Control the Fly Zone and Strike Zone with These 3 Competitive Kickoff Drills - Stu Holt

Stu Holt, Special Teams Coordinator, Virginia Tech, shows three of the competitive drills that he uses for his kickoff team. The first two drills shown in the practice film are individual drills.  The final one is a 3 on 3 competitive drill.

Coach Holtz's entire video on 5x5 Multiple Kickoff Coverage & Drills is only available on Glazier Drive.

Access some of our key takeaways below the video.

 

The video demonstrates a series of kickoff coverage drills and techniques focused on winning one-on-one matchups and proper technique:

1. Individual Box Drill

  • Players compete in a confined space ("the box")
  • Kickoff coverage player tries to get through the "shoot" area
  • Kickoff return player tries to block and prevent passage
  • Technique focus: Using the "blade" technique (turning shoulders to reduce blocking surface)
  • Coaching points: Stick, blade, stack, then pierce

2. In-Phase Drill Progression

  • Similar setup but with "ball in phase" (within 15 yards)
  • Coverage players practice "get on, get off" techniques
  • Goal is to tag the returner before they get through the box
  • Return players try to occupy blockers long enough for returner to escape
  • Coaching points: Long stride into contact, violent shedding, knocking blockers into returner's path

3. Three-on-Three Competition

  • Full competitive situation with multiple players
  • All players in phase with full piercing technique
  • Evaluates team coordination and individual technique application

Benefits Highlighted:

  • Gets best players involved in special teams
  • Creates enthusiasm among coaches and players
  • Allows starters to model techniques for younger players
  • Provides teaching moments through competition
  • Helps identify which players finish plays properly

 

More Free Resources!

Related Posts

The Best Value in Sports Videos & Analytics

3 Easy Line Game Calls to Change Up Gap Responsibilities in the 4-3 - Scott Goolsby

Scott Goolsby, Defensive Coordinator, Auburn HS, AL has played a four-down front for over 10 years....

Double Calls The Cheat Code to Simplify Your Spread Passing Attack - Craig Stump

Craig Stump, Head Coach, Atascocita HS, TX shares a part of their Atascocita Spread Passing Menu &...

GLAZIER SEASON PASS - $499

UNLIMITED COACHES - UNLIMITED IN-PERSON & ONLINE EDUCATION
The Glazier Season Pass gives all your coaches access to these resources:

2025-Glazier-Map-RGB-500x310

Unlimited Nationwide Clinics

Each clinic has 100+ sessions of practical Xs & Os for your entire staff. Network and brainstorm with some of the best speakers and coaches in the game.

Find a clinic near you
Drive desktop + mobile small

Digital Coach Education Glazier Drive

Join 30,000 coaches on Glazier Drive and learn anytime. Glazier Drive has 48 complete systems, online clinics, 2,000+ videos, and forums.

Learn more about Drive
Get Your Season Pass

TRUSTED GLAZIER PARTNERS