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Chuck Hepola, Evangel (MO), Head Coach

Full video on Glazier Drive: Punt System Breakdown: Master the Shield, Flying V & BaseAttack Modes

SHIELD PUNT ALIGNMENT AND HUDDLE SYSTEM

This coaching breakdown covers a comprehensive shield punt protection system, focusing on alignment principles, stance fundamentals, and cadence procedures.

BASIC ALIGNMENT STRUCTURE

The formation features tight spacing from right guard to left guard to snapper at two yards, with players' toes aligned on the snapper's heels. Guards set the depth for tackles and ends, who position themselves three yards out respectively on each side. The team prefers wider alignments to force opposing punt block teams to spread out through their numbering system. The right and left shields align in the A gaps, with the right shield's toes at 7.5 yards setting the depth reference point. The personal protector (PP) fits between the shields, with spacing adjusted based on the PP's size to maintain inside-out protection.

STANCE FUNDAMENTALS

Guards, tackles, and ends use a two-point stance with armpit-width foot placement rather than shoulder-width, as wider stances make stepping more difficult. Players must be on the balls of their feet for proper balance, preventing false steps that occur when the body compensates for poor balance. Hands rest lightly on thighboards (not knees) to allow for proper knee lift during movement. The shields maintain similar stance principles with weight on their inside foot for inside-out protection. Proper chest-up positioning and forward eye focus are emphasized throughout.

HUDDLE VARIATIONS

The system uses two modes: base and attack. In base mode, the team sideline huddles before sprinting onto the field, where the PP calls "even even" (five rushers per side) or "overload left/right" (six on one side, four on the other), followed by color calls (red, blue, brown, or black). The attack mode uses a "flying V" formation where players huddle on the field at the seven-and-a-half-yard mark, then sprint to the line on the PP's "attack red, attack red, ready swarm" command. This prevents aggressive punt block teams from pinning their ears back.

CADENCE AND COMMUNICATION

The standard cadence follows "even even red red set" or "even even blue blue set" patterns, with the ball snapped on "set" in attack mode. A critical safety feature allows any confused player to call "check check," prompting everyone to point at their responsibility. The team emphasizes accountability through a culture where injured starters personally notify their backups, with coaches double-checking all personnel before the 11 punt players sprint onto the field.

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