11 Special Teams Secrets To Win Games

In the realm of competitive sports, particularly football, there exists a crucial aspect that often determines the outcome of games: special teams. This facet of the game encompasses kickoff returns, punt returns, field goal attempts, and extra point attempts, among others. The significance of special teams cannot be overstated, as they can provide the deciding margin in closely contested matches. Understanding and mastering the intricacies of special teams is essential for any team aiming to dominate their opponents. Here, we’ll delve into 11 special teams secrets that can help teams secure victories.

1. Mastering the Art of Kickoff Returns

The kickoff return is an often-underappreciated aspect of special teams. A well-executed return can grant a team favorable field position, thereby increasing their chances of scoring. This involves not only the returner possessing speed and agility but also the blocking unit creating a clear path. Teams that can consistently achieve significant gains on kickoff returns hold a strategic advantage, as they can start drives closer to the opponent’s end zone.

2. Punt Return Strategy

Punt returns offer another opportunity for significant yardage gains. The key to a successful punt return lies in the combination of the returner’s ability to navigate through traffic and the coverage team’s failure to efficiently tackle. Coaches often spend considerable time studying opponents’ punt formations and coverage schemes to identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited. This strategic approach can lead to game-changing plays, such as returning a punt for a touchdown.

3. The Science of Field Goal Kicking

Field goal kicking is a precise art that requires both technical skill and mental toughness. The difference between a successful and unsuccessful field goal attempt can be as small as a few inches. Teams that invest in developing a reliable kicker, who can perform under pressure, gain a critical edge. This involves not just the kicker’s technique but also the long snapper’s accuracy and the holder’s ability to secure the ball.

4. Extra Point and Two-Point Conversion Strategies

Decisions surrounding extra points (EP) and two-point conversions (2PC) are pivotal, especially in close games. The EP, while considered a sure thing, can sometimes pose challenges, especially if the opposing team can block the kick. Two-point conversions offer a high-risk, high-reward option, which can decide the game’s outcome. Coaches must make informed decisions based on game context, their team’s strengths, and the opponent’s vulnerabilities.

5. The Importance of Special Teams Units

Each special teams unit, whether it’s the kickoff team, punt team, or return team, requires coordination and practice to execute effectively. Coaches must allocate sufficient practice time to these units, ensuring that players understand their roles and can perform them under game conditions. The cohesion and effectiveness of these units can greatly influence game outcomes.

6. Innovative Play Calling

Incorporating innovative and unexpected plays into the special teams arsenal can catch opponents off guard. Examples include fake punts, onside kicks, and trick plays on returns. These plays, when executed correctly, can completely flip the momentum of a game, providing the executing team with a significant advantage.

7. Analyzing Opponent Tendencies

Thorough analysis of an opponent’s special teams tendencies can reveal exploitable weaknesses. This might involve studying their kickoff and punt coverage schemes, identifying patterns in their return games, or noting any particular vulnerabilities. Armed with this information, a team can tailor their strategies to maximize gains and minimize risks.

8. Developing a Reliable Long Snapper

The long snapper is a critical component of special teams, often overlooked until they make a mistake. A reliable long snapper ensures that punts and field goal attempts are executed smoothly, without the added layer of risk that comes with a snap that is off-target or tardy. Investing time and resources into finding and developing a consistent long snapper can avoid costly mistakes.

9. Creating Turnover Opportunities

Special teams can be a significant source of turnover opportunities, which can dramatically shift the game’s momentum. This might come in the form of recovering an onside kick, blocking a punt, or forcing a fumble on a return. Teams that can create these opportunities have a higher chance of winning, as turnovers directly influence field position and scoring potential.

10. Mental Preparation

The mental aspect of special teams play is as crucial as the physical. Players must be prepared to perform under pressure, maintaining focus and composure in high-stakes situations. This involves psychological preparation techniques, such as visualization, to ensure that players can execute their roles effectively even in the most intense moments.

11. Adaptability and Flexibility

Finally, the ability to adapt special teams strategies mid-game, based on the opponent’s adjustments and the flow of the game, is vital. This might involve changing return strategies, altering block schemes, or deciding when to attempt a tricky play. Teams that can adapt quickly and effectively demonstrate a higher level of sophistication and strategic depth.

In conclusion, special teams play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of games. By mastering these 11 secrets, teams can significantly enhance their competitiveness, providing them with the edge needed to secure victories in closely contested matches. Whether through innovative play calling, meticulous preparation, or the ability to adapt under pressure, the strategic deployment of special teams can be the deciding factor between triumph and defeat.