Special teams can make the difference between who goes home with a win and who suffers a loss.

Simply put, the receiving teams job is to advance the kickoff return as far downfield as possible. With a couple of key blocks, he gets the ball into the end zone. Setting up those key blocks starts with the wedge.

The wedge, as we all know, is a wall of players that the return man locks himself behind in hopes of finding the opening that can drive him for big yards or a 6-point run.

The kicking team sends out their runners and wedge busters, running at full speed, risking life and limb as they hurl their bodies into the players forming the wedge. Sometimes the wedge busters are successful and stop the big runners. However, there are many times they are not, allowing the big push to turn the run back around. Impulse that can change the outcome of the game.

How do we become more effective in breaking the blocking wedge of comeback teams? Do not try to run over or knock down the blockers. Instead, split the blockers.

Run straight at the blocker at full speed, sell him the fact that you plan to run him over. No matter how skilled and practiced you are, at the last minute you will be bracing yourself for impact. Instead of making head-to-head contact, split the blockers, run between them taking the best angle towards the ball carrier. Not only does it reduce the risk of injury for you, but you’ll often find yourself in position to make the tackle, stopping a long kick return and avoiding any momentum-changing returns such as a 6 pointer.