Kickoff Return

Left hash kickoff return scheme from the Bengals.

Alignments:

Front line is aligned at 49 with Ends splitting the hash and numbers. The Guards are on the hash.

Tackles are at the 47 splitting the numbers and hash.

Upbacks are at the 38 on the numbers.

Fullbacks are at the 20 on the numbers

Returner is on the Goal Line in the MOF

Drops & Responsibilities:

LE - 25 yl, 4 yards outside the hash, block #2

LT - 30 yl, 2 yards outside the hash, block #4

LG - 25 yl, on the hash, block #3

RG - 25 yl, MOF, block #7

RT - 25 yl, on the hash, block #8

LE - 25 yl, 2 yards outside the hash, block #10

LU & RU - 22 yl, MOF, double team #6

LFB - 18yl, MOF block #9

RFB - 10 yards in front of Returner, see the ball caught, lead on left hash block #5

Returner - Left Hash Return, stay on hash and inside blocks #1 is unblocked

All the landmarks are estimates from watching the film. The blockers do a great job of dropping full speed and getting to landmarks to create the proper spacing. Most of the blocks happen because blockers get to their landmark, move their feet, and keep their hips in good position/hands inside the framework. The blocks are not overwhelming physical dominance or crushing blows, just good athletic stalk block mechanics to cover up the kickoff coverage players. The double team gets good movement and vertical push. The returner does a nice job being patient on the hash before a quick inside cut behind the double then immediately back out to a hash - numbers - sideline course. 

Good stuff from Cincinnati Special Teams Coordinator Darrin Simmons. 

Middle Kickoff Return Scheme

As of Tuesday April 23rd 2019 the NCAA voted in the rule change for kickoff return blocking to eliminate 2 man wedges. This rule eliminates the double team kick out/pin schemes that have dominated kickoff returns the last several years. The double teams have been around for many years but became the most popular scheme when 3+ man wedges were legislated out. Here is a middle return scheme with no 2 man wedges/double teams we had success with in the past.

Tackles - 12 yards from the ball, retreat to the 35 block #2 outside
Guards - 15 yards from the ball, retreat to 35 and kick the opposite #4
Center - Block the most dangerous #5, this is chip block - hit the #5 and slow him down once you get a piece work to the kicker or any safety in the coverage unit

Wings - Inside the numbers at the 35, retreat and kick the opposite #3 at the 30

Upbacks - 2 yards outside the hash, retreat to 10 yards from where the returner fields the kick. block the #5's

Returns - Align based on scouting report. Off returner lead block. Return look to take the return down the middle of the field.

I think this is the type of scheme that will take over. The same type of cross and kickout scheme can be applied to build a seam return while still being all 1 on 1 blocks. Something to think about as planning both kickoff and kick return schemes this summer.