Punt Block “Run the Hoop” Drill: Mastering the Charge
The “Run the Hoop” drill is designed to refine the fundamental techniques and timing of punt block rushers, emphasizing the pathing, hand placement, and physicality required to effectively block a punt.
Purpose
Pathing and Timing: Develops and refines the rusher’s ability to take an optimal path to the punt and time their contact with the football.
Hand Placement: Enhances the rusher’s hand placement and technique for blocking the punt.
Physicality: Fosters the aggression and physicality necessary to disrupt the punt.
Description
Drill Setup
Divide the punt block team into two groups: left side and right side.
Set up cones or stand-up dummies as the blockers (Guard, Tackle, Wing)
place a large hoop behind the blockers (or mark a corresponding circle with cones)
Have a coach simulate the punter holding the ball where the ball would be when the punter would normally kick the ball.
Drill Execution
On command (or better: visual cue, like a simulated snap) the punt rushers will attack up field and then run the hoop tight to the block point.
When they reach the ball, they should run through a point about 1-2 feet in front of the ball (so they don’t run into the punter or his leg), holding their hands just above the ball to “take the ball off the punter’s foot”.
Progressions
Block the Kick: the coach simulating the punter actually kicks the ball (even though not with full force but hard enough that the ball would go past the rusher, if they don’t apply correct hand-placement or don’t follow through.
Securing the Blocked Kick: The next progression step is to have the rusher, who successfully blocked the kick, secure the ball.
Coaching Points
Pathing: Emphasize the importance of taking a direct and efficient path to the punt, avoiding running directly at the punter but running a path that takes the rusher crossing just in front of the launch point.
Hand Placement: Reinforce proper hand placement, hands tight together or even over another, arms stretched out horizontally.
Physicality: Encourage aggression and physicality at the point of contact to disrupt the kick.
Timing: Stress the importance of timing the block to coincide with the punter’s kick.
Follow Through: Emphasize the need to maintain momentum and follow through after contact to maximize the impact of the block.
Secure the Ball: When the rusher successfully blocked the punt, he should try to pick it up and run it back, but only when he can pick it up immediately, otherwise he should just secure it on the ground, like a fumble.
Equipment
6 dots
2 hoops
3 Footballs
By consistently practicing the “Run the Hoop” drill, punt block teams will develop the skills, timing, and physicality necessary to effectively block punts and create opportunities for turnovers.
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
