AUGUIE SPECIAL FORCESAUGUIE SPECIAL FORCES

S=SpiritS=Spirit

P=PrideP=Pride

E=Enthusiastic EffortE=Enthusiastic Effort

C=CourageC=Courage

I=IntensityI=Intensity

A=AwarenessA=Awareness

L=LoyaltyL=Loyalty

THE BATTLE FOR THE BATTLE FOR SUPREMACYSUPREMACY

SPECIAL FORCESSPECIAL FORCES

AUGUSTANA FOOTBALLAUGUSTANA FOOTBALL“Special Forces”“Special Forces”

• At Augustana we will take a militaristic approach to our special teams play. We At Augustana we will take a militaristic approach to our special teams play. We believe that the team who wins the special teams phase in the big ball games believe that the team who wins the special teams phase in the big ball games ends up victorious. We recognize the outstanding reputation the American ends up victorious. We recognize the outstanding reputation the American military forces have earned for themselves in battle. Within each branch of our military forces have earned for themselves in battle. Within each branch of our armed forces is an elite unit. These units only accept the bravest, most armed forces is an elite unit. These units only accept the bravest, most courageous, most competent – and the elite specialists – to be a part of their courageous, most competent – and the elite specialists – to be a part of their operations. These units rely on extremely disciplined performers, precise operations. These units rely on extremely disciplined performers, precise execution, attention to minute detail, and a mentality which accepts that there is execution, attention to minute detail, and a mentality which accepts that there is no second chance.no second chance.

• The special teams for Augustana football will embody the same principles and The special teams for Augustana football will embody the same principles and thereby will be called thereby will be called Special ForcesSpecial Forces. These units will operate with the same . These units will operate with the same discipline, precision, detail, and mentality. We will drill ourselves to execute that discipline, precision, detail, and mentality. We will drill ourselves to execute that one opportunity we are given to perfection. We will lead this program in being one opportunity we are given to perfection. We will lead this program in being the best it can be. We are the best of the best.the best it can be. We are the best of the best.

Offense sells tickets, Defense wins gamesOffense sells tickets, Defense wins games

SPECIAL TEAMS WINS CHAMPIONSHIPSSPECIAL TEAMS WINS CHAMPIONSHIPSToo often in championship games the respective offenses and Too often in championship games the respective offenses and defenses of two battling opponents are negating each other. The defenses of two battling opponents are negating each other. The contest is tight. At various moments one unit is gaining the upper contest is tight. At various moments one unit is gaining the upper hand on another, and then vice-versa. Frequently, one of two hand on another, and then vice-versa. Frequently, one of two things happens or is happening. One is dramatic and obvious. The things happens or is happening. One is dramatic and obvious. The other is subtle, but equally as decisive. A big play in the kicking other is subtle, but equally as decisive. A big play in the kicking phase: a blocked kick, a huge return, a successful fake, turns out phase: a blocked kick, a huge return, a successful fake, turns out to be the difference in a hard-fought contest. to be the difference in a hard-fought contest.

More often another scenario is the case. In a similarly closely-contested More often another scenario is the case. In a similarly closely-contested game, where two teams respective defenses and offenses have moments game, where two teams respective defenses and offenses have moments where they shine and are frustrated, special team play, though lacking the where they shine and are frustrated, special team play, though lacking the dramatic big play, is determining the victor and the loser in the contest. One dramatic big play, is determining the victor and the loser in the contest. One teams special units are winning the field position battle, gaining yardage for teams special units are winning the field position battle, gaining yardage for their offensive and defensive units each exchange of possession. In a subtle, their offensive and defensive units each exchange of possession. In a subtle, almost covert type of way, the game is decided.almost covert type of way, the game is decided.

There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Special team play is frequently the There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Special team play is frequently the most short-changed aspect of a football program. Through statistical most short-changed aspect of a football program. Through statistical information and playing time, it has been shown that special teams play information and playing time, it has been shown that special teams play accounts for 25-32% of plays in a football contest. Many programs admit to accounts for 25-32% of plays in a football contest. Many programs admit to the validity of this, but in action do not wholeheartedly believe it. At the validity of this, but in action do not wholeheartedly believe it. At Augustana College, everything that we believe is practiced in action, hence, Augustana College, everything that we believe is practiced in action, hence, 25-32% of our practice time will be devoted to seizing the competitive edge 25-32% of our practice time will be devoted to seizing the competitive edge on our opponents in the kicking phase of a football contest.on our opponents in the kicking phase of a football contest.

