One on One with Chad Mitchell

On Monday and Tuesday Chad Mitchell was in Scottsdale, Arizona for One on One Punting Lessons. Chad is 28 years old and is a former Texas A & M Tight End that has a passion for punting a football.

Chad is a very successful stock broker that always wanted to be a punter while he was playing football at Texas A & M however, Shane Lechler (Oakland Raiders) Pro Bowl Punter held that position and was an All American at that time.

Chad invested in a trip to Scottsdale to see if he could improve his skills and stock to make a late run at being an NFL punter at the age of 28. Chad's a smart guy and has some tough decisions to make in a couple of months. The road to the NFL is not an easy ride.

Chad is about 6'5 and 230 pounds with a big strong leg. However, he has a very inconsistent drop. Chad enjoyed the video reviews because the problems with his drop and technique became crystal clear.

Chads biggest problem was his drop. The ball was moving way to much. He was tossing the ball out and away with the nose up or out. In the photo below you can see his nose up drop.

Chad worked hard to just drop the ball, with the nose slightly down and inward so the ball would lay across his foot.

In the photo below we tried to emphasize taking a small first step and locking the ball on the table quicker.

I introduced my One Step Drill to Chad. Chad improved quickly on the drill when he just dropped the ball to the top of his foot. He started to hit a lot of (SNO) spiral nose over punts to the power zone.

In the two days of work, Chad got a little frustrated but admitted he was working on some things that were incorrect and causing bad muscle memory.

Chad is leaving Scottsdale knowing exactly what he must do to become a more consistent punter. Then he must decide at the age of 28 does he have the potential to become an NFL punter.

Everyone must realize the road to the NFL is not easy. There is no security unless you perform at the highest level and you must realize there are a lot of players that want your job!

Chad was a pleasure to work with. He is a bright young man that will make the right decision for his future. I wish him the best of luck!

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

One on One with Nico & Felipe

On Monday Nico Grasu (left) sophomore kicker at Washington State and Felipe Macia (right) senior kicker at Eastern Washington came to Scottsdale, Arizona for a One on One Kicking Lesson with their long time coach and friend, Sean Cheever's.

When I was the Special Teams Coach at Long Beach State for Legendary Hall of Fame Coach, George Allen, Sean Cheever's was my kicker in 1989 and 1990. Sean was an excellent kicker and had ice in his veins. He was money in the bank.

Below is a photo of Sean Cheever's kicking at Long Beach State.

Coach Cheever's brought his two young kickers to Scottsdale for me to evaluate and get my opinion on their kicking style and technique.

Both Felipe and Nico are fundamentally sound in their mechanics because, Coach Cheever's has done an outstanding job coaching them. He basically has taken what he learned as a kicker at Long Beach State and has now passed it on to his players as a Special Teams Coach at Moorpark J.C.. Both boys continue to work with Sean when they go back home to California.

Below Coach Cheever's holding for Felipe.




Below Coach Cheever's holding for Nico.

Both boys are a lot further ahead than most kickers because Sean has done a nice job coaching them for the last several years.

As I watched them kick I made a couple of observations which I passed on to Sean. Both young men were very attentive and a pleasure to work with. They have done well in college and like everyone else its a matter of consistency making it to the next level.

Felipe who played was a very accurate kicker at Eastern Washington. He has a chance to be a good one.

Nico still has a couple of years at Washington State. Nico has a big leg! As I tell all the kickers. Show me accuracy and control kicking field goals and a big leg on kickoffs. Nico is young and has a lot of potential.

Coach Cheever's learned a couple of things to take back to California and coach the boys on. I must say it was a pleasure seeing Sean and it was very gratifying to see how he has progressed from a former player to a now successful coach.

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

One on One with Pat MacDonald

On Sunday and Monday Pat MacDonald was in Scottsdale, Arizona for a One on One Snapping Lesson. Pat plays for the Calgary Stampeder's who just won the 2008 Grey Cup Championship in Canada.

Pat was with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent a couple of years ago. From first glance I could tell Pat has a lot of talent and potential. Pat has gone to several snapping coaches around the country trying to get better.

He asked me to evaluate and analyze his technique and refine his skills. Pat snapped and I watched and video taped his field goal and long snapping technique.

The video review and the slow motion video tape made everything crystal clear for Pat. He just needed to simplify his whole approach. So, I came up with a very simple progression for Pat to use which he can use for short and long snapping.

