Half-Line Punt Protection Drill: Refining the Shield
The Half-Line Punt Drill is designed to refine the blocking techniques and communication within a punt protection unit, specifically focusing on the shield and line responsibilities. By isolating these key elements, this drill aims to improve overall punt protection efficiency.
Purpose
Protection Scheme Refinement: Reinforces the specific roles and responsibilities of the punt protection unit, emphasizing the shield and interior line.
Communication and Coordination: Develops effective communication and coordination among protection unit members.
Blocking Technique: Improves individual blocking techniques, including hand placement, footwork, and leverage.
Description
Drill Setup
Divide the punt protection unit into three groups: left side, right side, and interior (snapper, holder, shield, and punter).
Drill Execution
Formation: Each group assumes their respective positions on the field, simulating a punting situation.
Blocking Assignments: The coach emphasizes the specific blocking assignments for each player, highlighting responsibilities and techniques.
Execution: On the snap the punt protection units execute their blocking assignments one at at time, focusing on proper technique, communication, and unit cohesion.
Coaching Points
Shield Integrity: Emphasize the importance of the shield player maintaining a strong base and protecting the punter.
Line Communication: Encourage clear and effective communication between interior linemen to coordinate blocking assignments.
Cross Face Release: Emphasize the importance of the line players releasing across the face of the rusher in front of them. Even though the line does not have to block for an extended period of time due to the shield and the extra steps that the punter stands farther from the line of scrimmage than in the traditional spread punt formation, they still need to slow down the rushers, which a good cross-face release does.
Equipment
Football (for the long snapper)
By consistently practicing the Half-Line Punt Drill, special teams units will develop the cohesion, technique, and physicality necessary to excel in 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
