7 man short kick mechanics question

[copedaddy]

The question I have is, 7 man crew in short kick mechanics. The kick is deep, and B begins a return. What do the S and F do? Drift down, and how far? Stay put? There is an on going discussion with a lot of opinions.

[DallasLJ]

F/S should feel free to drift down as far as needed.  They will now have the forward progress spot and the H/L will have Goal Line and push mechanics to keep a cushion with F/S.  So, no real reason to stay put and wait.

[ElvisLives]

Yeah, we don’t need three officials (each side) getting bunched up together, so, when they kick it deep, hustle down as far as you can get until the ball is in possession, then hold and check the action in advance of the BC, then work forward progress all the way the the A-2, if necessary. Use the full depth of the restricted area to stay out of trouble. This is when you are at greatest risk of running into some numskull coach or player in the white.

[Legacy Zebra]

Agree with Elvis. Don’t just drift downfield, bust it as far as you can get before the return develops. And then, the most important part: turn around! Don’t stare at a runner with no threat around him. If he falls down on his own, the R can get it. F and S need to turn around and watch the oncoming wave of Team A players.

[ElvisLives]

Agree with Elvis. Don’t just drift downfield, bust it as far as you can get before the return develops. And then, the most important part: turn around! Don’t stare at a runner with no threat around him. If he falls down on his own, the R can get it. F and S need to turn around and watch the oncoming wave of Team A players.

Legacy, I know you mean the same thing as I’m about to say, but it is important for those working the sideline to understand that it isn’t the oncoming Team A players who will foul, but the Team B players with whom the Team A players merge. The H & L, at this point, should pick up the outer-most merge of players, while the F & S should pick up the next inside merge of players, always looking for the greatest threat. I know the manuals indicate to ‘key’ Team A players, but we found it more logical - and better - to check the merge of players more from the Team B players’ actions than Team A. But, however you ‘key,’ just look for the merge of the players - not watch players in open space.