By the very nature of the game of football the structure of the team By the very nature of the game of football the structure of the team is divided into separate segments called offense and defense. All too often is divided into separate segments called offense and defense. All too often this separation is too great. this separation is too great. SPECIAL TEAMS SPECIAL TEAMS presents the opportunity for a presents the opportunity for a football team to come together in an effort to gain an advantage on an football team to come together in an effort to gain an advantage on an opponent. In these efforts, we will blend and combine the strengths of our opponent. In these efforts, we will blend and combine the strengths of our offense and defense to become a unified force… the secret, undercover offense and defense to become a unified force… the secret, undercover “SPECIAL FORCES” “SPECIAL FORCES” of Augustana College.of Augustana College.

Keep in mind an old, but true axiom of football: nothing changes the Keep in mind an old, but true axiom of football: nothing changes the complexion of a football game like a big play in the kicking game. Our complexion of a football game like a big play in the kicking game. Our SPECIAL FORCES will be the perpetrators, not the victims, of big plays in SPECIAL FORCES will be the perpetrators, not the victims, of big plays in the specialty phase of a football contest. We will be fundamentally sound the specialty phase of a football contest. We will be fundamentally sound to prevent the big play, and cunning and opportunistic to create one. to prevent the big play, and cunning and opportunistic to create one.

In addition, in the meantime we will be patient for the BIG STRIKE, yet In addition, in the meantime we will be patient for the BIG STRIKE, yet industrious in subtly winning field position to give our respective defensive industrious in subtly winning field position to give our respective defensive and offensive units greater chances for success.and offensive units greater chances for success.

1. EXPECT THE BEST1. EXPECT THE BEST• As in everything we will do we will maintain an As in everything we will do we will maintain an

intensity of purpose and pride in continually intensity of purpose and pride in continually performing to the best of our capabilities and performing to the best of our capabilities and then creating new barriers as we crash through then creating new barriers as we crash through previous ones. True champions rise to a high previous ones. True champions rise to a high level of expectation, and then, create new level of expectation, and then, create new levels of expectations toward which they levels of expectations toward which they confidently strive.confidently strive.

Following are the steps we will Following are the steps we will carry out to have outstanding carry out to have outstanding

specialty team play:specialty team play:

2. EMPHASIS2. EMPHASIS• We will establish the appropriate We will establish the appropriate

amount of practice time necessary to be amount of practice time necessary to be successful. We will have intense, pro-successful. We will have intense, pro-active coaching in both the team and active coaching in both the team and individual phases of special team play. individual phases of special team play. Our SPECIAL FORCES are our SPECIAL Our SPECIAL FORCES are our SPECIAL weapon.weapon.

3. PERSONNEL3. PERSONNEL• We will utilize our finest players to carry We will utilize our finest players to carry

out the skills necessary for us to be out the skills necessary for us to be successful in our SPECIAL FORCES play. successful in our SPECIAL FORCES play. These teams are largely conducive to These teams are largely conducive to our best players who like to RUN and our best players who like to RUN and HIT.HIT.

4. STRUCTURE4. STRUCTURE• At the core of our SPECIAL FORCES At the core of our SPECIAL FORCES

structure will be fundamentally sound, structure will be fundamentally sound, consistent, and simplistic plans. In consistent, and simplistic plans. In general, this will give us the ability to be general, this will give us the ability to be aggressive in execution. However, there aggressive in execution. However, there will also be subtle strategy changes that will also be subtle strategy changes that are designed to create a BIG STRIKE that are designed to create a BIG STRIKE that may be a game breaker.may be a game breaker.

5. EFFORT5. EFFORT• Augie Effort. We do not merely carry Augie Effort. We do not merely carry

out assignments: we do so with out assignments: we do so with enthusiasm. In addition, the SPECIAL enthusiasm. In addition, the SPECIAL FORCES must conjure up images of a FORCES must conjure up images of a “one shot” opportunity. We must be “one shot” opportunity. We must be prepared to seize that one opportunity.prepared to seize that one opportunity.

6. INTELLIGENCE6. INTELLIGENCE• Know the rules. These can give us a Know the rules. These can give us a

competitive edge. Be alert to the competitive edge. Be alert to the situation. Be smart to avoid penalties, situation. Be smart to avoid penalties, which may negate a great play.which may negate a great play.

