quarterback steps and throws.
At the same time, both corners, who will be covering the outside underneath zones with the linebackers should:
1. Leave their original alignment before the play began
2. Move up to five yards from the line of scrimmage
3. Take a position just outside the offensive receiver as he moves up field
4. Bump the receiver to the inside, interrupt his run up the field, and force the receiver in toward the safety
5. Drop back to 12 yards using a backpedal
6. Focus on the QB
7. React when the ball leaves the quarterback's hand
Next time we'll be covering the three-deep zone!
1. Know where you need to go and/or which zone you must cover
2. Know how you're going to get to your zone
3. Know what your responsibilities are once you reach and are set up in your zone
A two-deep zone will usually involve both safeties dropping deep, each covering half of the field. It's important they backpedal as quickly as possible, get as deep as they can, stay deeper than any receiver in their half of the field, look at the QB, and react the instant the quarterback steps and throws.
At the same time, both corners, who will be covering the outside underneath zones with the linebackers should:
1. Leave their original alignment before the play began
2. Move up to five yards from the line of scrimmage
3. Take a position just outside the offensive receiver as he moves up field
4. Bump the receiver to the inside, interrupt his run up the field, and force the receiver in toward the safety
5. Drop back to 12 yards using a backpedal
6. Focus on the QB
7. React when the ball leaves the quarterback's hand
Next time we'll be covering the three-deep zone!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Defensive Back: Zone Coverage
Playing zone coverage is much different than man-to-man. In man-coverage, you're concerned with covering one receiver potentially all over the field through the entire play. You focus on the receiver, recognize the pass pattern he's running, and react properly to that pattern. By watching the receiver, he tells you where to go. Your only chance to look for the ball is when you're in position to see the receiver and the ball at the same time during your coverage.
Playing zone requires you change your way of thinking and understand that your priorities must change as well. The main differences you'll discover when switching to zone coverage is that:
1. On the snap of the ball you'll move to a predetermined area of the field
2. Your focus will be on the QB, not necessarily a receiver
3. The direction the ball is thrown will tell you where to go, not the receiver's pattern
This doesn't mean you should discard all you know about man-to-man coverage to play zone - far from it! You can backpedal into your zone or angle-backpedal if necessary to stay in the proper position on the field. Once the ball leaves the QB's hand, you should implement your rollover to leave the backpedal. There are no new physical techniques for you here, just knowing where you have to cover and that your focus will shift more to the QB than the receiver.
More to come!
Playing zone requires you change your way of thinking and understand that your priorities must change as well. The main differences you'll discover when switching to zone coverage is that:
1. On the snap of the ball you'll move to a predetermined area of the field
2. Your focus will be on the QB, not necessarily a receiver
3. The direction the ball is thrown will tell you where to go, not the receiver's pattern
This doesn't mean you should discard all you know about man-to-man coverage to play zone - far from it! You can backpedal into your zone or angle-backpedal if necessary to stay in the proper position on the field. Once the ball leaves the QB's hand, you should implement your rollover to leave the backpedal. There are no new physical techniques for you here, just knowing where you have to cover and that your focus will shift more to the QB than the receiver.
More to come!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Defensive Back: Route Recognition
Start with short pass routes. Covering wide receivers, these will be the slant, hitch, and quick out patterns. Covering tight ends, you'll need to recognize the look-in, short, and flat routes.
Line up in your normal defensive position and stance. As the receiver starts off the line, enter your backward run. The moment you recognize the pattern, you should call out the name of the pattern and point to where the receiver should be catching the ball. Continue moving backward as you point out and call the pattern.
The point where you recognize the pattern being run in any zone is called the "Recognition Point." The spot where you point where the ball should be caught is the "Interception Point." To figure out the latter, you must understand where the receiver can first catch the ball. On any short or medium pattern coming to the inside of the field, the receiver will run at least six yards (ideally) from the recognition point before he can catch the pass. For a short or medium route headed toward the sideline, the receiver will cover at least eight yards from the recognition point before he can make a reception.
It will take intense concentration on the receiver to recognize the pattern as soon as possible and indicate the interception point correctly.
Once you're confident with short patterns, you should progress to medium and then deep routes. It's exceedingly important on deep routes that you try to keep a three-yard separation between you and the receiver.
Line up in your normal defensive position and stance. As the receiver starts off the line, enter your backward run. The moment you recognize the pattern, you should call out the name of the pattern and point to where the receiver should be catching the ball. Continue moving backward as you point out and call the pattern.
The point where you recognize the pattern being run in any zone is called the "Recognition Point." The spot where you point where the ball should be caught is the "Interception Point." To figure out the latter, you must understand where the receiver can first catch the ball. On any short or medium pattern coming to the inside of the field, the receiver will run at least six yards (ideally) from the recognition point before he can catch the pass. For a short or medium route headed toward the sideline, the receiver will cover at least eight yards from the recognition point before he can make a reception.
It will take intense concentration on the receiver to recognize the pattern as soon as possible and indicate the interception point correctly.
Once you're confident with short patterns, you should progress to medium and then deep routes. It's exceedingly important on deep routes that you try to keep a three-yard separation between you and the receiver.
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