Description

Chase Petersen, Defensive Coordinator, Prosper HS, TX

Full video on Glazier Drive:  4th Down is a Nightmare: Extending Your Defensive Dominance

OVERVIEW

This coaching presentation breaks down a weekly punt block training circuit focused on four essential skills for special teams success on fourth downs. The coach emphasizes that these techniques serve dual purposes—attempting to block punts while also creating opportunities for quality returns. The program is implemented across all levels (varsity and JV) to ensure consistent fundamentals throughout the organization.

HOLD UP TECHNIQUE

The hold up drill teaches players how to respond when they get blocked on a punt rush. When a rusher is engaged by a punt team blocker, instead of being taken out of the play entirely, the defender sits in a chair position, anchors down, and holds the blocker at the line of scrimmage. The goal is to prevent the blocker from releasing downfield to make a tackle on the punt returner, keeping lanes open for 5-10 yards to give the returner space to operate. Players must avoid holding penalties by eventually pushing off and disengaging. The coach stresses that the primary mentality should always be to rush and block the punt—hold up technique only becomes relevant after getting blocked. Film examples show defenders successfully holding blockers for approximately 10 yards downfield, contributing to a net two-yard punt with a 25-yard return.

BLOCK POINT TECHNIQUE

The block point drill focuses on proper hand placement and body positioning when attempting to block the kick itself. The technique varies based on which side of the punter the rusher approaches from. On the kicking foot side (right side for a right-footed punter), players cross their arms and aim to take the ball off the foot without crossing the punter's face to minimize roughing penalties and avoid teammate collisions. From the non-kicking side, players are allowed to cross face but still focus on targeting the ball off the foot with crossed arms. The coach identifies a common technical flaw where players put their hands too vertically in the air rather than extending them out toward the punter's foot, which can result in missed blocks even when positioning is correct.

RUGBY PUNT ADJUSTMENTS

When facing opponents who use rugby-style punts, the coaching staff adjusts aim points and rushing angles accordingly. The drill incorporates their own punter performing rugby kicks so defenders can practice the modified technique. Film study shows an example where proper positioning led to affecting the kick, but poor hand technique (hands too vertical instead of extended) allowed the ball to go around the rusher's arms, turning a potential blocked punt into a near-miss.

PROGRAM-WIDE IMPLEMENTATION

The entire defensive program participates in these drills weekly, with position-specific coaching from the special teams coordinator who tailors techniques based on player positioning and weekly opponent tendencies. The coach emphasizes that special teams can accomplish multiple objectives simultaneously—applying pressure to block punts while also setting up favorable return situations—rather than treating these as mutually exclusive goals.

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