By Cason Bicknell | Special Teams Analyst, University of Florida
Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation
Reading with Speed and Precision
For Cason Bicknell, mastering punt coverage comes down to one critical skill — reading the returner’s hands for punt coverage. A simple teaching point became a structured drill at Florida, letting gunners and tackles react faster, close space, and create turnovers.
“We’ve been building this over the last couple of years. It’s really started to show up for us. A lot of coaches have asked about it — we call it our Hand Reads Drill.”
Bicknell teaches his coverage units to identify three specific punt coverage hand reads that reveal the returner’s intent and allow coverage players to adjust on the fly.
The Three Hand Reads
1. Fair Catch Hand Read
When the returner flashes a fair catch signal, the coverage unit’s mindset shifts from making the tackle to creating chaos around the catch point.
- Push a blocker into the returner if possible.
- Stay square and press to the near hip.
- “Take the air out” — close space while staying under control.
- Anticipate a muff.
“If we get a fair catch hand read and there’s a blocker between us and the returner, we want to take that blocker and run him right into the returner — totally legal — and be ready to pounce on a muff.”
2. Accepting Hand Read
As the returner raises his hands to receive the punt, coverage players must accelerate to finish the play.
- Drive through the near hip.
- Time the strike with the hands’ rise.
- Eliminate hesitation.
“As soon as we see those hands go up into accepting mode, we accelerate and take the shot on the near hip.”
3. Tracking Hand Read
While the ball is still in flight and the returner’s hands remain below the waist, coverage continues its attack lane discipline.
- Maintain leverage on the blocker.
- Push to the near hip.
- Stay balanced and ready for sudden movement.
“As long as those hands are still down, we’re tracking. We’re pressing, closing space, and staying in position to react to a muff or a last-second fair catch.”
Drilling the Reaction
Florida runs the Hand Reads Drill weekly with gunners, tackles, and sometimes guards. The drill isolates key decision points, helping players react in real time. Each rep builds timing, balance, and pursuit angles, letting players close faster with control.
“It’s about building anticipation. When you understand the punt coverage hand reads, you’re never surprised by the returner’s action.”
Why It Matters
A single muffed punt or forced fair catch can flip a game. Teaching coverage players to key on visual indicators, rather than waiting for the returner’s movement, gives them the half-second advantage needed to win field position. Bicknell’s drill builds anticipation, not just reaction.
Key Takeaway
Special teams success hinges on quickly and accurately recognizing and responding to punt coverage hand reads. Teaching hand reads gives coverage units the ability to react instantly and confidently at the catch point.
“We’re trying to regain the ball if we can — or get the returner down as fast as possible.”
— Cason Bicknell
Related:
Sprint-Based Football- Developing Speed and Character- Erik Becker, Daniel Hand HS (CT)
Loren Endsley- Developing and Using a Drill Catalog, Offensive Line Coach, Minnesota Duluth
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