A Trick Play From Punt Formation
By Dan McGugin, of Michigan
Head Coach, Vanderbilt University

“I have used this pay a number of times against college teams, and with considerable success. It is especially good by a team which has been punting considerably. You will note the play is from a punt formation. The ball is passed from the center to the man in punter’s position, 11. 11 goes through the motion of punting, kicking through with his foot high in the air. Instead of kicking the ball, he passes it sideways to 10. 10 has turned around facing 11. Some little practice is required to enable 11 to toss the ball to 10 and at the same time apparently kick it. 8 and 9 take a step to the right and then turn to the left.

“Opponent’s right end, 12, has, in the meantime, come forward. 9 and 1 block No. 12, No. 1 following 12 from behind (editor’s note: you might have 1 block downfield instead). 8 blocks opponent’s right tackle No. 13. 3 and 5 pass behind their own line (editor’s note: both guards pull to the left) to interfere for 10. 4 blocks 18 and 6 cuts across to block 19. 6 will be aided by 3 and 5. Every other man, as soon as possible, goes downfield to block their opposite number. 7 should take care of 20. This play should not be run very fast. I have seen this tried with 12, 13, 16, and 17 all coming directly in front of 11, for the purpose of blocking the punt. Opponents who are coming in to block the punt are concentrating on 11 and if 10 is a fast man he can step around opponents who have come in to block the punt, as they must break stride and change directions in order to tackle 10.”

A Powerful End Run
By A.L. Smith, of Pennsylvania
Former Coach, Purdue University
Head Coach, University of California

“Center snaps ball to 1, who runs straight out to the right in order to draw opponent’s left end across. 2 and 3 go straight out also. 3 blocks defensive end out and 2 turns in ahead of 1, who also turns in as defensive end is blocked. On the snap of ball, 4 blocks the defensive left tackle and the right and left guards come out of line and turn in just off right tackle. Right and left tackle and right end block as indicated. Center and left end block and then go through to block defensive secondary defense.

“It is very important that No. 4 block tackle and the guards speed up to get into interference. 1 does not move fast until he turns in between defensive left tackle and left end. Speed is a big factor.”

Next time: Some more fun from punt formation.

It’s the Spin That Wins!
Ted Seay
[email protected]

Photos Courtesy Tremayne “Coach Tray” Brooker

Ross LeGrande

Still Running’s Steve Blahitka

Scott Harbinson and Dave Upshur from Reistertown, MD

Todd Hagemeier and Jeff Bayerl

Jim Barg

Todd Bross with Mario Meissner

Dr. John Ward and his students