Kickoff Return 1998 Cincinnati
Kickoff Return 1998 Cincinnati
Kickoff Return 1998 Cincinnati
CINCINNATI BENGALS
KICKOFF RETURN
-- - .- -
37
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURJ~
Important Rules
I. IMPORTANT RULES
1. Any kick which travels more than 10 yards is a live ball. The kicking
team may recover the kick, but only the receiving team may advance it
unless the receiver fumbles after he has been declared in possession.
2. The kick must travel 10 yards to be a legal kick unless the receiving team
touches it within that first 10 yards, then it becomes a live ball. Either
team may recover the kick, but only the receiving team may advance it,
unless the receiver fumbles after he has had possession.
4. The fair catch rule is in effect for kickoffs. Once the receiving team has
fair caught the ball, they can put the ball into play with a free kick if they
so choose.
5. The member of a kicking team may use their hands or arms to push, pull,
or ward -off a blocker in an attempt to recover the ball except in the first 10
yards unless it is first touched by the receiving team.
6. Neither team may block below the waist (15 yard penalty).
7. A free-kick after a safety has the same exact rules as the kickoff except.
that the restraining line for kicking teams is the 20 yard line. The kicking
team may also choose to punt the ball.
8. If the momentum of the kicked ball takes it into the endzone, even ifit is
touched by the receiving team, it can be downed in the endzone by the
receiving team:
10. If a kicking team is offside, the receiving team has the option of taking
the play or ma1<ing the kicking 1~am. re-.kick with a 5 yard penalty.
38
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Important Rules - Continued:
39
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Success On Kickoff Returns
5. MAKE THE BIG PLAY. Good returns will occur because we are
consistently doing all of the above in combination with GREAT
EFFORT & EXECUTION.
40
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
General Information
1. FRONT 5 - You will align with your back foot on the 45-yard line facing
into the ball. The center will offset slightly away from the kicker 14
yards off the ball.
2. ENDS - You will aligri on the numbers straddling the 30 yard line.
5. We must always be alert for the onside kick. Keep your eyes on the ball
and never tum and run without seeing the ball being kicked.
7. Convert all short kicks and flat kicks fielded by the ends into straight
wedge returns (May-Day Return). Field the ball and get positive yardage.
WEDGES DO NOT FIELD THE BALL.
9. Timing is essential. Deep high kicks force you to run further to get the
proper relationship.
10. The returner receiving the ball is responsible for a "GO" call to the
wedgemen.
11. The wedgemen come together 15 yards in front of the ball. Get within
arms distance of each other and start forward on the "GO" call.
12. The right returner will be responsible for declaring who fields the ball
between the hashes.
13. Everyone must know the direction and depth of the kick. Don't run
blindly as we must adjust the blocking angles according to the type of kick
we receive.
41
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Personnel, Alignment, and Numbering System
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 K R5 R4 R3 R2 R 1
30 :
=
~
'- :
t:: :
'- T # G # :
'- G G T
40 t:: :
~ " :
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:
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30 :: :.
--
= ,
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t::
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20 I=- :
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t:: :
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'-
10 t: -
:LR RR :.
~ -
~ :.
G
: - :.
- -
--'ENDZONE '
42
"
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Return Guidelines
3. Key the kickers approach. Most kickers will give us a cue as to where the
ball is going to be kicked. Know these cues as it will allow us to adjust
our blocking angles.
4. Every K.O. return is potentially a big play for us. More importantly,
however, we must be secure and consistent with our returns.
c 5. Our Right Returner will be our "call man" and field every ball he can get
to.
a. Ends be alert for possible fair catch type kicks.
u
43
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Returner Responsibilities
2. Timing is critical on K,o. returns. Field the ball cleanly and yell "go"
once you start upfield.
3. Set up blocks for you teammates by using proper I Back, Near Back, or
Far Back running lanes..
4. Read your lead blockers.path and their blocks. We are normally trying to
kick out defenders, but you may have to bounce outside if the defenders
are sealed inside.
5. Stay with your return unless you cannot get to the normal running lane due
to the defenders shutting it down. Then get positive yards and protect the
balJ.
6. When running left and right returns, remember if you cut back inside, try
to get back outside because you are going back into pursuit as our
blocking angles are pushing people inside.
7. The off returner not catching the ball is an important part of our blocking
schemes. You are either a lead blocker or personal protector. On left and
right returns, the off returner must be prepared to block the backside if
there is a threat from the backside.
8. Study the kicker. His alignment and approach will tell you where he is
trying to kick the ball. Know his tendencies, his average distance, and'
hang time.
10. Know the game situation and if a certain type of K. O. strategy may be
employed by the opponent.
11. Remember, you do not have to bring every ball out of the endzone, but
you do have to catch or cover every kick in the end zone.
'12. A
Important rule:' Imiffed kick-In tlie field of play that goes into the
endzone must be covered by us, but we can still down it in the endzone.
44
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN· Continued:
Kickoff Returns
Bengal Right· Double R4 Responsibilities
45
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued: .
