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

Summary

A month of grueling practice and changes affect not only the offense and defense, but special teams too! This is the month to NOT forget the snappers, kickers and holders.

Coaches

1. It’s easy to put the technique aspect of the special teamers on the back burner during 2-adays. Don’t do it! THIS is the time they need work on getting back to the basics.

2. Give the punter, kickers, snappers and holders 30 to 60 minutes to work together (pull QBs/receivers if you have to). It’s this team/technique development that will pay off in November during playoffs.

3. Make it a goal to work special teams in on the first practice of the day while legs are fairly fresh and minds sharp. Explain why special teams are important and how they will be game impacting in the Fall.

Players

1. Concentration is key during 2-a-days. Work on the basics behind punting, and only the basics. It may not seem like much, but concentrating for 15 mins is better than punting as hard as you can for 45 mins.

2. Unless you have the luxury of being a full-time specialist, the grind of practice will take its toll both mentally and physically. Concentrate on all of the positions you’re playing, but remember to take time for punting practice. Before practice(s) is the best time (especially if you can drag your snapper out too).

3. Visualize the rainy and/or cold windy days in October and November when late in the game you have to punt and pin the opposing teams offense deep in their own territory. That would not be the time to practice – now is!

“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