In the photo below Pat is snapping to Jon Peattie a free agent kicker and another client in town for One on One Kicking Lessons. Pat is working to snap 'Perfect' Laces on his field goal snaps.

In the photo below Pat is working to finish every snap the same way. Thumbs Out!

In the photo below Pat is working his long snapping technique. Pat is snapping to Danny Baugher a free agent punter and another client of mine. Danny has been a free agent with several NFL teams.

Pat worked his new progression and was quickly becoming a more consistent snapper. He was a quick fix. Once he was snapping accurately we progressed to snapping and protection drills.

After two days of snapping Pat was very happy with the results. He left Scottsdale more confident with his snapping, especially knowing he is going to have a couple NFL tryouts in January.

Click below to listen to Pats Testimonial on working with Coach Zauner.

Pat was a pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with him in the future.

Stay Tuned for more of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

One on One with Jon Peattie

This has been a very hectic weekend with all the One on One Lessons: Kickers, Punters and Snappers.

Nathan Parseghian (Miami of Ohio), Dack Ishii (UNVL), Pat MacDonald (Calgary Stampeders), Jon Peattie (U. of Miami), Nico Grasu (Washington State) and Felipe Macias(Eastern Washington University) on Monday.

On Friday and Saturday Jon Peattie who was the former punter and kicker from the University of Miami was in Scottsdale, Arizona for One on One Kicking Lessons.

Jon is looking to make some decisions in his life. Should he pursue an NFL career or spend more time being successful in the business world.

Jon wanted me to check out his kicking technique and evaluate his potential as an NFL kicker. Right from the start I could see Jon has a good leg and a pretty smooth technique.

Inconsistency in his starting point has caused inconsistency in his 'Perfect' plant which in turn has caused inconsistency in his foot to ball contact.

When Jon gets to his best approach distance and everything lines up right he can kick with anyone. Strong leg, good trajectory and nice smooth form.

After two days of kicking and kickoff lesson Jon now knows what to work on and how to achieve those things. He must go back to Miami and work to correct the things that cause his inconsistency.

If Jon can correct a couple of minor flaws, which I feel are fairly easy corrections then I expect to see him at some NFL free agent tryouts. If he doesn't become more consistent, I expect him to be a very successful business man.

Jon was a pleasure to work with. He was very knowledgeable and coach able. I wish him the best of luck in his pursuit of an NFL career.

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

Dack Ishii One on One

On Friday and Saturday Dack Ishii, backup quarterback and punter for the UNLV Rebels was in Scottsdale, Arizona for an evaluation and One on One Punting Lesson.

Dack is 6'2, 225 lb. good looking athlete. He's also a 4 handicap golfer. Golf, punting and kicking they all go together. Technique, Tempo and Rhythm.

In the two days of punting I gave a lot of golf analogies. Dack because of circumstances ended up being the punter at UNLV because he is a good athlete and had some background in high school punting the ball.

Dack punted and I observed. I asked a lot of questions and received answers. He has potential however, has not had any formal instruction or training in his career. He just goes out and punts.
In the photo below Dack is working on the One Step Drill. Dack's biggest problem is placing the ball outside his hip and trying to wipe a spiral. Tape the ball on your thigh and place the ball directly in front of your punting leg.

Below Dack placed the ball directly in front of his punting leg and started to hit a bunch of (SNO) spiral nose over punts to the power zone.

Like most of the punters and kickers that come through here many have never seen themselves up close on video tape. We reviewed Dack's tape and he could quickly see why he was a little inconsistent punting the ball. If Dack had received some instruction earlier in his career who knows how good this young man could be.

Dack plans on going back home and working on fundamentals. With his size, strength and athletic ability good fundamentals could take Dack to a higher level.

He now understands what he needs to improve on and knows the standards that NFL special teams coaches are looking for. Dack needs to be a more consistent punter. Hard work, dedication and technique will be the key to his improvement.

Dack was a pleasure to work with and a fine young man. I wish him the best of luck in his pursuit of an NFL career.

I just wish I would have had time to play golf with Dack. I havn't been beat yet this season but I would have loved to compete against a good golfer like Dack.

