Special Teams - Formations

Question 1

Field Goal and Extra Point Protection

Answer 1

Designed to handle pressure of the middle which is greatest area of concern

Question 2

Long Snapper

Answer 2

Member of punt team and field goal unit tasked with hiking the ball to punter and holder

Question 3

Personal Protector

Answer 3

Also known as the upback; positioned 10 yards in front of the punter, in line with one of the guards; responsible for counting the number players in the formation, calling out the protection scheme, executing snap count, blocking for punter and releasing downfield to cover the kick

Question 4

Shield Punt Formation

Answer 4

Only allowed in NCAA; places much bigger splits between the linemen

Question 5

Spread Punt Formation

Answer 5

Default formation for NFL teams; utilizes a standard line of five tightly bunched OL, two TE’s covering the tackles and two punt gunners 8-10 yards outside

Question 6

5x5 Kickoff Alignment

Answer 6

5 players deployed to each side of the kicker; used to disguise the target location of the kick

Question 7

6x4 Kickoff Alignment

Answer 7

6 players on one side of the kicker, overloading coverage to that side, and only 4 players on weak side; often used for onside kick attempts