Catching punts and kickoffs

Setup

1. A coach or confident kicker stands at one end with the balls.
2. Two returners wait 25–35 yards away, at least 15 yards apart. Others queue behind them.
3. Start with high throws by hand; move to real punts and kicks off a tee when catching is reliable.

How it runs

1. The kicker punts high to the first returner, who catches and returns it 10 yards upfield.
2. Then the kicker kicks off the tee to the second returner, who signals a fair catch and catches it.
3. Both jog the balls back to the kicker and the next pair steps in.
4. Mix it up: the kicker points at one returner before each kick, so only one player goes for each ball.

Coaching points

• Move the feet early; get just behind where the ball will land, then step forward into it.
• Elbows in, hands up, pinkies together to make a basket at the chest.
• Look the ball all the way in, then tuck it high and tight.
• A punt spiral turns over and drops nose-first; a kickoff tumbles end over end.
• Fair catch: one arm fully up and waved side to side while the ball is still in the air.
• After a fair catch, stop. No player may hit or touch a returner making a fair catch.

Common mistakes

• Waiting flat-footed and having to reach back for the ball.
• Catching with the arms out wide so it bounces off the chest.
• Looking upfield before the catch is made.
• Signalling late or with a half-raised arm, which is not a valid fair-catch signal.
• Running after a fair catch has been signalled.