{"id":12622,"date":"2025-12-07T23:26:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-07T23:26:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/?p=12622"},"modified":"2025-12-10T23:32:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T23:32:32","slug":"garrett-mclaughlin-hidden-yardage-special-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/?p=12622","title":{"rendered":"Game Planning Tips: Find the Hidden Yardage: How to Quantify the Kicking Game"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>By Garrett McLaughlin | Defensive Line Coach &amp; Special Teams Coordinator, Columbia University<\/strong><br><em>Presented by Lauren\u2019s First and Goal Foundation<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-hidden-yardage-special-teams-decides-playoff-games\">Why Hidden Yardage Special Teams Decides Playoff Games<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When the margin is thin \u2014 as it is for every team still playing in November and December \u2014 hidden yardage special teams becomes a decisive factor in the outcome. Explosive plays and scoring opportunities aren\u2019t the only things deciding games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most importantly, field position is what truly separates winning from losing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, Garrett McLaughlin built a clear, objective grading system to quantify <em>hidden yardage special teams<\/em> in the kicking game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No opinions cloud the analysis. Emotions don\u2019t factor in. Arguments have no place here. Just numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe quantify hidden yardage first thing on Sunday. It tells the truth about our performance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, this system gives players the same clarity they get from offensive and defensive production \u2014 and it turns special teams into a measurable weapon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Garrett-McLaughlin-Columbia-D1-Quotes-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Garrett-McLaughlin-Columbia-D1-Quotes-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Garrett-McLaughlin-Columbia-D1-Quotes-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Garrett-McLaughlin-Columbia-D1-Quotes-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Garrett-McLaughlin-Columbia-D1-Quotes-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Garrett-McLaughlin-Columbia-D1-Quotes-800x450.png 800w, https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Garrett-McLaughlin-Columbia-D1-Quotes-400x225.png 400w, https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Garrett-McLaughlin-Columbia-D1-Quotes.png 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Start With the National Standard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To evaluate performance honestly, McLaughlin uses national averages rather than internal expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For punts, he uses a 30-yard national net average as the baseline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Punt team grading:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Net 36 = +6<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Net 30 = 0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Net 25 = \u20135<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Punt return team grading:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Opponent net below 30 = plus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opponent net above 30 = minus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis keeps us from lying to ourselves. It gives us a real standard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clearly, this foundation helps quantify hidden yardage special teams efforts without bias. Moreover, it provides an objective starting point for comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Game Planning Tips: Situational Mastery, Pass-Rush Targets, and Hidden Yardage Wins\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xh31PLDP3qI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Explosives in the Kicking Game: \u00b130 Yards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most coaches track explosive plays on offense and defense \u2014 but often ignore the kicking game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, McLaughlin fixes that with one simple rule:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every swing of +30 yards or \u201330 yards is an explosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Big return out to midfield \u2192 +30<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor coverage allowing opponent to reach the 40 \u2192 \u201330<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bad punt + return combo flipping the field \u2192 \u201330<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coffin-corner or sting punt pinning the opponent deep \u2192 +30<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf it moves the field 30 yards, good or bad, the players see it in green or red immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, this turns previously invisible momentum shifts into visible coaching points\u2014crucial for recognizing hidden yardage special teams impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Kickoff &amp; Kickoff Return: Always Grade Against the 25<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using the 25-yard line as the standard simplifies evaluation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kickoff team:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Opponent starting inside 25 = plus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opponent starting beyond 25 = minus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kickoff return:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Return reaching past 25 = plus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tackled short of 25 = minus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of its simplicity and universality, this metric is easily recognized by every player and clearly reflects hidden yardage special teams success or failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The \u201cSting Punt\u201d Metric \u2014 A Game-Changer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of McLaughlin\u2019s most valuable tools is his Sting Punt scoring model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any punt downed inside the 10 is worth positive points equal to the yard line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Downed at the 9 \u2192 +1<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Downed at the 5 \u2192 +5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Downed at the 1 \u2192 +9<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s +9 without gaining a yard. That\u2019s winning the game without even playing offense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, this metric rewards:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Precision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hustle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technique<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Situational awareness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, it builds a culture where punting isn\u2019t viewed as surrender \u2014 it\u2019s a weapon, and a vital component of hidden yardage special teams strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Why This Matters in the Playoffs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hidden yardage swings possessions.<br>Possessions swing momentum.<br>Momentum decides playoff games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McLaughlin\u2019s grading system:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Makes hidden yardage visible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gives players a scoreboard for special teams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shows coaches exactly where field position was won or lost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reinforces complementary football<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps the entire team understand the stakes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Most importantly, it teaches players how special teams win games \u2014 not just how not to lose them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without a doubt, understanding hidden yardage special teams is key to playoff success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you aren\u2019t measuring hidden yardage special teams, you\u2019re missing the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNumbers don\u2019t care about feelings. Hidden yardage tells you who really won the kicking game.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/2025\/11\/punt-block-coaching-football-sean-saturnio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Game Planning Tips: The ABCs of Punt Blocking and Winning Hidden Yardage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/coachandcoordinator.com\/podcast\/special-teams-technology-in-recruiting-justin-stovall-lb-and-special-teams-coordinator-columbia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Special Teams &amp; Technology in Recruiting- Justin Stovall, LB and Special Teams Coordinator, Columbia<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-on-coach-garrett-mclaughlin\">More on Coach Garrett McLaughlin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gocolumbialions.com\/sports\/football\/roster\/coaches\/garrett-mclaughlin\/3114\"> Coach Garrett McLaughlin bio<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/_CoachG_\"> Coach Garrett McLaughlin x<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"excerpt","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":12637,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[65],"tags":[2182,2329,303,819],"class_list":["post-12622","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-game-planning","tag-game-planning-tips","tag-garrett-mclaughlin","tag-hidden-yardage","tag-kicking-game"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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