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

Nathan Parseghian One on One

On Thursday and Friday Nathan Parseghian was in Scottsdale, Arizona for a One on One Kicking Lesson. Nathan was the kicker at Miami of Ohio University. He was the all conference kicker for the MAC conference.

On Tuesday he graduated from college and on Wednesday he was on a plane to Scottsdale. He is now shifting gears quickly from the books to trying to be an NFL kicker.

One quick note: Nathan is the Great Grand-Nephew of the legendary Coach from Notre Dame, Ara Parseghian.

Nathan and I have had about a nine year relationship. Many years ago when he was starting high school he attended our River Falls Kicking Camp in River Falls, Wisconsin.

Nathan flew to Scottsdale to get my evaluation on his abilities. All I can say is he gets an A+ as a student and graduate of our River Falls Kicking Camp.

Right from the start he knew his perfect triangle. He executed the One Step Drill perfectly. I saw a couple of minor flaws that we addressed immediately but I must say Nathan looked pretty good.

Nathan was excellent on getting his perfect triangle and approach as you can see in the photo below.

Because his approach was consistent it translated to a 'Perfect' plant which was also very consistent. Nathan for two days made excellent contact on his field goal kicks.

Nathan's form was excellent. In the photo below you see Nathan kicking up and through the ball. Lock and lift from the hip.

The final phase was also perfect. As you see in the photo below Nathan was kicking and skipping down field and transferring his weight.


On Friday we did a field goal workout which will be posted on my website One on One Lessons and my Pro Personnel Section. Nathan was 10 for 10 on his field goals, which ranged from 30 to 50 yards in distance. Then on his 5 bonus field goal he was 3 of 5. Hitting field goals from 53, 54 and 57 yards.

I must say Nathan had an excellent workout. One of the things that really impressed me was the trajectory on his field goal.

Click below to listen to Nathan's Testimonial on being a River Falls Camper and the effect it had on his kicking abilities:

It was a real pleasure working with Nathan and I wish him the best of luck in his pursuit of an NFL career. It is very gratifying as a coach to see the affect you might of had on someones career.

Nathan has the potential and talent. As with all kickers the last three ingredients make the biggest difference in who makes it: Consistency,Confidence and Exposure.

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

CFL's DeAngelis One on One

Over the weekend Sandro DeAngelis of the Grey Cup Champion Calgary Stampeders was in Scottsdale, Arizona for One on One Kicking Lesson. Sandro is the CFL's all time field goal percentage (83.9%) leader.

Sandro is trying to follow in Mike Vanderjagt's footsteps. Vanderjagt was a Grey Cup Champion and Most Valuable player and so is Sandro. Sandro has so many awards and achievements I don't have enough space on my blog to list them.

In the CFL the field is wider and longer and field position and kicking is very important. There are a couple of differences in rules and strategy. The two differences in field goal kicking is the CFL kickers can use a one inch block to kick their field goals off of and they use wider hash marks like the American College hashes.

Sandro came to Scottsdale to get my opinion on his potential, and to make any changes that he needed to make to kick off the ground and to adjust to the narrower hash marks.

From the start I could see why Sandro was a very accurate kicker. He has a very short approach and a very compact kicking motion. In the photo below you can see how close he starts to the ball. His short approach is something like Matt Stover of the Baltimore Ravens.

One of my first concerns was the elevation on his field goals. After kicking off a one inch tee for the last four years in the CFL, I thought his trajectory was a little low during the first lesson.

During our video review I pointed out a couple of things I had noticed. The slow motion and stop action made everything crystal clear to Sandro.

We talked about some minor adjustments and he agreed try them. In the second lesson we worked hard to address a couple of minor flaws. We started with my warm up progression drill and move to my favorite drill, the One Step drill. In the photo below you can see Sandro working the One Step Drill.

During the Drills we worked on getting his perfect plant directly at his target as you can see in the photo below.

There is a difference in kicking off a one inch tee and kicking off the ground. As I explained to Sandro in my golf analogy, its like hitting a golf ball off a tee or trying to hit it on the ground. Its much easier hitting anything sitting up on tee.

I noticed that Sandro was 'crunching' down which restricted his follow through. During all the drills we worked to eliminate the 'crunching' motion and work up and through the ball as you see in the photo below.

The last thing we addressed, I thought Sandro was kicking a little bit too much out of control. I believe you start on balance and end on balance. In the photo below you see Sandro kicking and ending up down field and on balance.