AUGUSTANA FOOTBALL SPRCIAL FORCES MISSION AUGUSTANA FOOTBALL SPRCIAL FORCES MISSION STATEMENTSTATEMENT

1.1. WE HAVE A BIG PLAY,BIG HIT REPUTATION:WE HAVE A BIG PLAY,BIG HIT REPUTATION:• Big plays are proportional to the effort of all 11 players. Big plays are proportional to the effort of all 11 players.

FANATICAL EFFORT IS UNDERSTOOD. We hit harder, FANATICAL EFFORT IS UNDERSTOOD. We hit harder, block punts and field goals, return kickoffs and punts for block punts and field goals, return kickoffs and punts for big yardage, and create turnovers. We take tremendous big yardage, and create turnovers. We take tremendous pride in this reputation.pride in this reputation.

2. WE PLAY LIKE THE HAMMER:2. WE PLAY LIKE THE HAMMER:• INTIMIDATION: We intimidate our INTIMIDATION: We intimidate our

opponents with our physical play. We opponents with our physical play. We will hit!will hit!

• LEVERAGE: We bend our knees and LEVERAGE: We bend our knees and play pad under pad. The low man play pad under pad. The low man always wins.always wins.

• ACCELERATION: We accelerate on ACCELERATION: We accelerate on contact driving through the man not to contact driving through the man not to the man.the man.

3. WE FULLY UNDERSTAND INSIDE AND IN FRONT:3. WE FULLY UNDERSTAND INSIDE AND IN FRONT:• Everything we do when blocking or tackling is from Everything we do when blocking or tackling is from

inside – out. When covering punts or kicks we always inside – out. When covering punts or kicks we always have an initial landmark until we locate the ball. The have an initial landmark until we locate the ball. The ball determines our responsibility and our coverage ball determines our responsibility and our coverage moves to keep the ball inside and in front at all times.moves to keep the ball inside and in front at all times.

4. WE FULLY UNDERSTAND RELATIONSHIP:4. WE FULLY UNDERSTAND RELATIONSHIP:• When covering or returning punts or kicks, we have a When covering or returning punts or kicks, we have a

relationship to the ball and to one another. This is relationship to the ball and to one another. This is essential to the success of the play.essential to the success of the play.

5. WE PLAY LEGAL:5. WE PLAY LEGAL:• Penalties are unacceptable! There are Penalties are unacceptable! There are

no second or third downs in the Special no second or third downs in the Special Forces game. Kicking game penalties Forces game. Kicking game penalties almost always wipe out big plays. We almost always wipe out big plays. We block above the waist, we start onside block above the waist, we start onside and we only block in front of our man.and we only block in front of our man.

6. WE HAVE GREAT FIELD AWARENESS:6. WE HAVE GREAT FIELD AWARENESS:• We know all the landmarks and the dimensions We know all the landmarks and the dimensions

of the football field. We play smart and make of the football field. We play smart and make good decisions because we know where we are good decisions because we know where we are on the field at all times.on the field at all times.

7. WE HAVE SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE SCHEMES:7. WE HAVE SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE SCHEMES:• Through constant evaluation and re-evaluation we know Through constant evaluation and re-evaluation we know

what we do and why we do it better than anyone else. what we do and why we do it better than anyone else. We put ourselves in a position to win because we out We put ourselves in a position to win because we out execute our opponents.execute our opponents.

8. WE ARE ASSIGNMENT PERFECT:8. WE ARE ASSIGNMENT PERFECT:• We make every repetition count. We make every repetition count.

Perfect practice makes perfect.Perfect practice makes perfect.

9. WE ESTABLISH THE FIELD POSITION AND THEREBY THE SCORE:9. WE ESTABLISH THE FIELD POSITION AND THEREBY THE SCORE:

• Field position + momentum = Points. The Coverage teams Field position + momentum = Points. The Coverage teams give the defense a long field and the Return teams give the give the defense a long field and the Return teams give the offense a short field.offense a short field.

10. WE ARE TEAM FIRST:10. WE ARE TEAM FIRST:• We will contribute on SPECIAL FORCES We will contribute on SPECIAL FORCES

because we are unselfish in our because we are unselfish in our approach to winning a championship. approach to winning a championship. Every job on a football team is Every job on a football team is important. We play to win at all times important. We play to win at all times and value the role of the and value the role of the

“SPECIAL FORCERS”.“SPECIAL FORCERS”.

