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

Summary

Time to calm the nerves and apply the off-season work in a game situation.

Coaches

1. The first game of the season is probably the toughest. It’s not practice, it’s not a scrimmage – it’s the real thing. Game jitters affect punter’s too! Tell them “it’s time to show off”.
2. Switch punters to determine your best opportunity
3. Don’t be afraid to punt! The work you’ve put in during the summer will pay off as the season starts.

Players

1. Don’t be discouraged after only a couple games.
2. Be patient with your snapper if they are inconsistent, or you have new ones constantly. Take the time to work with them after or between games if can.
3. Work on making a good snap-catch AWAY from your body and molding the ball with laces up, and present a solid drop position.
4. Continue to visualize each game the entire week!
5. Review film or listen to your coaches on changes to BASIC technique (if no film, have a parent film for you!)
6. Make changes to the snap-catch distance if necessary. If the snapper is having trouble getting the ball all the way back, move up a yard. If consistent and strong, move back a yard. Make the change NOW, not when it’s too late.

“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