Special Teams Coaching

Choosing A Field Goal Block For Your Young Kicker

Choosing A Field Goal Block For Your Young Kicker

by Taylor Mehlhaff on Jun 29, 2020

Youth kickers should take advantage of a two-inch tee for both field goals and kickoffs. Once in high school, the tee will depend on your skill level....

Kickoff Return “Look Off” Technique

Kickoff Return “Look Off” Technique

by FirstDown PlayBook on Apr 28, 2020

A look off technique is when a blocker fakes like he is going to block a cover guy, only to pivot and block the player adjacent to him....

Place Kickers: 2 Eyes Are Better Than 1 Leg

Place Kickers: 2 Eyes Are Better Than 1 Leg

by FirstDown PlayBook on Apr 5, 2020

The Better You Are With Your Eyes, The Better Your Chance Of Making The Kick! You will make a lot of kicks if you are good with your eyes....

Kickoff Coverage With Defensive Terms

Kickoff Coverage With Defensive Terms

by FirstDown PlayBook on Mar 29, 2020

If you coach defense don't turn your nose up at coaching kickoff coverage. It is your first defensive play and if it goes badly you are going to pay for it....

Teach Young Kickers To Hit Higher Deeper Kickoffs!

Teach Young Kickers To Hit Higher Deeper Kickoffs!

by Taylor Mehlhaff on Mar 19, 2020

When it comes to kickoffs the longer the approach, the more room for error. The faster the approach, the more room for error....

Strength Program For Your Specialists Too

Strength Program For Your Specialists Too

by Taylor Mehlhaff on Feb 26, 2020

Kicking is one explosive movement. Train like an athlete through explosive movements. Weight training, Sprints, Box-Jumps, Agility work, Core exercises....

40 Seconds Left. Gamecocks Attempt 57 Yard Field Goal.

40 Seconds Left. Gamecocks Attempt 57 Yard Field Goal.

by FirstDown PlayBook on Oct 13, 2019

End of the Georgia and South Carolina game and the Gamecocks had the ball 4th and 3 at the Georgia 40 yard line with 40 seconds left in regulation....

Kickoff Coverage Techniques Show Up This Weekend

Kickoff Coverage Techniques Show Up This Weekend

by FirstDown PlayBook on Sep 8, 2019

Teaching your kickoff coverage players when to avoid a one on one block and when to take it on with a two gap technique is always tricky. ...

Special Teams Factor Into NFL Training Camp

Special Teams Factor Into NFL Training Camp

by FirstDown PlayBook on Aug 11, 2019

Putting together an NFL roster is a complicated thing. You are selecting you team at the same time that every other organization is doing the same thing....

“Hip By” Special Teams Technique

“Hip By” Special Teams Technique

by FirstDown PlayBook on Jun 28, 2019

Coaches who can teach special teams technique are rare. They not only help create explosive plays but also keep you out of costly penalties....

Bears Pat Mannelly Talks Snapping

Bears Pat Mannelly Talks Snapping

by FirstDown PlayBook on Nov 13, 2018

After being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round in 1996 Pat Mannelly snapped the ball 2,282 times during his NFL career without a botched snap. ...

Podcast Week 3: Bobby April-Game Day Special Teams Management

Podcast Week 3: Bobby April-Game Day Special Teams Management

by FirstDown PlayBook on Sep 10, 2018

Week three of USA Football's Coach & Coordinator "The Game Plan" podcast welcomes two time NFL Special Teams coach of the year Bobby April....