In the three days of kicking I saw a lot of improvement. Sandro made the minor adjustments he needed to make on kicking off the ground. I told him in two to three weeks he will see even more improvement in his trajectory.

Sandro left Scottsdale very happy with his One on One Lessons. He and his agent (Gil Scott) are looking to get him a couple of tryouts in the next couple of months. Sandro like all Canadian players have until February 15 to make a move to the NFL.

Click below to listen to Calgary Stampeders - Sandro DeAngelis's testimonial working with Coach Zauner.

Sandro was a real pleasure to work with. He was very receptive to coaching and likes to be coached. He gave me excellent feedback during drills which help me analyze and make the proper adjustments which I thought he needed to make. We worked well together and he was a quick fix.

Sandro is very lucky. Being Canadian, he loves living in Canada and loves playing in the CFL. He is playing for the Grey Cup Champs and has many awards and achievements. I wish him the best of luck in trying to secure one of the very precious kicking jobs in the NFL.

Stay Tuned for more of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

PR for 'Coaching the Coaches'

I have just sent out a press release informing college coaches about my expanded...

'Coaching the Coaches' Clinics in Arizona. Why?

Because at all levels of football, high school, college or even the NFL, the only players that don't seem to get coached properly on their fundamentals, technique, mechanics or drills are the kicking specialists.

There are not many college coaches or kicking game coordinators that actually know how to coach and train their kicking specialists.

On every staff, college head coaches put someone in charge of the kickers for pre and post practice kicking practice. It could be a position coach or graduate assistant coach.

We all know the horror stories of a coach in charge of the kickers, telling a kicking specialist to do something and you know right away, it's a strong possibility the coach has absolutely no idea of what he is talking about.

And we all know that would probably not happen at any other position on your football team but it happens a lot to the kicking specialists.

I give credit to a couple of smart head coaches.

Last year Jim Tressel, Ohio State and Kyle Whittingham, University of Utah sent the coaches in charge of their kicking specialist to Fountain Hills, Arizona for a One on One Coaching Clinic to learn how to evaluate, video tape to analyze, learn fundamentals and drills to properly coach their kicking specialist and take their specialist to the next level.

COURSE OF ACTION:

If your a kicking specialist and would like to take your kicking game to the next level, you can come to Fountain Hills, Arizona for One on One Lessons.

The other option is if your a kicking specialist and feel you are not getting coached properly or would like your coach to coach you as good as all the other players are being coached on your team at other position.

Then suggest to your coach in charge of the kicking specialists or kicking game to click onto the link to my website: Click here to view: 'Coaching the Coaches'

Every year assistant football coaches at all levels look to get better coaching their players by going to conventions, seminars and clinics.

This is an opportunity for either your kicking coach or Special Teams Coach to receive some One on One Professional Improvement, tailored to his and your team needs in sunny Arizona.

Just image the potential, kickers, punters and snappers actually getting coached with proper fundamentals, technique and drills.

Click: To Read Press Release on 'Coaching the Coaches':

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

One on One with James Meade

On Thursday and Friday James Meade from Morgan State was in Scottsdale, Arizona for a One on One Kicking Lesson.

James was excited to be here. This was the longest trip he has ever taken and he loved the sunshine and countryside.

In the first lesson James was a little nervous. He started kicking and was a little erratic. He mentioned that he was hitting the ground behind the ball a lot and couldn't figure out what he was doing wrong. I evaluated his form and started coaching immediately.

The 'eye in the sky' (photo below) is the Canon XL/XH Camera behind James video taping his technique.


Previously, before coming to Arizona James had not received much kicking instruction.

After the first lesson, the video review was a major factor in James transforming his technique from Day 1 to Day 2.

I analyzed the video and pointed out some of his flaws. As we watched the video the flaws in his technique became crystal clear. He saw in slow motion and stop action why his toe was hitting the ground and why he was pulling his kicks left or pushing them right.

I gave him a couple drills to work on Thursday night back at his hotel. He was a task master.

He told me when I picked him up Friday morning that he worked the drills most of the night and the next morning.

Well, he must have. Because he made a remarkable transformation in his technique overnight.

In the photo below we started to work the One Step Drill. I emphasized my coaching points.


James was kicking the ball much straighter and with better rotation. His kicking foot was no longer hitting the ground. James was now kicking up and through the ball and making much better contact.

