Punt Block Hand Placement Drill

Punt Block Hand Placement Drill: Mastering the Block

The Punt Block Hand Placement Drill is designed to refine the fundamental technique of punt blocking, specifically emphasizing proper hand placement and striking mechanics. By isolating this critical aspect of punt blocking, this drill aims to improve consistency and effectiveness.

Purpose

  • Hand Placement: Develops and refines proper hand placement for punt blocking, maximizing the chance of a successful block.
  • Striking Technique: Enhances the rusher’s ability to deliver a powerful and accurate block.
  • Muscle Memory: Reinforces correct hand placement through repetition and focused practice.

Description

Drill Setup

  • Punt block rushers line up in a 90° angle to the coach or designated punter.

Drill Execution

  • Running Motion: The Player stands about 1×1 yards to the coach, with his arms pumping in a running motion.
  • Punt Simulation: The coach or passer simulates a punt by holding a football in a punting position.
  • Hand Placement and Strike: Rushers explode towards the simulated punt, emphasizing proper hand placement.
  • Follow Through: Rushers maintain their momentum through the block, simulating a full-speed attempt to block the punt.

Coaching Points

  • Hand Placement: Emphasize placing the hands together, .
  • Timing: Stress the importance of timing the block to coincide with the punter’s release.
  • Body Position: Encourage leaning forward to eventually even get his whole upper body in front of the punt.
  • Follow Through: Reinforce the importance of continuing through the block to maximize the chance of a successful block.
  • Visual Feedback: Provide visual feedback to players, demonstrating correct and incorrect hand placement.

Equipment

  • Footballs

By consistently practicing the Punt Block Hand Placement Drill, punt block teams will develop the skills and confidence necessary to effectively block punts and create opportunities for turnovers.

Punt Block Hand Placement

Originally contributed in 2007 by Coach Randy Hedberg, at that time Head Coach at St. Cloud State University – The St. Cloud State Huskies are playing in the NCAA II North Central Conference (NCC).
Randy Hedberg is now the Associate Head Coach at the NDSU Bisons, which play in the NCAA Div I MVFC

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