Kickoff Fundamentals, Drills, and Scheme
by Andy Merfeld
Description
As a special teams coach, it is important to be clear with your coaching points and efficient with your practice time. If you are looking for better coaching points than "stay in your lane" and a better practice plan than doing a few full 11-on-11 reps, this is the course for you.
In this course, Coach Merfeld starts by discussing kickoff coverage principles that are broadly applicable. Then he focuses on drills which incorporate these principles, progressing from individual to group to full unit drills. There are both service-style drills as well as competitive one-on-one and group drills.
In the second half of the course, Coach Merfeld goes through an in-depth discussion of the kickoff scheme including the different roles and responsibilities, how to leverage the ball, using multiple waves of coverage to prevent big plays, how to incorporate the principles and drills from the first half of the course, and several change-ups that are inexpensive to install but difficult for the opponent to handle.
The final lesson covers several different kickoff game situations coaches should be prepared for. This course also includes an editable Powerpoint of the presentation, Coach Merfeld's kickoff game-planning form, and an Excel document with kickoff grades that can be customized to fit your needs. Coaches are also encouraged to message Coach Merfeld to get access to the Hudl film used in this presentation.
For the beginning coach, this course includes everything one needs to take over a kickoff unit for the first time. For the more experienced coach, the drill work and scheme coaching points will help take your unit to the next level.
Lessons
The Coach
Andy Merfeld has experience coaching at the small-college and high school levels and specializes in coverages, defensive back play, and special teams. His CoachTube courses focus narrowly on very specific topics, which allows coaches to effectively implement the strategies and processes he discusses.
He currently is the corners coach and special teams coordinator 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 NAIA 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. In 2022 the Ravens blocked eight total kicks and were fifth in the country in kickoff return average. In 2023 Benedictine had the top special teams unit in the NAIA, again leading the country in blocked kicks (T-1st), finished 4th in the NAIA in gross punt, 4th in gross kickoff average, 5th in punt return average, and 9th in NAIA in KOR average.
- 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 (Def. GA). 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.
Ratings and Reviews (0)
This Course Includes
| 24 hours on-demand video |
| Streaming from mobile and TV |
| Lifetime access |
| Certificate of completion |
| 100% money back guarantee |
Course Info
| Rating: | (0) |
|---|---|
| Caterory: | Football/Special Teams |
| Duration: | |
| Videos: | 22 |