I was amazed! James is a good athlete and a quick learner. He also has a passion for kicking and wants to succeed. He was really focused on coming to Arizona and leaving a better kicker. He was what I call a quick fix!

He left Arizona very happy much improved and a more consistent kicker.

I must say James was a pleasure to work with. I love when players come to town, work hard and go away better.

In the short video below, check out the transformation James made in his kicking technique from day 1 of his One on One Kicking Lessons to day 2. Also, listen to James testimonial on working with Coach Zauner.

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: http://www.coachzauner.com/

Baumann & Ackley 1 on 1 Lessons

Over the weekend I had two good friends Britt Baumann (left) and Breck Ackley (right) visit Scottsdale, Arizona for some One On One Kicking and Punting Lessons.

Britt Baumann is a kicker that graduated from the University of Minnesota - Duluth and Breck Ackly is a punter that graduated from Southern University. Both are free agents.

Two friends that have dreams of kicking and punting in the NFL some day. They have a plan and are working hard to achieve that dream. As one of my former head coaches use to say, plan your work and work your plan.

Breck punted the first day and we video taped everything. I evaluated and analyzed as he went through his drills and routine. He didn't do many drills. He did a drop drill then started to punt.

As he punted I noticed a lack of good fundamentals. It was confirmed in our video session after the first lesson.

"No drills and lack of fundamentals, go figure!" I see it all the time in my business. Guys just think they can go out and kick or punt. There may be an exception to the rule but not often.

My game plan and Breck agreed was to get better fundamentals. I selected drills that I thought would help Breck with his drop and leg swing.

We started with my Drop Progression Drill. Breck had two types of drops and his drop was moving on him. He needed to work on consistency!

Next in the photo below, I showed Breck a drill to get him to walk straighter down field. Breck's first step was inside. Then on his second or final step he would push outside causing him to chase or wipe the ball. He hit some good punts but not on a consistent basis.

Below, Breck works on my One Step Drill.

Next, in the photo below Breck worked on stepping straight forward with his first step rather than taking a step inside.

I really stressed working straight up and through the ball rather than wiping it. I introduced Breck to an old Karate drill that someone taught me many years ago.

Breck was walking like he was on a balance beam and wiping the ball. I wanted everything moving down field. I wanted Breck's punting leg coming straight up and through the ball.

My teaching method of part whole - whole part was starting to work. Breck was stringing all the parts together and hitting more (SNO) spiral nose over punts to his power zone.

Breck now has a DVD and several drills to emphasize good fundamentals. I told him to go back home and practice. In a couple of weeks he will see even more positive results. He needs to get rid of his old muscle memory and with the drills acquire new muscle memory.

It was a real pleasure meeting and working with Breck and I wish him the best of luck in the future achieving his dream.

Click below to listen to Breck Ackley's Testimonial on working with Coach Zauner:

Breck has talent and potential. I believe these drills will make him better and more consistent. He needs to determine when he gets more consistent does he have the punting statistics or numbers to make it at the NFL level. Only time will tell.

Below is Britt Baumann... the Next Man Up.

Britt Baumann is from the University of Minnesota - Duluth. His former University will be playing next week in the Division II National Championship Game vs Northwest Missouri State. This will be Northwest Missouri States fourth consecutive season to the final game.

Britt did his warm up drill and started to kick, just like Breck. One drill and go kick? There seems to be a trend here. Two friends living together that think alike.

Britt has had very little instruction to date. And whatever training he's gotten was a little suspect.

Despite the lack of formal instruction and being from a smaller University, Britt impressed me right away with the pop on his leg.

In the first lesson I watched and asked a lot of questions. As I evaluated and analyzed Britts technique I was thinking how good could this young man get if he received good coaching.

Britt had some flaws and like Breck the flaws they have are all correctable with drills and hard work.

During the video review I pointed out to Britt why he was missing kicks to his right. Simple, he was aiming there. Britt like many kickers had a flaw in marking off his steps and drawing his target line. His approach varied and his target line was drawn on a consistent basis too far right.

After the video review we talked and Britt was here to get better and wanted to do whatever it takes to get to the next level.

The refinement process started in the second lesson. I taught Britt the proper way to do the One Step Drill. In the photo below we work the drill. Britt was a quick study. He went from 30, to 40 and back to 50 yards. He drilled several 50 yard one steps with ease.