Bengal Right - Double R4 Responsibilities - Continued:
9. Left Wedge
Alignment - 20.yard line. Align on the left hash.
Assignment - Block R3.
Technique - Running drive/stalk block on R3.
10. Left Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the hash.
Assignment - See the ball secured. Block Rl and "Help Alert."
Technique - Varies. Mostly controlled explosive block.
11. Right Returner .
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the hash.
Assignment - M¥e all the calls. Field the ball.
Technique - Vertical push, sell, and then burst to the wedge.
46
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURi"l- Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Right Double R4 Diagram
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 K R5 R4 R3 R2 R 1
30
T # G c
40
50 I
I
I
I
I
40 R5 I
I
LE RE I
30 MOM
R2
# LW RW
20
10
LR
.RR
G
ENDZONE
47
"
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Left - Double L4 Responsibilities
48
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Right - Double L4 Responsibilities - Continued:
9. Left Wedge
Alignment - 20 yard line. Align on the left hash.
Assignment - Block L2.
Technique - Running drive/stalk block on L2.
10. Left Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the hash.
Assignment - See the ball secured. Block Rl and "Help Alert."
Technique - Varies. Mostly controlled explosive block.
11. Right Returner .
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the hash.
Assignment - Make all the calls. Field the ball.
Technique - Vertical push, sell, and then burst to the wedge.
-- -
49
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Left - Double L4 Diagram
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 K R5 R4 R3 R2 R1
30
T # G c G # T
40
50
.,
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Right - Double R3 Responsibilities
51
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Right - Double R3 Responsibilities - Continued:
9. Left Wedge
Alignment - 20 yard line. Align on the left hash.
Assignment - Block R2.
Technique - Running drive/stalk block on R2.
10. Left Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the left hash.
Assignment - See the ball secured. Block Most Dangerous Man
(MDM) on the backside.
Technique - Seethe ball secured. Push vertical and get to the
middle of the field (5'5 location). Block the backside inside-
out and be alert t<;> the unblocked 3, 2, 1 combination.
11. Right Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the right hash.
Assignment - Make all the calls. Field the ball.
Technique - Vertical push, sell, and then burst to the wedge.
52
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Right - Double R3 Diagram
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 K R5 R4 R3 R2 R 1
30 ~- :
-
- -
- :
=
- T # G ,C G # T :
40 r:: Ii :
= ~
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. -- -. --..... . .
ENDZONE
53
.-
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Left - Double L3 Responsibilities:
54
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal left - Double L3 Responsibilities - Continued:
9. Left Wedge
Alignment - 20" yard line. Align on the left hash.
Assignment - Block Ll.
Technique - Running drive/stalk block on L1.
10. Left Returner '
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the left hash.
Assignment - See the ball secured. Block Most Dangerous Man
(MDM) on the backside.
Technique - See the ball secured. Push vertical and get to the
middle of the field (5'5 location). Block the backside inside-
out and be alert (0 the unblocked 3, 2, 1 combination.
11. Right Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the right hash.
Assignment - Make all the calls. Field the ball.
Technique - Vertical push, sell, and then burst to the wedge.
C/'
55
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Left - Double L3 Diagram
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 K R5 R4 R3 R2 R 1
30
T # G c G # T
40
50 R4
10
LR RR
G
ENDZONE
56
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Middle Responsibilities:
57
,i"
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Middle Responsibilities - Continued:
8. Right Wedge
Alignment - 20· yard line. Align on the right hash.
Assignment - Double R5 ..
Technique - Running drive/stalk block on R5. Work the double
tearn with the center.
9. Left Wedge
Alignment - 20 yard line. Align on the left hash.
Assignment - Double L5.
Technique - Ruiming drive/stalk block on L5. Work the double
team \vith the LR.
10. Left Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the left hash.
Assignment - See the ball secured. Double L5.
Technique - See the ball secured. Running drive/stalk block on L5.
Work the double tearn with the LW.
11. Right Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the right hash.
Assignment - Make all the calls. Field the ball.
Technique - Vertical push, sell, aod then burst to the wedge. This
is a vision return. Hit it where you see daylight.
58
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Kickoff Returns - Continued:
Bengal Middle Diagram
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 K R5 R4 R3 R2 R 1
30
40
=-
=-
-
=-
f- T # G
• I
I
.C
,
G # T
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f- L3 I 1 ,! r l
50
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f-
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i \R"cLV -r
=-
f- =-
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40 f- I
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r=
f- I
ENDZONE
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
May Day Returns - Continued:
The May Day return is designed to counter bloop and squib kicks. It is an
60
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
May Day Returns - Continued:
May Day Middle With Bengal Right - Double R4 Responsibilities:
61
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
May Day Returns - Continued:
May Day Middle With Bengal Right - Double R4 Responsibilities -
Continued:
7. Right Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the right hash.
Assignment - Make all the calls. Field the ball.
Technique - Make a "May Day" call when the ball is blooped or
squibbed. Field the ball and Attack the coverage. Run to daylight.
62
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
May Day Returns - Continued:
May Day Middle With Bengal Right - Double R4 Diagram:
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 K R5 R4 R3 R2 R1
30 f: =
=
-
! :
-
I .
