Special Teams Players Philosophy

To be a special forces player means that we must be committed to the value and importance of the kicking game. We must believe that the Special Forces will ensure the team of winning at least two more games each year and keep the team in the close games so we can have the opportunity to win.  There is a very thin line between average and great.  The way we will become champions is that we must have total commitment; it will not happen any other way. We must set high goals and use every ounce of our potential to reach success, even if it means having no mercy on ourselves!!!!! 

As we all know, the “Kicking Game” has been a deciding factor in many ball games. It may be the part of a football contest that can create the greatest number of momentum changes. Consider these elements of Special Teams: 

1. One out of every 5 plays in a football game is a Special Teams play. 

2. Each play normally involves a change of possession. 

3. Plays that do not involve a change of possession are direct attempts of 
scoring or defending a scoring attempt. 

4. Sizeable amounts of yardage can be gained or lost. 

5. Statistically, approximately 40% of high school football games are won or 
lost by the Special Teams. 

Therefore, we MUST be thoroughly prepared on every Special Teams play to accomplish our goals. 

Great teams take “Pride” in making things happen positively. Our kicking game is considered an “OFFENSIVE”. We plan to WIN in every phase of our Special Teams. Our Schemes are designed to keep constant pressure on our opponent. The key to success will be CONSISTENCY AND EFFICIENCY executed with your INTENSITY, DESIRE, EFFORT, DISCIPLINE, CONCENTRATION and ENTHUSIASM. 

The kicking game is not a place for a guy who will loaf or not give a 100% effort. You will do everything with the intent of causing a fumble, blocking a kick, throwing the key block, making a tackle or scoring points!!!! 

Remember, we are not striving to be “GOOD”. We are GOING to be the “BEST”!!!!! 


 "Special Teams greatest asset is the ability to give your team better field positions!" 

How important is field position???

          Offense starts on...                                                    Chances of scoring...                            Percentage

****Special Teams can give our team the best field position.....which 
means our team has the greatest chances of scoring. Like wise, our kicking 
game can put our opponents in poor field position giving them a lower 
percentage of scoring. 

SPECIAL FORCES GOALS

To be successful, you must have a way to measure results. Results are measured by 
accomplishing GOALS and OBJECTIVES. We break these GOALS down into two 
distinct Categories: SEASON GOALS AND WEEKLY GOALS. 

Our SEASON GOALS are:
1. Win two games as a direct result of the kicking game. 
2. Score three Touchdowns from our Special Teams. 
3. Block 5 or more punts. 
4. Block 4 or more x-pts. 
5. Force 5 or more turnovers during the course of the season. 
6. Place the opponents inside the 10 yard line on 6 occasions. 

Our WEEKLY GOALS are: 
1.   Penalty free game. 
2.   No bad snaps or blocked kicks. 
3.   Make a “Big Play”....(Block a kick, Score or set up a score, create a turnover) 
4.   Hold opponents Punt Return average under 5 yards. 
5.   Hold opponents Kick-Off return average to under 18 yards. 
6.   Our Punt Return average more than 10 yards. 
7.   Our Kick-Off Return average more than 25 yards. 
8.   Field all returnable kicks. 
9.   Make 100% of X-Pts. 
10. Make 100% of FG’s under 40 yards. 
11. Make 70% of FG’s over 40 yards. 
12. Not allow the opponent to score, or set up a score, on a kicking play. 
13. No mental mistakes (not enough players on the field, losing contain, missed assignments, ect.) 
14. WIN THE GAME!!!! 

                              GRADING SYSTEM

Each Special Forces player will be graded and evaluated after every football 
game. Players will be awarded points for their performances. In our system of grading, 
points are awarded as follows: 

Unassisted tackle.......................................................3 pts 
First hit on a tackle....................................................2 pts 
Assist on a tackle......................................................1 pt 
Block your assigned man...........................................2 pts 
Second-Effort play....................................................3 pts 
Big Play....................................................................5 pts 
Hit of the game..........................................................5 pts 
Game breakers..........................................................10 pts 
Perfect snaps.............................................................2 pts 

After the game film has been graded, I will give each player a grade sheet with their accumulated points. Obviously, the more Special Teams you are on the better your chances are to score points. That’s why it is important to work everyday to get on more Special Teams Units and to work even harder to keep your Special Teams position. Each player is responsible for putting the grade sheet in their Special Forces Playbook. The player with the highest total of points for a game will be named Special Forces Player of the Week and will receive a spirit pack. There will also be a goals board posted in the field house. This board will show in detail, what goals were obtained during the game, as well as, which goals we failed to achieve.

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Copyright © 2000  [The Special Teams Web Page].  All rights reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in ANY form by means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission from Bill Shackelford.  Revised: November 22, 2000 .