Mastering the Avoid Zone with the Kickoff Coverage Avoid Box Progression Drills
Defeating early blockers with the least amount of contact and slowing down as little as possible is critical in the avoid zone to get downfield as quickly as possible. These Kickoff Coverage Avoid Box Progression Drills focus on developing players’ ability to navigate the critical avoid zone.
Purpose
The purpose of the “Kickoff Coverage Avoid Box Progression Drills” is to teach and practice the techniques to avoid the kickoff return blockers in the avoid zone. In these drills they learn and practice how to avoid their blocker without getting too far off their running lane and how to return to their running lane once they’ve successfully avoided their blocker
Description
Drill Setup
Mark off a box with markers, pylons, or the like, 5 yards wide and about 6-7 yards long.
The coverage player starts about 7-8 yards in front of one of the short sides of the box.
Approximately 5-6 yards behind the center of the box (on the opposite side from the starting point), a 1 yard wide “target” is marked with 2 more markers.
A blocker starts at one of the front markers of the box.
Drill Execution
On command, the coverage player sprints towards the target, while the blocker positions himself – according to the phase of the progression – and tries to block the coverage player.
The objective of the coverage player is to use the “rip” or “whip” technique to
not to be blocked out of the box, and
reach the “target” as quickly as possible.
For video, the ideal camera position is behind the coverage player, so the camera is in the coverage player’s line of sight and the player gets the best feedback, especially regarding block recognition, but also regarding technique used and whether the player stayed in the box and reached the target.
Drill Progressions
Start slow, with a predetermined blocking direction and blockers with hand shields.
Increase the speed and difficulty of identifying the blocker’s intended blocking direction, ending with live action without hand shields – but not both at the same time, i.e.
First increase the speed to almost 100%.
Then reduce the speed when increasing the difficulty.
Then, with increased difficulty, increase speed again
Until you reach live action at full speed and without hand shields.
Coaching Points
Keep your speed: Never slow down, go full speed
Read the Block: Attack the technique of the blocker
Keep Blocker guessing: Use head fakes if possible
Rip Technique:
Dip near shoulder as you attack the blocker
Get near arm and shoulder through blockers face (“rip”) or back (“whip”)
Back on Course: Immediately get feet and hips back in coverage lane after you clear
Equipment
Cones or pylons
Hand shields (for early stages)
Video recording equipment
The ability to consistently defeat blocks on kickoff coverage is a game-changer. By implementing these progression drills, coaches can develop players who possess the necessary skills and instincts to excel in this critical phase of the game. Consistent practice and attention to detail are key to mastering these techniques.
