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Step 1
Look over the field as you line up at the goalline and wait for your opponent's kickoff. Count the number of blockers in front of you before the ball is kicked. You must see 10 of them and if there are only nine, it is your responsibility to call timeout and make sure that all members of the kickoff team are on the field.
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Step 2
Run to your right as soon as you catch the ball. As you begin your return, look for any blocker who has engaged a member of the kickoff coverage team and has turned that potential tackler to the side or put him on the ground. This will give you an alley to run through. If one of your blockers has decisively won his battle, you should be able to take advantage and add 10 to 15 yards to your return.
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Step 3
After making it through that first hole, look for any blocker who is running at top speed and try to get behind him as he looks to engage another potential tackler. If a tackler is on his left, you must cut off of his right flank and run in the opposite direction. This will give him an opportunity to execute the block and give you a chance to get into the open for a big play. Do the opposite if the tackler is on his right.
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Step 4
Help the blockers by running quickly up the field and not dancing after catching the kickoff. Many kickoff returners feel they have to fake left and go right or fake right and go left before running straight up the field. This throws off the timing of the return. Instead of asking the blockers to sustain their blocks for 1 to 2 seconds, you are asking them to hold the blocks for twice as long. This is usually a recipe for a poor return.
