special teams

Attack Outside With This Kickoff Return

Attack Outside With This Kickoff Return

by FirstDown PlayBook on May 1, 2022

Kickoff return coaches are almost forced to move more players forward in the formation. That does not change the width of the field though....

Swinging Gate Formations

Swinging Gate Formations

by FirstDown PlayBook on Mar 30, 2022

The Swinging Gate formation can be very effective if for no other reason than it eats up your opponent's practice time preparing for it....

Big Field Kickoff Returns

Big Field Kickoff Returns

by FirstDown PlayBook on Mar 21, 2022

Big field kickoff returns allow your return team to use the entire width and depth of the field as you game plan each special teams week....

Punt Return Unit Vs Shield Punt

Punt Return Unit Vs Shield Punt

by FirstDown PlayBook on Mar 14, 2022

One of the special teams phases that can be overwhelming for a young football coach is the punt return unit. There are so many moving parts....

Kickoff Return Technique: Ball-Flight-Returner-Man

Kickoff Return Technique: Ball-Flight-Returner-Man

by FirstDown PlayBook on Mar 5, 2022

Kickoff return technique can quickly break down in a game. We have taught these four words as the play evolves. BALL-FLIGHT-RETURNER-MAN ...

7 Tips For Fast Field Goal Success

7 Tips For Fast Field Goal Success

by FirstDown PlayBook on Feb 15, 2022

Here are 7 tips that will help your field goal unit be ready when you need to execute a fast field goal for three critical points....

PAT Field Goal Snapping Cheat Sheet

PAT Field Goal Snapping Cheat Sheet

by FirstDown PlayBook on Feb 5, 2022

PAT and field goal snapping is one of the toughest and most under appreciated jobs in football. If you don't have one it can ruin your season....

Field Goal Operation Clutch For 4 NFL Teams

Field Goal Operation Clutch For 4 NFL Teams

by Taylor Mehlhaff on Jan 25, 2022

How many of the four NFL playoff games came down to the field goal operation this past weekend? Yes, we all know the answer is all four. ...

Hot 1 Kickoff Cover Changeup

Hot 1 Kickoff Cover Changeup

by FirstDown PlayBook on Jan 18, 2022

This Hot 1 kickoff cover changeup is a good example of how you can dictate what the return unit can do and then have an answer for it. ...

Don’t Forget Your Special Teams Resume

Don’t Forget Your Special Teams Resume

by FirstDown PlayBook on Jan 8, 2022

If you are looking for employment, don't forget your special teams resume as you walk the convention floors in San Antonio....

Kickoff Coverage: Avoid Technique

Kickoff Coverage: Avoid Technique

by FirstDown PlayBook on Dec 28, 2021

With kickoff coverage the avoid technique is a much faster way to get the main job done. That job is to get to the football....

Kickoff Cover 2 Gap Technique

Kickoff Cover 2 Gap Technique

by FirstDown PlayBook on Dec 4, 2021

Using the 2 gap technique on kickoff coverage has several elements that need to be taught. The first is teaching when to use the technique. ...