Bucket Step Punt Protection Drill: Extra Protection by the Line
The Bucket Step Punt Protection Drill focuses on refining the blocking techniques of interior punt protection linemen, emphasizing lateral movement, hand placement, and finishing blocks. This drill is critical to creating effective rush delays and protecting the punter in situations where he must stand closer to the line of scrimmage than is normally desired, i.e., directly in front of his own end zone.
Purpose
Line Blocking: Develops and refines the blocking techniques of interior punt protection linemen, specifically focusing on the bucket step.
Lateral Movement: Enhances the ability of interior linemen to maintain lateral position and prevent penetration.
Physicality: Fosters the aggression and physicality necessary for winning one-on-one blocking battles.
Description
Drill Setup
Punt team lines up in their regular Shield Punt formation.
Position defenders to simulate potential rushers.
Drill Execution
Bucket Step: Upon the snap or on command, interior linemen execute the bucket step, aiming to gain lateral position to perform an effective block.
Block Engagement: Linemen engage their assigned defenders, using proper hand placement, leverage, and footwork.
Sustained Block: Linemen focus on maintaining control for at least 1 – 1.5 seconds, then release and sprint for about 5 yards
Coaching Points
Bucket Step Technique: Emphasize proper footwork and body positioning for the bucket step, ensuring lateral movement and balance.
Hand Placement: Reinforce the importance of strong hand placement and leverage to control defenders.
Physicality: Encourage aggressive and physical play, aiming to slow down defenders in their tracks and create time for the punter.
Sustained Blocks: Emphasize the need to maintain blocks for about 1-1.5 seconds to protect the punter.
Equipment
Football (optional)
By consistently practicing the Bucket Step Punt Protection Drill, special teams units will develop the physicality, technique, and communication necessary to excel in short-punt protection.
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
