Punt Coverage Chase and Press Drill: Mastering the Edge
The Punt Coverage Chase and Press Drill is designed to refine the skills of punt coverage gunners, emphasizing their ability to defeat blockers and make open-field tackles on the returner. This drill simulates the high-pressure environment of a punt coverage unit, focusing on physicality, pursuit angles, and tackling technique.
Purpose
Block Shedding: Develops the gunner’s ability to defeat blockers and gain access to the returner.
Pursuit Angles: Enhances the gunner’s ability to take efficient pursuit angles to tackle the returner.
Open-Field Tackling: Reinforces proper tackling technique in space.
Description
Drill Setup
Place gunners at the numbers (you may want to mark the starting points with cones).
Place a blocker with a hand shield 2 yards inside each gunner and 2 yards back.
Place a returner with a ball in the middle of the field approximately 25-30 yards downfield.
Drill Execution
On command, the gunners start sprinting downfield, trying to beat their blockers on the outside.
The blockers try to force the gunners to the sideline and/or slow them down significantly.
The gunners will use their techniques (like shed and rip) to beat their blocker and continue towards the returner, always keeping the returner on their inside.
The returner will start running about half to three-quarter speed once the first gunner is within about 10 yards of him, initially away from that gunner.
The gunners should close in on the returner and perform a proper open field form tackle.
Progressions
Speed It Up: Increase the speed of the returner to give the point men a more realistic picture.
Two Blockers: Add a second blocker on each side, lining up about 10-12 yards behind the first blocker and about 4-5 yards further inside.
Double Team Blocking: Line up both blockers close to the point man and have them work together to keep the point man from getting inside and past them.
Coaching Points
Block Shedding: Emphasize proper hand placement, leverage, and footwork to defeat blockers effectively.
Pursuit Angles: Encourage gunners to take direct and efficient pursuit angles to close the gap on the returner.
Tackling Technique: Reinforce proper tackling fundamentals, including wrapping up and driving through the tackle.
Equipment
Football
2 Cones
2-4 Hand Shields
By consistently practicing the Punt Coverage Chase and Press Drill, your gunners will develop the physicality, technique, and mental toughness necessary to excel in punt coverage.
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
