3 Drills & Techniques for a Controlled Aggressive Punt Block (Avoid Penalties) - Patrick Dougherty

Patrick Dougherty, Special Teams Coordinator, Texas A&M believes that the two places where special teams can have the biggest impact on a game are punt and punt block.

They aggressively coach, practice, and execute punt blocks.  That includes varying their alignments and schemes from week to week, pressuring the punt unit to communicate, and forcing the snapper and punter to operate at a high level.

The video below shows game and practice clips of how they work to accomplish those goals.  It is a part of his Glazier Drive presentation on Punt Block/Return Fundamentals and Practice Structure.

Key Teaching Points:

1. Block Demeanor & Stance

• Maintain aggressive "rush demeanor" regardless of play call
• Players should be in "chinny toe relationship" with pads down
• Outside foot up as general rule
• Eyes on football (unless specific cadence reads are identified)

Two Core Decision Points:

1. "Free and Early" Scenario

• When completely unblocked
• Use two hands, aggressive approach
• Can cross punter's leg if necessary
• Make diamond shape with hands
• Drive eyes and hands through football

2. "Not Free and Early" Scenario

• When delayed or partially blocked
• Use one-hand technique at 45-degree angle
• Don't cross punter's leg
• Use near hand if rushing middle
• Use outside hand if rushing edge
• Focus on avoiding running into kicker penalties

Drill Progression:

1. Takeoff Drill

• Use towels to mark proper angles
• Practice positive ground gain on first step
• Work off ball movement for timing
• Emphasize direct line to block point
• Correct common mistake of crossover steps

2. Shield Rush Practice

• Use pop-ups to simulate 2-3 man shield
• Teach "stem one to split two" technique
• Adjust approach based on weekly scheme

3. Ball Contact Drills

• Use volleyball/ball on stick for repetition
• Practice both one and two-hand blocks
• Emphasize maintaining eye contact through block point
• Work middle and edge rush variations

Put players in game-like situations during practice to build confidence and muscle memory for actual game scenarios.