Dan Swanstrom | Head Coach, Cornell University
Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation
Situational Mastery Wins Games
Cornell’s Head Coach Dan Swanstrom breaks down critical special teams special situations football fundamentals and coaching points. He highlights how teams that master rare moments on special teams gain an edge that often decides games. His philosophy is simple and powerful:
“The game is won by the teams that handle rare situations better than their opponents.”
Furthermore, Dan draws from real NFL and college examples, showing how a single lapse in situational awareness within special teams football situations can shift momentum and change outcomes.
Kickoff & Kickoff Return Situations in Special Teams Football
- First, on a bouncing kickoff, the returner may signal a fair catch and secure possession at the 25-yard line, a key special teams situation that coaches must prepare for.
- In addition, the hands team must rehearse defending against deep kicks and squib kicks—not just onside kicks—to handle all special teams special situations effectively.
- Also, the straddle return rule states that if the returner’s foot touches out of bounds first, the ball becomes a free ball at the 40-yard line, a nuanced football special teams rule that can affect field position.
Punt & Punt Return Situations: Special Teams Strategies
- Blocked punts create varied risks depending on the ball’s location: if it crosses the line of scrimmage, it becomes “poison”; if behind, it creates scoop-and-score chances. Understanding these special teams football situations is crucial.
- Moreover, if the punt team fails to down the ball, the return team gains options, another key special teams scenario to drill in practice.
- Additionally, pushing the blocker into the returner remains a legal but underused tactic—an example of a special teams coaching point that can lead to big returns.
- Finally, many college programs deploy two-returner sets as a deception tool, forcing punt teams to recognize multiple threats and adapt quickly in these special teams special situations.
End-of-Game Situations in Special Teams Football
- On bleed punts, securing the snap and running out the clock take priority—critical special teams situations to avoid giving opponents last-second opportunities.
- Furthermore, the momentum rule advises taking a knee if the ball is fielded inside the 5-yard line with momentum toward the end zone, a vital football special teams rule in late-game scenarios.
- Lastly, surprise onside kicks from the 50-yard line face strict officiating; all players must stay behind the line of scrimmage, a key enforcement detail in special teams situations.
“These aren’t gadget plays. These are situations that win games—if you teach them.”
Related:
Teach Tapes with Steve Hauser (Week 2): Take Care of Technique
Game Planning Tips: Coaching Kickoff Coverage Through Time and Space
More on Coach Dan Swanstrom
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