Defending/Covering Kick-off Returns

[Joe Greco]

Having participated in a number of tournaments, most of the rules regarding kick-offs are pretty much the same:

1) The kicking team selects which portion of the end zone the kick will be returned from which is anywhere along the goal line and usually between the numbers.

2) The receiving team lines up at a specified yard line (their own 30 or back further in the case of the Seawall Brawl) and the kicking team lines up at another pre-determined yardline (the receiving teams 40 or back further in the case of the Seawall Brawl)

3) The switch is then turned on and the play is resolved.

To me there is nothing more frustrating then putting together a nice drive and scoring only to give up a touchdown on the kick-off return. Or starting a game giving up a touchdown on the opening kick-off.

My question is, when putting together a kick coverage team how do you build it? Are you using faster, offensive players to cover the kicks? Players that will hold their lanes regardless of speed/strength. What strategy do you employ?

I also see most coaches placing the Kick returner right in the middle of the field. Doesn't this force you to cover more of the field then if you placed him by one of the numbers?

Thank you for your responses. Sometimes I feel like I am better off having 11 guys on spinning dials across the 40 yard line. LOL.

Joe G