Loco Punt – Fake Punts, Sequence, and Execution

The "Loco" punt formation is not only a way to kick the football - it is a fourth down offense. Grafton High School head coach Jared Van Acker details the variety of fakes that run out of the same look: sweeps and pass plays out of punt formation, direct snaps to different backs, an option play and a middle screen pass. Each fake is broken down with its misdirection and the individual responsibility of every player, and the sheer number of options is what makes the formation so hard for a punt return unit to defend.

What you'll learn

• The full fake punt menu available from the Loco punt formation
• Sweep and pass plays run directly out of punt formation
• Direct snaps to different backs and what each one threatens
• An option play and a middle screen pass off the punt look
• The misdirection built into each fake and how the sequence is used
• Individual responsibilities for every player on each play
• The six named calls: Patriots, Saints, Steelers, Dolphins, Seahawks and Packers

Who it's for

High school special teams coordinators and head coaches who want a fourth down package inside their punt unit rather than a single all-or-nothing fake.

About the coach

Jared Van Acker was head coach at Grafton High School in Yorktown, Virginia, where he built the Loco punt formation and its fake punt series.

This session is the fakes and execution half of Coach Van Acker's Loco punt series; the companion video covers the formation itself and protection.