Special Teams Plays Appendix#
Included as an appendix so the page covers the broader play universe while still emphasizing offense and defense.
Onside Kick#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A short kickoff designed to be recovered by the kicking team.
When to use it: Late-game situations when the kicking team needs possession more than field position.
Good against: Return teams aligned too deep or with poor hands on the front line.
Bad against: Alert hands teams, strict recovery rules, and situations where field position is more valuable than a low-probability recovery.
Pairs well with: Pairs with surprise onside and pooch kicks.
Squib Kick#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A low, bouncing kickoff designed to burn time and avoid a clean return by a dangerous returner.
When to use it: End of half/game or against elite return threats.
Good against: Deep returners, wind, and teams with poor upback handling.
Bad against: Short fields, return units prepared for it, and poor kick placement.
Pairs well with: Pairs with pooch kick and directional kick.
Pooch Kick#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A high, shorter kickoff aimed between deep returners and upbacks.
When to use it: When the kicking team wants controlled field position and wants to avoid a star returner.
Good against: Return teams with poor communication or slow coverage recognition.
Bad against: Well-drilled return units and situations where touchback is preferable.
Pairs well with: Pairs with directional kickoff.
Fake Punt#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A punt look that turns into a run or pass before the kick.
When to use it: Near midfield, fourth-and-manageable, or when the defense overplays punt block/return.
Good against: Conservative punt returns, poor contain, and defenders bailing early.
Bad against: Alert punt defense, bad field position, and long-yardage fourth downs.
Pairs well with: Pairs with rugby punt and swinging gate.
Fake Field Goal#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A field-goal look that becomes a run or pass, usually through the holder, wing, or eligible tight end.
When to use it: When the defense sells out for block or relaxes in coverage.
Good against: Aggressive block units, poor edge contain, and defenders ignoring eligible players.
Bad against: Disciplined field-goal safe calls and long distances to gain.
Pairs well with: Pairs with swinging gate and tackle eligible.
Punt Block#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A pressure call sending rushers to block the punt before it leaves the punter’s foot.
When to use it: When field position swing is worth the risk or the punter/protection has shown weakness.
Good against: Slow operation time, poor shield protection, and predictable snap cadence.
Bad against: Rugby punts, max-protect punt, and return opportunities lost because rushers are committed.
Pairs well with: Pairs with punt safe and field-position pressure.
Kickoff Return#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A designed return lane or blocking scheme from a kickoff.
When to use it: When the returner has space, the kick is short, or the offense needs field position.
Good against: Poor coverage lanes, short kicks, and overpursuing coverage teams.
Bad against: Strong directional coverage, high hang time, and penalties from blocking in space.
Pairs well with: Pairs with middle, sideline, and counter returns.
Punt Return#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A designed return after a punt, often using sideline, middle, or wall principles.
When to use it: When the return team has enough blockers released and the punt is returnable.
Good against: Low hang time, poor lane integrity, and punters who miss directional targets.
Bad against: Great hang time, gunners winning outside, and field-position risk near the goal line.
Pairs well with: Pairs with fair catch rules and punt block bluff.
Fair Catch Kick#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A rare free-kick field-goal attempt after a fair catch, governed by specific rules.
When to use it: Unusual end-of-half situations when the fair catch spot is within long field-goal range.
Good against: Defenses unfamiliar with the situation and no time for a normal drive.
Bad against: Long distance, weather, and scarcity of practical opportunities.
Pairs well with: Pairs with clock-management education.
Quick Kick#
Family: Special teams
What it is: A surprise punt from a normal offensive look, often by a quarterback.
When to use it: When the defense is not in return personnel and the offense wants field position.
Good against: Defenses with no deep returner, fourth-and-long near midfield, and windy/field-position games.
Bad against: Modern return awareness, risk of a poor kick, and situations where keeping possession matters more.
Pairs well with: Pairs with spread offense and surprise tempo.