A guide to what special teams are and the 9 positions within that team
Thanks to the unlimited substitutions rule in the NFL, teams have developed a series of tactics that allow them to make the most of every situation. When the ball goes dead, the teams usually swap out a large number of players.
There are usually three sets of platoons within the larger teams – the offensive group, the defensive group, and the special team. Today, we are going to talk about the special team.
What are special teams?
Special Teams are used on the field during kicking plays. As the game goes on the makeup of the Special Team may change, depending on how successful previous kicking plays have been, as well as, if the team is kicking or defending.
Some NFL stars and players – particularly the Kicker – will be used in all three platoons. While other players like the Holder may only make an appearance in the special team.
The 9 special team positions
There are 9 special team positions that are used in the NFL. Most teams don’t use all of them.
Kicker (K)
The kicker has three jobs – to kick field goals, extra points, and kickoffs. They only kick the ball from the ground, rather than from their own hands – which is what Punters do.
They will either kick the ball from a tee or from the hands of a holder.
Some talented kickers also take the role of punter. While other teams employ a Kickoff Specialist to take the kickoffs (see below).
Kickoff Specialist (KOS)
This is a very rare position and most NFL teams don’t have them anymore. But they are more common in amateur football.
A Kickoff Specialist is required if the coach does not feel like the team’s Kicker or Punter is good enough to take the kickoff. They are exclusively used during the kickoffs. Many teams see this as a waste of space on the roster.
Punter (P)
The Punter is mostly used in the 4th down. Their job is to catch the ball and kick it down the pitch (also known as punting). This will relinquish possession to the opposing team.
Typically the Punter stands around 15 yards behind the scrimmage, but this distance is sometimes a lot shorter.
Holder (H)
It is the Holder’s job to catch the ball from the Long Snapper and hold it still so the Kicker can kick it to the Returner. They usually stand 7-8 yards away from the scrimmage line.
The Holder position is usually filled by a backup Quarterback. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, they are experienced with handling the ball and will practice with the Kicker frequently. Secondly, they are more likely to be experienced at receiving long snaps and passes from Centers.
Holders can be used outside of specialized plays in bad weather conditions. If the weather prevents the ball from being placed safely on the tee, then the team will be allowed to use a holder.
Long snapper (LS)
The Long Snapper snaps the ball directly to the Punter during specialized plays.
Long Snappers are usually played by a specialized Center rather than a traditional one, as they have to snap over much longer distances.
The best Long Snappers are both defensive and offensive. They are required to protect the Punter and Kicker from the opposing team. They can also be required to run quickly down the middle of the field and tackle an opposing Gunner.
Returners – Kick Returner (KR) and Punt Returner (PR)
The returner will take the KR or PR role, depending on the type of play. It is their responsibility to catch the ball and then return it. Their job is made more difficult by the fact that the Gunner will be trying to tackle them. They are required to be very fast runners.
Injuries are most common amongst Returns – therefore most teams don’t use their important Cornerbacks or Wingbacks as their Returners.
Upback (UB)
The Upback plays a mostly defensive role in the special team.
They position themselves between 1-3 yards away from the scrimmage. They are frequently required to make the line calls and let the snapper know when the Punter is in position. They are the last line of defense in the play.
Sometimes the Upback will be required to receive the ball on a fake punt. If they get the ball they can either run with it or throw it.
Gunner (G)
The Gunner’s job is to tackle the Returner before they can get the ball back to their team. They are required to sprint down the pitch at high speeds and avoid the Jammer as they do so.
Jammer (J)
It is the Jammers’ job to defend the Returners as the Gunners try to tackle them. Their aim is to slow the Gunners down and give the Returners more time to move.
