This is the October issue of Punt Points, a monthly series of articles written by Mark Simon, former NFL Punter for the Denver Broncos.

Summary

Timing and consistency should be ironed out by now. However, weather will be a factor by the end of the month.

Coaches

1. The snapper/punter exchange should be strong. If your punter is consistent, consider direction punting to put the opposing team in a hole.

2. Continue to emphasize the basic techniques; catch the snap, mold, drop, toe point and head down throughout the punt.

3. Continue to practice with the ENTIRE punt team. Let the punter punt it!

4. Near the end of the month, emphasize the punting game even more, in preparation for possible post season games. Explain how a good punt and cover can help impact the game.

Players

1. You should feel comfortable now with your position on fourth down. If not, make a change for the better, and/or talk to your coach about how to make it better.

2. Now is the time to prepare for the eventual poor weather. If it’s raining during practice, make sure you’re out in it practicing (WITH a wet ball)!

3. Know where to find a towel when you need it (on the sidelines), and remember to take one onto the field if it’s still raining or extremely wet.

4. Wipe down the top of your punting shoe, and make sure your cleats are clear, hands dry.

5. Ask your snapper if he needs a towel too!

“PERFECT Practice Makes Perfect”

Author’s Credentials

Mark Simon is a 1987 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and holds numerous NCAA and school punting records. Below is a summary of his credentials.

Tryouts – Packers, Raiders, Falcons, Rams, Chargers, Patriots, Chiefs, Redskins, Dolphins

NFL – Signed with Denver Broncos 1987 – Member of Denver Broncos 1987-1989 – 41 yd punting average

NCAA – 14th All-Time in career punting average – 8th All-Time in Bowl game average –

National punting champion 1985 – Top 15 in season average – 1984: 8th ranked in net punting (41.9) – 1985: 1st ranked in average (47.3) – 1985: 5th ranked in net average (40.6) – 1986: 9th ranked average punting (43.7) – 1986: 3rd ranked net punting (41.2)

All-American – 1985: Scripps-Howard 1st Team – 1985: Associated Press 2nd Team Decade Teams – Member of WAC All-Decade team 1980-1990 – All-Academy Team 1985- 1986

Western Athletic Conference (WAC) – 1984: 2nd Team – 1985: 1st Team – 1986: 1st Team –

1985: #1 ranked in punting average (47.3) – 1986: #1 ranked in punting average (43.7)
Air Force Academy – 3rd student to become NCAA National Champion – 2nd longest punt (83 – longest 84) – Best game average (53.6) – Best career average (44.4) Misc. – 41 punts over 50 yds (25%) – 66 punts inside 20 (40%) – 2nd longest punt in Independence Bowl History