Let’s discuss the “Punt Coverage” positions and more importantly the concepts associated with each position. Below is the basic formation for Punt Coverage.
- LR/RR. Usually this is the fastest player on the team who is a solid tackler. This position is usually manned by either a wide receiver or cornerback. This person’s job is to sprint to get as deep as the football, maintain outside containment and attack from the outside to the inside. On NFL Sundays, this person is referred to as a “Gunner”.
- LE/RE or Wings. Usually manned by the team’s Tight Ends and tasked to act as “Forcer”.
- Tackles. Act as “Trackers” and must maintain a 5-yard relationship to the football. All trackers attack from outside to inside position.
- Guards. Act as “Trackers” and must maintain a 10-yard relationship to the football. All trackers attack from outside to inside position.
- Long Snapper. Acts as “Head Tracker” and is responsible for sprinting under control, head up on the ball and attacking from an inside to outside position.
- Personal Protector. Use someone who can catch, run, and accurately throw the football. I always use the FB in this capacity.
- Punter. Act as safety.
Now that you know the positions and the concepts associated with each, let’s break it out in APBA language. I always try to use reserve players on special teams, however, if there are not enough players on the roster or a particular reserve is injured, I will use the starter for that position.
- o1. Outside-In Forcer – 3rd EB
- o2. Tackle
- o3. Guard
- o4. Long Snapper if carded or Center
- o5. Guard
- o6. Tackle
- o7. Wing – ET
- o8. Wing – ET
- o9. Outside-In Forcer – 4th EB or 3rd CB
- o10. Personal Protector – FB
- o11. Punter
Next topic of discussion will be the “Kickoff Return” roster.