During the video review I pointed out if he didn't crunch so much he could get up and through his kicks better and probably have more power. Again, he was a quick study.

Britt in high school was also a basketball player and on the tennis team. Being a multiple sport and good athlete Britt adjusted to my drills and instruction with ease.

In the photo below he was now kicking up through the ball much better and finishing his kicks.

The next and final point of emphasis was finishing every kick the same way. Start on balance and end on balance. By the end of the lesson Britt was perfectly on balance and kicking the balls right down the middle. (photo below)

When Britt goes home he has a couple of minor things to work on. I believe the points of emphasis and drills he has learned will only make him better in the next couple weeks.

If Britt can become more consistent which I think he can and if he has the mental makeup which I don't know yet. He could be a sleeper.

I worked a long time ago with a young man by the name of Adam Vinatieri. He reminds me a little of Adam with his kicking style and demeanor. Will See!

Click below to listen to Britt Baumann's Testimonial about working with Coach Zauner:

Breck and Britt, Britt and Breck. I confused their names all weekend long. Two buddies with dreams of playing in the NFL. The two are committed and are hard workers.

The two came to Arizona with talent and potential, but not many drills. I think now that they have drills to emphasize important fundamentals and a routine they will improve. How much they improve is up to them. The secret to success is hard work and dedication.

They both want to come back in several weeks and continue working with me. They were both a pleasure to have around and I wish them the best of luck and success in their journey.

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

Huw Collins Back for More

On Tuesday and Wednesday Huw Collins was back in town for another One on One Kicking Lesson. Huw is 22 years old and is a former professional Rugby player from England.

I thought I would just put a photo series below of a rugby drop kick: First of all the ball compared to a football or Australian Rules Football.

Rugby Ball on left & Aussie Rules Football on right

Ruby players must drop kick with accuracy on the run.

Just like an NFL punter, the drop is so important!

The kick or leg swing almost looks like an NFL kicker.

Huw and his brother Tom have been in town a couple of times. Tom had to go back to England last week because of a slight injury he sustained during his training sessions in Southern California.

The focus of my two days of kicking with Huw was 'Tempo'! Huw has been getting better each time I see him. He is a talented athlete that has played rugby a major part of his life.

Kicking a football is just a little different. Accuracy and consistency are the two most important qualities I look for an a good kicker. The key to achieving both is 'Tempo' or 'Rhythm'.

When Huw stays slow with the ball and kicks with good rhythm he is very accurate. When Huw's kicking is erratic it's because his approach is too fast into the ball. And he ends up out of control.

My motto: start on balance and end on balance. Just like a golf swing... 'Tempo'. Huw and Tom are planning on being back in January. I look forward to seeing their progress. Cheers!

Stay Tuned for more of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: http://www.coachzauner.com/

Shane Phillips Back to Australia

The man from Australia... Shane Phillips. Michelle (who voted for a new photo) and I will miss him greatly!


Shane Phillips is from Melbourne Australia. I was fortunate to have Shane call me about 6 months looking for some One on One Punting Lessons here in Scottsdale, Arizona.

To make a long story fairly short. Shane is an Australian Rules Football player that came to the United State several years ago and earned a scholarship to play baseball and football at Alcorne State. Yes, I said Alcorne State.

Shane is a big legged Australian punter that was not fundamentally sound. After several lessons he improved and went to Louie Aguiar's Punting Combine and was ranked #1. However, during the pro day there was a nasty storm, Shane slipped and pulled a hamstring.

Shane was down and out for several weeks. His dream was to become an NFL punter and he sustained a setback.

He came back for some more One on One Punting Lessons with me and was trying to figure out a game plan. The draft was now over and most teams had signed most of their kicking specialists for training camp.

My kicking consultant business was getting very busy and I needed help. Shane was the answer. He could help me and I could help him. It was going to be a symbiotic relationship.

Shane has a great personality. He would meet and greet all my clients. Immediately everyone took to the Aussie. It must of been his accent!

He was not only great on the computer getting contacts for me on FaceBook, but back in Australia he worked in a TV studio and was perfect for video taping the kicking specialist.


Shane was a man of many talents as you will see. Below, he was a holder for Derek Doerfler from Baker University. Derek and Shane became friends.

