Coaches Corner: Avoiding four common penalties on field goal block

Video: High schooler kicks 52-yard field goal off friend's head
One of the most unique field goals you'll ever see.

Get this: 1993. My senior year of high school. Fallbrook High School. Third game of the season.

We were 0-2, losing the first two games by two points combined. Very close losses.

We were finally winning this game within the closing seconds. Our opponent was attempting a field goal from about 40 yards out; far shot for your "average" high school kicker.

We block it. We go crazy. Then, we go silent.

Laundry on the field. And wouldn't you know it ... it was against us.

They move the ball five yards closer. Field goal good; we lose with no time on the clock. Three one-point losses and we dropped to 0-3. What a way to end the game huh? Has that happened to you?

Here are 4 common penalties on the field goal block team and how to avoid them.
1. Too many men on the field

Solution: Be prepared. Coaches, go over this during the week. Don't wait until an hour before game time to go over special teams. There should be no question at all to who is on kick, kickoff, punt or field goal. Every time I see a team have too many or not enough kids on special teams, I put that squarely on the head coach. Most of the time, it's miscommunication and just being lazy.

2. Defense being offsides

Solution: Again, prepare your players for this. Are you practicing this small task during the week? Are you going full speed with your field goal block team or just going through the motions? Put your kids in the position they'll be in on Friday night, or they won't be prepared. Key the ball, and be ready for a shift or motion, stand your ground!

3. Roughing the kicker

Solution: Do you practice this one? The best way I've found to do this to keep your kids safe is to use a landing mat of some kind. Do this pre- or post-practice with the handful of kids who will block a kick. Give them an aiming point. Be specific, and put your kids through the practice of blocking a kick. I have my kids block soccer balls because they are round and are not going to break fingers as easily as a football might.

4. Avoid touching the ball on the defensive side of the ball

Solution: Did you know the ball is "dead" if it's blocked and crosses the line of scrimmage unless your team touches the ball? If you block the ball, and it ends up on your side of the line of scrimmage, leave it alone. Run away. If one of your players tries to pick it up, and then fumbles it, the kicking team can recover the football.

Chris Fore is a veteran Head Football Coach and Athletic Director from Southern California. He consults coaches and programs nationwide through his business Eight Laces Consulting.