BOMB SQUADBOMB SQUAD

BOMB SQUAD 2006 STATSBOMB SQUAD 2006 STATS Net average Goal 2006 = 40 yards (our opponent’s starting point Net average Goal 2006 = 40 yards (our opponent’s starting point

at the 25 yard line or less)at the 25 yard line or less) Augie’s Net average for 2006 = 37.6 yards 4Augie’s Net average for 2006 = 37.6 yards 4thth in CCIW (our in CCIW (our

opponent’s offense started each drive on average at the 27.4yard opponent’s offense started each drive on average at the 27.4yard line)line)

CCIW overall net average = 36.18 yards (The offense started each CCIW overall net average = 36.18 yards (The offense started each drive on average at the 28.82 yard line)drive on average at the 28.82 yard line)

CCIW Best net average = 39.1 yards (The offense started each CCIW Best net average = 39.1 yards (The offense started each drive on average at the 25.9 yard line)drive on average at the 25.9 yard line)

Kickoff Return Defense Goal = 14 yards (Yards allowed per kickoff Kickoff Return Defense Goal = 14 yards (Yards allowed per kickoff return)return)

Kickoff Return Defense for 2006 = 13.08 1Kickoff Return Defense for 2006 = 13.08 1stst in the CCIW ( 38 in the CCIW ( 38thth out out of 229 Nationally)of 229 Nationally)

TAKE PRIDE IN THE SQUADTAKE PRIDE IN THE SQUAD FORCE THE OPPONENT TO START THEIR DRIVE FORCE THE OPPONENT TO START THEIR DRIVE

ON OR INSIDE THEIR 28 YARD LINE.ON OR INSIDE THEIR 28 YARD LINE.

COVERAGE EMPHASISCOVERAGE EMPHASIS Philosophically, it is important for every player to Philosophically, it is important for every player to

understand our goal of keeping the opponent understand our goal of keeping the opponent inside the 28 yard line and how we will inside the 28 yard line and how we will accomplish our goal. We expect the ball to be accomplish our goal. We expect the ball to be kicked to the 10 yard line with a hang time of 4.0 kicked to the 10 yard line with a hang time of 4.0 seconds. Therefore, in a normal situation our seconds. Therefore, in a normal situation our coverage team should be at the opponents 40 coverage team should be at the opponents 40 yard line (minimum) when the ball is caught by yard line (minimum) when the ball is caught by the return man at the 10 yard line. As a coverage the return man at the 10 yard line. As a coverage unit we would have to cover 12 yards to get to unit we would have to cover 12 yards to get to the 28 yard line whereas the return man has to the 28 yard line whereas the return man has to go an minimum of 18 yards. When you SPRINT go an minimum of 18 yards. When you SPRINT and are PHYSICAL and efficient avoiding and and are PHYSICAL and efficient avoiding and playing off blocks, you will reach this goal.playing off blocks, you will reach this goal.

HUDDLE PROCEDUREHUDDLE PROCEDURE We will huddle on the sideline with the We will huddle on the sideline with the

coach for the call.coach for the call. On break of huddle from sideline, the On break of huddle from sideline, the

squad will hustle on the field and form squad will hustle on the field and form another huddle directly behind where the another huddle directly behind where the kicker is placing the ball. The huddle will kicker is placing the ball. The huddle will be on the 25 yard line. The kicker will be on the 25 yard line. The kicker will repeat the call and break the huddle. repeat the call and break the huddle. From here the kicker will wait until the From here the kicker will wait until the squad is set. On the signal “ALL SET” the squad is set. On the signal “ALL SET” the kicker will approach the ball and kick it to kicker will approach the ball and kick it to the appropriate spot on the field.the appropriate spot on the field.

1 3 8 9 102 4 5 6 7

BOMB SQUAD BASE HUDDLEBOMB SQUAD BASE HUDDLE

K

BOMB SQUAD BASE ALIGNMENTBOMB SQUAD BASE ALIGNMENT

Hit the line on timeHit the line on timeEvery member of Every member of bomb squad should bomb squad should be IN FULL STRIDE be IN FULL STRIDE at the time of the at the time of the kick and no more kick and no more than 1 yard behind than 1 yard behind the kicker.the kicker.

BOMB SQUAD ATTACK ZONESBOMB SQUAD ATTACK ZONES

SPEEDZONE

AGILITY ZONE

STRIKEZONE

1.GET OFF

3.BEAT BLOCKERS

4.ATTACK BALL

XThis must be timed up with the approach of the kicker. It includes stance, alignment, proper vision of the ball and immediate acceleration to maximum speed.

