Taylor Burks: Using Special Teams to Help Win Games

with Taylor Burks,
Georgia Military College Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers/Head Strength and Conditioning Coach;
former Hillwood High School Head Coach;
from 2001-2006, was an assistant coach at GMC;
named the 2003 NJCAA Defensive Coordinator of the Year

Special Teams is an important facet of the game of football, and often special teams plays decide games because of the yardage involved and the potential for big plays. In this video, Coach Taylor Burks of Georgia Military College (GMC) gives a detailed look at their kickoff coverage, punt block and return, and field goal block units that have proven successful over the last several seasons.

Kickoff Coverage

The kickoff coverage scheme used at GMC includes a sideline kick that pins the return team in one corner of the field, as well as a sky kick scheme that gives the kickoff team an effective change-up. Coach Burke shows examples of each kick and goes into detail on how individual techniques for each position are taught. You'll learn how GMC:

• Organizes practice drills into a circuit to maximize time and reps.
• Teaches coverage fits and responsibilities to each player of the kick coverage unit.
• Utilizes sky kicks to catch the opposition off guard.

Punt Return and Field Goal Block

Next, Burks shows several examples of the GMC punt block/return scheme and the field goal block scheme. The punt is probably the most important play in any football game due to the field position involved. Blocking punts and having explosive punt returns can give any team a big advantage. Coach Burks details the finer points of how the punt block is taught at GMC and shows examples of how the individual skills are practiced in a circuit. Topics covered include:

• The basic punt return scheme used at GMC, including individual techniques.
• How to coach punt returners to set up their blockers for maximum success.
• The basic field goal block scheme that is used at GMC with individual assignments and techniques.

Being great in special teams can give any team a big advantage, and is one area of football that can pay huge rewards without a big investment in practice time. Having sound schemes, clear and concise teaching progressions and coaching points, and organization are the keys to success. Coach Burks gives you a complete overview on how this is done at GMC and how the same concepts can be incorporated into your team!

30 minutes. 2021.