=
- T # G Ie G # T
:
-
40 =
= ~ "\ ;'\ ,
(
=
=
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50 =
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,~
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LT' -
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~ MOM =
f--
f--
MOM M~lA M~M
'''T'' MOM
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=
40 f--
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f-- / \ -
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= -
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30 = -
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20 = 'j -
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10
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f--
f--
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f= :
LR RR :
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f--
f: =
Ie- - .•.' ... " .- -. - . .
=
G
ENDZONE
_ 63
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN- Continued:
May Day Returns - Continued:
May Day Right With Bengal Right - Double R4 Responsibilities:
64
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
May Day Returns - Continued:
May Day Right With Bengal Right - Double R4 Diagram:
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 K R5 R4 R3 R2 R 1
30
T # G c G # T
40
50
40
LE
30
#
20
/
10
LR
G
ENDZONE
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
May Day Returns - Continued:
May Day Left With Bengal Right - Double R4 Responsibilities:
-
Alignment - 20 yard line. Align on the right hash.
Assignment - Block 13.
Technique - When "May Day" is heard and the ball is kicked down
the left side of the field, attack the 13 with a drive/stalk block.
5. Right End
Alignment - 30 yard line. Align on the #'s.
Assignment - Block L4.
Technique - When "May Day" is heard and the ball is kicked down
the left side of the field, attack the L4 with a drive/stalk block.
6. Left Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the left hash.
Assignment - See the ball secured. Block Most Dangerous Man
(MDM) down the left side of the field.
Technique - When "May Day" is heard and the ball is kicked down
the left side of the field, attack the MDM with a drive/stalk block.
7. Right Returner
Alignment - 5 yard line. Two yards outside the right hash.
Assigruilent - Make all the calls. Field the ball.
Technique - Make a "May Day" call when the ball is blooped or
squibbed. Field the ball and Attack the coverage. Run to daylight.
66
'"
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
May Day Returns - Continued:
May Day Left With Bengal Right - Double R4 Diagram:
L1 L2 L3 L4 .LS K RS R4 R3 R2 R 1
30
T # G c G # T
40
50
40
RE
30
# #
20
10 ...
LR - RR
G I -----------=-~--~~--~~~~----~----~
- r-
ENDZONE
-67
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return
Base Onside Kickoff Return General Rules
2. If the ball is kicked to you, secure it with your hands and drop to
the ground wrapping your body around the ball. Get in a fetal
position.
,
3. If the ball is kicked to the man beside you, turn in and "Cover"
your 0\VIl man to ensure ball security.
4. If you are on the 2nd level, be ready to adjust your alignment in the
"Window" if the front line is forced to slide & adjust.
68
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return Responsibilities:
69
" ..
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return Responsibilities - Continued:
70
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return Diagram
L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 K R5 R4 R3 R2 R 1
30 t= 3 yds from
I- 5 yds
outside offset kicker
5 yds
outside
-
3 yds from ::.
f- boundarY hash 11
, yards , hash boundary -
t=r
I-
G C G r ::-
I- # #
40 t= LE LW RW RE ::.
t= 16 yds 16 yds 16 yds 16 yds ::.
I- fit window Til wlnaow 'Ill WlllUUW ntWlndOW -
t=f- ::.
, -
50 ::. ::.
::. ::.
t= ::.
~
-
, -
40 f=I- ::.
-
I-
,
-
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I::: , ::.
30 I- -
::.
i=
I- 10 -
'- 25 yd line -
f= # left hash # ::.
I- -
20 I- -
::.
i=
f- DD
.
-
r- '1~'ya line
::.
I- right hash -
- - -
10 ::. ::.
-
- ::.
::. ::.
::. --
G . - - ." . ., -A
-- -
ENDZONE
-71
CINCIl'i'NATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return Vs. An Overload Formation Responsibilities
72
CINCINNATI BENGALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return Responsibilities - Continued:
73
CINCINNATI BEN GALS KICKOFF RETURN - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return - Continued:
Onside Kickoff Return Vs. An Overload Formation Diagram
L1 L2 L3 L4 K L5 R5 R4 R3 R2 R1
30 f--
t:: 3 yds from left 4 yds
' 4 yes
outside 3 yds from:
-
f-- boundarv hash' offset kicker hash boundary -
I-
t::f-- T G C G T :
# , # :
40 t:: LE
"
LW RW RE
-
:
t:: 16 yds 16 yds 16 yds 16 yds -
I- 'firwlndow 'TIt WindOW nt WInOOW !it wlnoow -
t:: :
I-
,
-
50 t::
I-
:
-
t=-, -
l::
I-
:
l- :
40 t::
I-
:
I- , :
f-- -
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t:::
:
-
30 ~
t::f--
:
10 :
I- 25 yd line :
t::
l- # left hash # :
20 t:: :
1= ' --
DD
~~'ya line
t:: right hash
:
-
1= -
10 l:: :
I-
I- , :
1= -
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'G
' , ,
ENDZONE
-74
" .