Mastering the Kickoff Run-up with these Kickoff Coverage Get-Off Progression Drills
Are you struggling to get your kickoff coverage unit off the line in sync and at the highest possible speed? These “Kickoff Coverage Get-Off Progression Drills” are designed to optimize the get-off phase of your kickoff coverage team. These progression drills are suitable for all levels of players, from the novice to the experienced kickoff coverage player.
Purpose
The primary objective of the Kickoff Coverage Get-Off Progression Drills is to optimize the timing and execution of the kickoff coverage team’s initial burst off the line, ensuring they optimally time their run-up to the ball to be as close as possible to the ball at the highest possible speed when the kicker hits the ball. This drill is designed to refine the synchronization between coverage players and the kicker, maximizing their collective impact on the play.
Description
This drill is specifically tailored to a system where players take a two-point stance facing inward and stand staggered. However, coaches may need to adapt the drill to align with their specific scheme.
System Overview
Players arrange themselves in a two-point stance facing inward, with the innermost players (#5) positioned just inside the 30-yard line (assuming a kickoff from the 35-yard line). Each player’s back foot aligns with the center of the body of the player directly inside them. The #5 players focus solely on the kicker’s actions, initiating their movement to coincide with the kicker’s ball contact. The remaining players (#4 to #1) observe the player directly in front of them, mirroring their start.
Drill Progression Step 1
First, only the #5 players practice with the kicker. The kicker does not have to kick the ball, but his/her run-up must remain identical to kicking the ball.
Repeat until their timing is (approximately) correct.
Video recordings from the side at the height of the ball, which can also be viewed directly by the players, help to maximize the learning effect through immediate feedback and minimize the number of repetitions required.
Start with slower repetitions (jogging speed), however, as timing is the most important factor, the speed should be increased to full speed as soon as possible.
Drill Progression Step 2
As soon as the timing of the #5 players with the kicker is to the (preliminary) satisfaction of the coaches, another methodical series of exercises can be carried out with the entire kick-off team.
The procedure corresponds to the previous methodical series of exercises:
Positioning (always from a huddle behind the ball) – in each case with any necessary correction by coaches.
Ideally recorded with 2 cameras from both sides at the height of the ball for direct observation for each side.
Start at jogging speed, but as timing is also important for the whole team, the speed should be increased to full speed as soon as possible.
For both series of exercises, the players must also sprint at least 3-5 yards beyond the ball, but not much further…
Coaching Points
- Precise Alignment: Emphasize the importance of accurate player positioning on the field.
- Kicker Consistency: Ensure the kicker replicates their actual kicking motion for authentic drill conditions.
- If the kicker should actually kick the ball, make sure the kicker properly warmed up the kicking leg.
- Timing Emphasis: Reinforce the critical nature of synchronized starts for all coverage players.
- Real-Game Simulation: Continually stress the importance of practicing in game-like positions and formations.
- Visual Feedback: Utilize video analysis to provide immediate and actionable feedback to players.
Equipment
- Kicking Tee
- Football
- Video recording equipment (cameras or smartphones)
- Field markers (optional, for precise alignment)
By diligently executing this drill and incorporating the provided coaching points, teams can significantly enhance their kickoff coverage get-off, increasing their chances of making impactful plays.
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