Recieving Kickoffs

I believe that there is not facet of the American college game as overlooked as the kickoff phases. This is regrettable because giving and receiving kickoffs offers more game opportunities for possession, dynamic play, counter-attacks and turnovers than any phase of the game. Teams that concentrate on this phase, especially in division 2 will have a competitive advantage like no other. When building the Air Force game plan adding the kicking set pieces wound up being the key ingredient, the results quickly paid off, generating turnovers, counter attacks, and quick easy scores. In the 2003 semi-final against Cal the Zoomies scored a non-contact try on a counter-attack on the opening kickoff 45 seconds into the game. They also scored the game sealing try in the second half after recieving the kickoffs. Receiving kickoffs is important because it gives you the chance to dominate and get back to back scores, to complete deflate the opposition.

This blog will deal with receiving kickoffs.

Good kickoff reception begins with a good catch.
1. First player in best position to catch screams "my ball". Best position means they are running towards the ball, not running back to catch it.
2. Catching player sprints into position, and jumps up with arms up, hands in field of view, and hips perpendicular to goal line. (a picture would be better and I will post one later.
3. Supporting players retreat behind catcher to do one of two things:


A. If defense is right on receiver, form a maul.
B. Play dynamic rugby with goal of creating a quick ruck in the center of the field.


Attacking pattern requires 15 people on the same page making and executing decisions faster than the opposition.

If the maul is formed, drive it low hard and fast. I remember first playing Cal in 2001, the recieved a kickoff, formed a maul and literally sprinted in formation 30 yards and then launched an attack. Scrum have determines attack--either a weakside break with wing/fullback in support. Or scrum half can box kick down sidelines. Or get the ball to the fly half quickly for a fast play to the wing.

If the ruck forms backs should form line to one side and forwards to the other, forcing the defense to cover all 70 yards of the field. Scrum half has the freedom to attack weak if he sees a gap. Fly half can call for the ball if he sees and overlap.


In either scenario the goal is to get quick dynamic possession, and get past mid-field in 2 phases. If something goes awry, don't be afraid to kick for territory.

This phase wins champoinships.