Punt Return Hold-Up Drill: Mastering the Edge
The Punt Return Hold-Up Drill is designed to refine the blocking techniques and physicality of a punt return unit, specifically focusing on holding up the coverage players and forcing them off their lane to the outside and creating a running lane for the returner. This drill emphasizes leverage, hand placement, and running angles for blockers.
Purpose
- Blocking on the Run: Develops and refines the blocking techniques necessary to efficiently hold up the coverage players and create a running lane for the returner.
- Physicality: Enhances the aggression and physicality required to engage and control the blockers even before they become coverage players
Description
Drill Setup
- A scout punt team will line up in a spread punt formation (without gunners)
Drill Execution
Phase 1
Wings
- Starting with the wings, the 2 and 9 will attack and force them to the outside.
- They will practice pushing the man upfield and locking on.
- If their man releases, they must chase and force him to the sideline.
Tackles
- The Tackles will go next with the 3 and 8.
- The Tackles will take 2-3 protection steps as the 3 and 8 rush them, always alert for the Tackles to release.
- Once the Tackles release, the 3 and 8 take an inside position on the Tackles and force them to the outside.
Guards
- The Guards go next with the 4 and 7.
- The Guards will take 2-3 short, strong protective steps as the 4 and 7 rush them, always watching for the Guards to release.
- Once the Guards release, the 4 and 7 take an inside position on the Guards and force them to the outside.
Long Snapper and Personal Protector
- The final group is the long snapper and the personal protector.
- Nos. 5 and 6 will spy for a fake, but will attack their man as soon as he releases (5 on the long snapper, 6 on the personal protector), forcing them to the sideline.
If necessary, repeat Phase 1.
Phase 2
- After all pairs have done it individually, the whole team will do it together 4-5 times.
Coaching Points
- While rushing, be alert for the release of your man.
- After the release, always maintain your inside position when blocking.
- Be careful not to block your man in the back.
- If he beats you, don’t run right behind him, he will slow down and you will inevitably run into his back.
Equipment
- Scout Players
- Footballs (optional)
By consistently practicing the Punt Return Hold-Up Drill, special teams units will develop the physicality, technique, and coordination necessary to excel in punt returns.
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
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