By Sean Saturnio | Special Teams Coordinator, Army West Point
Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation
Punt Block — The First Offensive Play
Special teams are integral to Sean Saturnio’s scoring. At the Army, the punt return unit is not seen as a “punt return” team, but as part of the offensive process.
“We view punt block as the first offensive play in a series. The goal is to win field position and put our offense in the best possible scoring position.”
This approach shapes Saturnio’s teaching, practice, and evaluation, emphasizing field-position swings and hidden yardage that lead to points.
The Four Core Goals of the Army’s Punt Block Unit
Every week, the Army measures success using four clear objectives. Each goal connects directly to scoreboard impact:
- Block a Punt.
- The ultimate goal is to create a momentum-changing play and an immediate scoring opportunity.
- Force a Bad Snap or Shank.
- Pressure alters mechanics and rhythm, creating short-field situations.
- Hold Opponents to a 35-yard Net Average or Less.
- Field position is often the difference between scoring and punting again.
- Force the Opponent’s Punter Below His Season Average.
- Hidden yardage adds up. The difference of just five yards per kick can swing a drive.
“We don’t just want to return punts — we want to affect the punter. That’s our identity.”
Results That Back It Up
Saturnio’s 2023 Army unit delivered: 3 blocked punts (top 5 nationally).
- 85-spot improvement in national punt return ranking
- Opponent punters averaged just 35.1 yards per punt.
- Punt return average jumped from 2.6 to 9.2 yards.
Pressure, discipline, and consistent execution built both results and confidence.
“When you force a team to think about protection, your return game improves too. You get cleaner catches, better lanes, and fewer penalties.”
The Teaching Philosophy: The ABCs of Punt Blocking
Saturnio distills his teaching into the ABCs of Punt Blocking, creating repeatable habits from a complex phase.
- A – Attack. For example, a rusher comes off the edge fast, pushing the blocker back and forcing the punter to rush his kick.
- Every player has a role in pressuring the punter. Whether rushing or holding contain, effort and pad level define success.
- B – Block or Bust. For instance, a player times his leap, extends his hands, and just tips the ball, which still causes a shank.
- Emphasize timing, hands, and angles. A near-miss can still force a shank or alter hang time.
- C – Capture the Field. After a blocked punt, a player quickly scoops up the loose ball and advances it deep into the opposing team’s territory.
- Finish the play. Recover the ball cleanly, secure possession, and gain every possible yard.
“Even when we don’t get the block, we still expect to win the rep. Every pressure changes the next punt.”
Hidden Yardage and Momentum
Saturnio calls hidden yardage the invisible scoreboard.
Each five-yard gain or reduction in net punting yardage adds up across a game — and across a season.
The Army’s improvement focused on field position: forcing shorter punts, safer returns, and better offensive starts.
“We measure every yard. That’s how you win the hidden battles that decide games.”
Key Takeaway
Coach Saturnio’s approach to punt block is about identity — teaching players to treat every snap as an opportunity to change the game.
Aggression, detail, and pride in hidden yardage turn special teams into a weapon.
“Be intentional with every snap. Special teams is not a transition — it’s how you win.”
— Sean Saturnio
Related:
Teach Tapes with Steve Hauser (Week 2): Take Care of Technique
OC Office Hour with Charlie Eger: Winning on Third Down
More on Coach Sean Saturnio
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