Tim Salem Special Teams - Punt Returns

Tim Salem treats the punt return as the first play of the offense: his concept is that the offense begins on the defense's fourth down. This special teams session covers the mental side of the return, player alignments and responsibilities, and a complete punt block package, with video of several different return types so you can see the leverage and timing he is coaching.

What you'll learn

• The concept that your offense begins on the defense's fourth down
• The golden rule for punt returners outside the 10-yard line, and the correct fair catch signal
• When and how to make a "poison" call on a short or shanked punt
• Blocking rules: never below the waist, always in front of the defender, and never block until you see the whites of his eyes
• Aggressive leverage at the line of scrimmage, pad under pad, with a 10-yard gain or a first down as the standard
• The mentality behind a punt block, the philosophy of making a game-changing play, and scoop and score when one gets through
• Keys to the block: crowd the ball, know the center's rhythm, see the punter's foot and block with the outside arm
• Rush variations and moves including fire, rip and move, and the gap move
• Punt block drills such as the Chase and Wrap Drill, the grab and wrap technique, keeping your backside hip on the defender and knowing when to pull off a block

Who it's for

Special teams coordinators plus high school and college head coaches who want fourth down to be a chance at field position or points instead of a formality.

About the coach

Tim Salem is a veteran college coach who coached the special teams at the University of Central Florida.

Part of Coach Salem's four-part special teams series, with video of various types of punt returns. Runtime: about 36 minutes.