Recognize, while at top speed:1)the direction and depth of the kick: 2) the type of return your opponent is developing.

Who is attempting to block me and which direction does he want to block me?

If you have a shot take a shot. Keep the ball on your near shoulder and always keep the ball in front of you. SQUEEZE THE RUNNING LANES.

2. READ @ SPEED

BOMB LEFTBOMB LEFT BASE ASSIGNMENTS (5-4-2) BASE ASSIGNMENTS (5-4-2)

5)5)Numbers 2,4,5,6, and 7 are first Numbers 2,4,5,6, and 7 are first wave bombers. You must ATTACK wave bombers. You must ATTACK the ball with proper leverage.the ball with proper leverage.

4)4)NumbersNumbers 1,3,8 and 9 are second 1,3,8 and 9 are second wave of bombers and are clean wave of bombers and are clean up players. You must have proper up players. You must have proper leverage on the ball and play off leverage on the ball and play off all blocks to the ball no more than all blocks to the ball no more than 3 yards behind the 13 yards behind the 1stst bomb bomb wave.wave.

2)2)The Kicker and Number 10 are The Kicker and Number 10 are safety responsible. Bracket the safety responsible. Bracket the football no deeper than the +45.football no deeper than the +45.

Keep the ball inside and in front

x

v vvv2-Knife4-b gap5-Apex6-b gap7-knife

Wedge Fits

SKY RIGHTSKY RIGHTBASE ASSIGNMENTSBASE ASSIGNMENTS

BOMB SQUAD INSTALLMENT BOMB SQUAD INSTALLMENT SCHEDULE 2007SCHEDULE 2007

A. BOMB LEFTA. BOMB LEFT• HUDDLEHUDDLE• STANCE , ALIGNMENT, STARTSTANCE , ALIGNMENT, START• ASSIGNMENTASSIGNMENT• WEDGE FITWEDGE FIT• BOMB MIDDLE AND RIGHT BOMB MIDDLE AND RIGHT

B. SKY RIGHTB. SKY RIGHT• EMPHASIS ON CONTAIN TO THE FIELD EMPHASIS ON CONTAIN TO THE FIELD

VS A FIELD RETURN.VS A FIELD RETURN.• FAIR CATCH FAIR CATCH • BALL ON THE GROUNDBALL ON THE GROUND

BOMB SCRAMBLEBOMB SCRAMBLE• ALIGNMENTALIGNMENT• TIME UP THE KICKTIME UP THE KICK

BOMB BULLETBOMB BULLET

Determine week to week if we need Determine week to week if we need to assign a bullet attack VS. a side to assign a bullet attack VS. a side line return team.line return team.

BOMB AFTER SAFETYBOMB AFTER SAFETY

ATTACK ONSIDEATTACK ONSIDE

SURPRISE ONSIDE RIGHTSURPRISE ONSIDE RIGHT

POP OVERPOP OVER

PUSHPUSH

STARBURST PUSHSTARBURST PUSH

LINE DRIVELINE DRIVE

SQUIBB DRIVESQUIBB DRIVE

TG C GT

FB FBE E

R R

MacMurrayMacMurray1.Scheme = Man Cross

2.Direction = Middle

3.Tags = Double #4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Kx

2

3 4

4

5

5

6

7

8

9

MacMurrayMacMurray

TG C GT

FB FBE E

R R

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

x

K

2

3

45

6 7

8 9

6

1.Scheme = Man Cross

2.Direction = Middle

3.Tags = Double #6

1

5

MacMurrayMacMurray

1.Scheme = Man Cross

2.Direction = Middle

3.Tags = Double #7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

K

x

2T

4G C G T

9

3FB

5

E6

7E

7

8FB

R R5

Baldwin WallaceBaldwin Wallace1.Scheme = Ear Hole

2.Direction = Cross Field

3.Tags = Double #9

Note: See the angle of the tackles drop

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

x

K

T G C G T

E

FB FB

E

R R

4 55 7 8

9CU

CU 9

UWPUWPR

5

R

E

FB FB

E

T G C G T

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

K

x

3 4 6 7

9

98

8

1.Scheme = Side line

2.Direction = Right

3.Tags = Double #8 and 9

IWUIWUR R

FB FBE E

T G C G T

x

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

K

1.Scheme = Wall Wedge

2.Direction = Right & Left

Note: Wedge takes you to the ball.

ELMHURSTELMHURST1.Scheme = Wall/Kick Out

2.Direction = Right & Left

Note the angle of the tackles drop.