In American football, special teams represent the crucial third phase alongside offense and defense, with a unique and often game-changing impact.
Special teams come into play during all kicking situations—kickoffs, punts, field goals, and extra points—and their performance can turn moments into momentum, influencing the flow and outcome of games.
Roles and Units in Special Teams
Special teams consist of specialized units including kickoff, kickoff return, punt, punt return, and field goal/extra point teams. Each unit has a distinct set of responsibilities:
- Kickoff Team: Kicks the ball to start halves and following scores, then sprints downfield to tackle returners.
- Kickoff Return Team: Receives kickoffs and aims to advance the ball as far as possible.
- Punt Team: Steps in when the offense fails to convert on downs, executing punts to pin opponents deep in their territory.
- Punt Return Team: Catches punts and attempts to return them, leveraging speed and agility.
- Field Goal/Extra Point Unit: Executes field goal attempts and point-after touchdowns.
Key Positions on Special Teams
Within these units, there are critical specialist roles:
- Kicker: Executes kickoffs, field goals, and extra points with precision and power.
- Punter: Handles punts to shift field position strategically.
- Long Snapper: Delivers accurate snaps for punts and field goals, a technically demanding and highly specialized task.
- Returners (Kick and Punt): Dynamic players responsible for advancing the ball after receiving kicks.
- Gunners and Coverage Players: Fast players sprint downfield to tackle returners and prevent big gains.
Why Special Teams Matter
Though special teams play only about 20% of the game time, they contribute to roughly 35% of all scoring plays through field goals and extra points.
Effective special teams performance impacts field position and momentum—helping a team restart aggressively or pin opponents back defensively. A big punt return or blocked kick can swing game momentum decisively.
Building Momentum through Special Teams
Special teams exemplify the art of turning moments into momentum. High-pressure situations such as late-game field goals depend entirely on special teams’ execution.
Coaches dedicate daily practice time to perfecting timing, tackling, blocking, and coverage schemes to maximize these plays’ impact. Teams with strong special teams units often enjoy a competitive advantage in close games.
FAQs
What are special teams in football?
Special teams are units that take the field during kicking plays including kickoffs, punts, field goals, and extra points. They operate as the third phase alongside offense and defense.
Which players make up special teams?
Special teams include kickers, punters, long snappers, returners, gunners, and coverage team members, many of whom are specialized and may not play offense or defense.
How do special teams influence a football game?
Special teams influence field position, scoring through field goals and extra points, and game momentum via big returns or key blocks. They can be a deciding factor in close matches.
Why are long snappers important?
Long snappers deliver the precise, quick snaps required for punts and field goals. Without accuracy in snapping, these plays often fail.
How much practice do special teams get?
Special teams practice separately for about 15-20 minutes daily to hone their skills, timing, and coordination to perform under pressure.
