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I read somewhere that the punt was the most important play in football. What other play averages 40 yards a play? The key to successful special teams is to bottle up your opponent deep in their territory and to return punts and kicks for postive yardage. Kickoffs: Of course you need a strong kicker, but also good special teams players. If you are playing with a franchise, get fast cornerbacks and sub them in for your wide receivers. Kick Returns: I have no set formula for returning kicks. What has worked for me occasionally is to have the defense come one way, then shift the other way (such as going up the middle then heading for the sidelines). As ususal, I put a speedy guy back there to handle the return chores. Punts: I put those fast corners on the outside instead of tight ends and wide outs. They tackle better. The optimal punt is one that is in the middle of the field so that you cover guys can coverage on the returner. If you are kicking it to the sideline, make sure that you kick it out of bounds because you have just given this guy a lane. If you are close enough to your opponents endzone, try to kick a Coffin Kick. Nothing is more frustrating than having the ball on your own one yard line. |
