Special teams are something that coaches practice, but few seem to perfect.

The rules are specialized. The players are often a mish-mash of offense and defense. Fourth down can be a confusing time for young athletes, and no coach wants to spend a time out because the punt team can’t get out on the field.

But players get distracted or sidetracked talking to position coaches and miss running out on the field when it’s time to kick. It happens at every level – from pee wees to the pros.

Some coaches have taken to designing special mats for the 11 punt team players to stand on throughout an offensive series. Others just keep the offense on the field, subbing the punter for the quarterback.

Some coaches give quizzes to re-inforce their players’ knowledge of the rules, which differ by level and might not be the same on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon.

Whatever your strategy, AFCAWeekly.com recently offered 10 tips to keep punt teams on high alert so coaches can avoid the frustrations that can develop from underprepared players.

• Third-and-now. Whether it’s third-and-inches or third-and-forever, coaches and captains should be yelling “punt team” so players not already on the field will be ready to sprint out to their positions.
• One counter. Designate a single player – preferably an upback protector– to count off 10 other teammates on the field. Punters and returners should never be focused on anything but the ball, while everyone else should be focused on the coming snap
• Watch your feet. Practice splits and stances so everyone is in the right spot. Gunners check with officials to make sure they are on the line.
• Up tight. Guards, tackles and gunners should all break the plane of the center’s belt line with their helmets.
• Inside out. Gunners come inside the numbers, then split out.
• Stay in lanes. Never follow a teammate downfield. Keep the ball inside and in front.
• Watch the hand. Respect the returner’s opportunity for a fair catch, then be in position to recover a potential muff. Make sure the ball hits the ground before touching the returner.
• Outside the lines. When downing the ball, do not let any part of it to come in contact with the goal line or break the plane. This is not the NFL, where players can bat the ball back over the goal line.
• Be aware of the clock. Coaches should not be afraid to use time outs to take advantage of strong winds near the end of the first and third quarters.
• Let it roll. If time is on your side late in the game, let the ball slowly roll and make the official blow it dead. Every second off the clock helps.