Efficiency and Organization on the Punt Block Team
by Andy Merfeld
Description
In this 4,000-word article, Coach Merfeld gives an in-depth look at what it takes to be successful on the punt block team. With limited time to practice special teams during a game week, it is very important to be as efficient and organized as possible. This article is a complete guide to coordinating the punt block team. The areas Coach Merfeld covers are: offseason work and setting up the scheme, practice organization, player selection, game-week work, different game-planning considerations (for blocks, returns, and defending fakes), the game-week schedule, game-day and situational considerations, as well as multiple charts to help increase efficiency and effectiveness throghout the season and on game day. The organizational template he provides can be applied to other special teams or areas of football as well.
Lessons
The Coach
Andy Merfeld has experience coaching at the small-college and high school levels and specializes in coverages, defensive back play, situational defense, and the punt block-return unit. His CoachTube courses are designed to focus narrowly on very specific topics. This narrow focus allows coaches to effectively implement the strategies and processes Coach Merfeld discusses.
He currently coaches at Benedictine College (NAIA – KS) and previously coached at Upper Iowa University, the University of Minnesota Duluth, and Edgewood High School (WI). Relevant coaching achievements:
- Benedictine College (CBs). In 2019 the Ravens led all NAIA and NCAA schools with ten blocked punts, and also led the NAIA in punt return yards at the end of the regular season. In 2020 the team again led the country in blocked kicks, and also finished sixth in punt return yards. The defense finished 3rd in the NAIA in sacks, 4th in interceptions, 2nd in rush defense, and led all NAIA and NCAA schools with four shutouts in ten games.
- Upper Iowa (DBs). In 2017 the Peacocks finished second nationally in punt return touchdowns and fifth in punt blocks. They also finished 10th in the country in pass defense.
- Minnesota Duluth (CBs, OLBs). In two years the Bulldogs compiled a 22-4 record, including three postseason wins and a #3 national ranking in the 2014 season.
- Edgewood High School (DC, strength and conditioning). In 2011 the Crusaders set the school record for wins and advanced to the WIAA state semifinals for the first time.
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Course Info
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| Caterory: | Football/Special Teams |
