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Ben Kotwica, Asst Spec Teams Coach, Los Angeles Rams

Full video on Glazier Drive:  Punt the Professional Way While Teaching with Technology

PROTECTION AND COVERAGE FUNDAMENTALS

The core protection concept revolves around the "eye level punch" with players vertically setting back in a two-step redirect. Guards must use their inside arm to help with coverage when facing pressure in the A gap. The key coverage principle is "ball outside fit" - keeping the ball on the inside shoulder and avoiding following the same color jersey to prevent getting stacked.

GUNNER TECHNIQUES AND RELEASES

For flyers and gunners, the focus is on releases, speed, and separation techniques including jab, stick and split methods. Key techniques include low swipe, high pull to stack or club defenders, followed by proper tackling using "spill and slice" methods. Players should maintain proper width in seven box structures to avoid giving up easy returns.

GAME FILM BREAKDOWN

Multiple examples show proper ball outside fit execution with players maintaining 1-2-3 coverage lanes. The analysis includes specific play calls like "blue punts" and "red punts" with detailed breakdowns of player alignment and execution. Critical errors are highlighted, particularly when players fail to make proper shoulder tackles that allow returns to break outside.

ESSENTIAL DRILLS FOR PRACTICE

Two primary drills are featured: "Club Them or Stack Them" for coverage players working through traffic, and combination drills using low swipe/high pull techniques with long arm tackling on bags. All drills emphasize going on ball movement rather than coach commands, with modifications using pop-ups and incorporating competitive racing elements.

SPILL AND SLICE TACKLING TECHNIQUE

Proper tackling involves the "spiller" forcing the returner back inside while the "slicer" makes the tackle. Players must work back to the near hash and make correct shoulder tackles - left shoulder for punts going left, right shoulder for punts going right. Film examples show both successful execution and critical errors that lead to big returns.

GO ARMY EDGE TECHNOLOGY

This free cloud-based app originally designed for Army recruiting has excellent applications for special teams coaching. It allows teams to practice with fewer players by using 3D simulations for developmental purposes with younger players. The technology enables efficient rep distribution and can be integrated with video analysis systems like Catapult or Exos for enhanced learning.

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