Winning in the Strike Zone on Kickoff Coverage - Drew Svoboda

Winning in the strike zone is crucial to being a great kickoff coverage team.  Our video with Drew Svoboda, Associate Head Coach at North Texas details how they teach their 2 gap technique to prepare their players to win their individual battles.

Kickoff Coverage: Winning in the Strike Zone

The strike zone is about 15 yards from the ball.  The players don't have time and space.  They are in the combat zone and should not be avoiding blocks.

North Texas Kickoff Cover in the Strike Zone

If the block is in phase with the returner, use a 2 gap technique.  The defender is responsible for 2 gaps.

On kickoff coverage, it is not always so choreographed where you're always able to spill or always able to leverage.  Players coming off the edge might be able to get away with that, but the interior players, the play is where you find it.

2 gap technique means:

• Hands on block, press and separate, control the blocker!
• There are 2 different variations of a 2 gap.  It all depends on how much time and space you have.

Avoid only if the blocker is out phase with the returner.