In the NFL, players can legally attempt to block a punt after the snap. They must avoid contacting the punter too early, which could result in a roughing the kicker penalty. If a punt is successfully blocked, any player from either team can recover the ball. If the blocking team recovers, they gain possession. If the kicking team recovers, it’s a turnover. A blocked punt recovered in the opponent’s end zone is a touchdown. If the ball goes out of the back of the punting team’s end zone, it’s a safety for the blocking team, earning them two points.
The Basics of Blocked Punts
Blocked punts occur in football when the defensive team manages to disrupt or deflect a punt attempt by the opposing team. The defensive players aim to reach the punter after the ball is snapped, but they must avoid making contact before the punter kicks the ball. If successful, the blocked punt prevents the ball from crossing the line of scrimmage.
Any player from either team can recover the blocked punt, and if the blocking team recovers, they gain possession. If the kicking team recovers, it results in a turnover. A blocked punt recovered in the opponent’s end zone counts as a touchdown, while going out of the punting team’s end zone results in a safety for the blocking team.
Reasons why punt blocking is significant
Punt blocking is significant in football for several reasons:
- Field position advantage: A blocked punt can dramatically change the field position in favor of the blocking team. By preventing the punt from crossing the line of scrimmage, the blocking team gains possession closer to the opponent’s end zone, providing them with a shorter distance to score.
- Momentum swing: A blocked punt can shift the momentum of the game in an instant. It energizes the blocking team and deflates the punting team, potentially leading to a boost in morale and confidence for the blockers while demoralizing the opponent.
- Turnover potential: A blocked punt presents an opportunity for a turnover. If the blocking team recovers the blocked punt, it results in a change of possession, allowing the blockers to take control of the ball and potentially set up scoring opportunities.
- Scoring opportunity: If the blocking team successfully recovers a blocked punt in the opponent’s end zone, it results in a touchdown. This can be a game-changing play, instantly adding points to the team’s score and potentially swinging the outcome of the game.
- Special teams impact: Punt blocking is a crucial aspect of special teams play. Special teams can heavily influence the outcome of a game, and a blocked punt is a significant play that showcases the effectiveness and impact of a well-executed special teams unit.
Key NFL Blocked Punt Rules
Here are key NFL rules regarding blocked punts:
- Legal block: Players can attempt to block a punt after the ball is snapped. However, they must avoid contacting the punter before he kicks the ball to avoid a roughing the kicker penalty.
- Blocked punt: When a defensive player successfully disrupts or deflects a punt, preventing it from crossing the line of scrimmage, it is considered a blocked punt.
- Possession: After a blocked punt, any player from either team can recover the ball. If the blocking team recovers, they gain possession at the spot of recovery. If the kicking team recovers, it results in a turnover, and the opposing team gains possession at that spot.
- Touchdown: If the blocking team recovers a blocked punt in the opponent’s end zone, it results in a touchdown, awarding the blocking team six points.
- Safety: If a blocked punt goes out of the back of the punting team’s end zone, it is a safety for the blocking team. They are awarded two points, and the punting team must perform a free kick.
Special Teams Formations and Techniques for Blocked Punt Rules
Special teams formations and techniques for blocked punt rules involve strategic positioning and coordinated efforts to maximize the chances of blocking a punt. Here are some common formations and techniques used:
- Rushing formation: The blocking team typically aligns their players in a compact formation near the line of scrimmage to create a strong and coordinated rush towards the punter. This formation allows for quick penetration and disruption.
- Gap assignment: Each player in the blocking team is assigned a specific gap or lane to attack. They focus on bursting through the assigned gap, aiming to block the punt or disrupt the punter’s rhythm.
- Edge rushers: Special attention is given to edge rushers, who line up on the outside of the formation. These players use their speed and agility to penetrate the edges and put pressure on the punter, increasing the chances of a blocked punt.
- Timing the snap: Players must focus on timing the snap count to anticipate the moment the ball is snapped. This allows them to quickly react, penetrate the line, and disrupt the punt attempt.
- Leverage and hand placement: Players aim to establish leverage and maintain a low center of gravity to generate power and drive through the blockers. Proper hand placement is crucial to effectively shed blocks and create a clear path to the punter.
- Swarming technique: The blocking team aims to converge on the punter as a unit, overwhelming the blockers and creating chaos. By working together and maintaining disciplined pursuit angles, they increase the likelihood of blocking the punt.
- Communication and deception: Special teams players communicate to ensure proper assignments and adjustments based on the punting formation. They may also employ deception tactics, such as faking rushes or executing stunts, to confuse and outmaneuver the blocking team.
Strategies to Block Punts
Blocking punts requires strategic planning and execution. Here are some key strategies to increase the chances of blocking punts:
- Study the opponent: Analyze the opponent’s punting tendencies, such as formation, timing, and blocking schemes. Identify weaknesses or patterns that can be exploited to disrupt the punt.
- Identify vulnerable blockers: Identify weak or vulnerable blockers on the opposing team’s punt protection unit. Target these players to create mismatches and increase the chances of penetrating the line.
- Speed and agility: Utilize players with exceptional speed and agility to create quick and explosive rushes towards the punter. Players with burst and agility can often penetrate the protection quickly and disrupt the punt.
- Gap penetration: Emphasize gap penetration by assigning each player a specific gap or lane to attack. Focus on quick, low-to-the-ground bursts to disrupt the punter’s timing and prevent the ball from being kicked cleanly.
- Angle of approach: Teach players to take efficient angles of approach to the punter. Strategic angles can maximize the chances of reaching the punter without drawing penalties while minimizing the risk of being blocked or diverted by blockers.
- Special teams stunts: Incorporate stunts and twists within the blocking team’s rush. This involves players crossing paths or switching gaps to confuse and disrupt the blocking assignments of the opposing team.
- Utilize height advantage: Deploy taller players with long arms in the middle of the formation to disrupt the punter’s line of sight or reach higher to block the punt. This can be effective in forcing low or partially blocked punts.
- Timing the snap: Train players to anticipate the snap count and react quickly off the line. Timing the snap can provide a split-second advantage in reaching the punter before the ball is kicked.
- Special teams film study: Review game footage to identify weaknesses in the opponent’s punt protection. Look for vulnerabilities in the blocking scheme, gaps in coverage, or potential breakdowns to exploit.
- Mental pressure: Emphasize the importance of creating mental pressure on the punter and the punt protection unit. Encourage players to maintain relentless pursuit, disrupting the punter’s rhythm and decision-making.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blocking punts in football is a significant and impactful play that can provide teams with advantageous field position, swing momentum, create turnovers, and even lead to scoring opportunities. By studying opponents, employing strategic formations, and utilizing techniques such as gap penetration, timing the snap, and special teams stunts, teams can increase their chances of successfully blocking punts.
References:
https://www.footballzebras.com/2021/10/double-punt-flummoxed-rules-gurus-and-statisticians/
https://www.insider.com/video-broncos-cowboys-blocked-punt-first-down-nfl-rules-2021-11