Below he was the video man and holder for Sebastian Janikowski.

A couple times we had several kicking specialists in town and Shane was the life of the party. I don't know why but he was. Below from left to right: Cole Wilson, Zach Yates, Me, Shane, Ben Woods and John Lord.

In June, Shane got a workout with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills. We thought things were getting brighter. However, the NFL's 80 man rule was not only hurting Shane's chances but all kicking specialists. Teams were signing specialists that could punt and kickoff.

In my mind the NFL was no longer standing for the best. Many teams were signing because of roster limits instead of quality or the best available athlete.

In mid June, Shane helped me in Minnesota with my River Falls Kicking Camp. Below from left to right you see Steve Hauschka, Shane, Derrick Frost and myself. Shane is holding a golf club but it really was a weapon. He killed a lot of grass that day.

Below is a photos of Shane, Steve Hauschka, Garrett Palmer and Derrick Frost talking to the campers at my River Falls Kicking Camp.


Below Garrett Palmer, Shane, Matt Katula (Ravens) and Steve Hauschka enjoy the evening in River Falls, Wisconsin.

As the months progressed we had visitors from other countries. Below, is Shane with Cory Paterson, an Australian Rugby player who plays for the New Castle Knights.

Shane and Cory on top of the peak over looking Fountain Hills, Arizona. In the background is Red Mountain.

In October, Huw Collins and his brother Tom, came to the United States from England. Both were professional Ruby players in England. Once again Shane hit it off with the Englishmen. I named the boys the 'three amigo's'.

In late November, A.J. Schable one of my former Arizona Cardinals players came to town to work on his snapping skills. Shane became the blocking dummy.

The week Shane was getting ready to leave another Australian came to town for One on One Punting Lessons. Below is Chris Bossong and Shane.

Shane left Scottsdale right before Thanksgiving. Australians do not celebrate Thanksgiving. However, they seem to celebrate every other occasion.

Below, Shane and I worked on an Australian Drop Punt Instructional Video. You will see the video in the future on my website, http://www.coachzauner.com/. Shane did an excellent job of instructing and demonstrating his native drop punt technique.

As a side bar to the video taping of the instruction video. We held a little going away party for Shane before he left and at the party we played all the out takes or bloopers. The entire group never laughed so hard.

Some day I will post them so Shane can enjoy them once again.

Shane was our house guest for several months. He assisted me in several areas. He did a great job with the computer, video taping, download of video tape, transportation of clients and setting up of contacts with FaceBook, kicking friends and countless other duties.

My best memories of Shane. The boy could eat. He ate endlessly. Neither Michelle or I have kids but he ate use out of house and home as my parents would say.

The next best thing he did was assume or take the blame for any and all mistakes I made. And there were a lot. As the saying goes... he was thrown under the bus. For this I give Shane the man of the year award.

Shane left our house right before Thanksgiving. However, it took him several days to leave town because of all the girls he met and needed to say goodbye to. Goodbye's take forever.

For the next two weeks there might be a Shane sighting any place in the United States. He went to Austin and New Orleans before going back to Mississippi to drop off his car. He then flies to San Diego to see Garrett Palmer. He will end his tour up in L.A.. He will meet other friends there and then fly back to Melbourne.

Shane will be back in March for my NFL PRO Combine in late March or early April.

I know Craig my media relations man, website design and press man will also miss the Aussie. The two exchanged verbal abuse constantly in a joking manner.

Michelle and I wish him safe travels. We thank him for all his hard work and good times. He will be missed by all the people he touched here in Arizona.

My words to Shane any night he would go out or as he heads back home to Australia... stay focused and stay out of trouble.

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: http://www.coachzauner.com/

Part 5: Coming to Arizona

If you are a Special Teams or Kicking Coach or Kicking Specialists who is going to get some coaching, then why not do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world: Fountain Hills, Arizona.

The last video in this series shows what it is like to come to Arizona for a One on One Coaching Clinic or One on One Lesson.




Arizona is noted for its wonderful winter weather and beautiful scenery, and it is here that I conduct my Coaching clinics and lessons.

If you are a player, there are a number of wonderful fields to conduct our workouts on. If you are a Coach, the clinics are conducted in my office which is equipped with all the latest technology allowing us to explore all aspects of the Kicking Game in the greatest detail.


There are a number of wonderful hotels for accommodations, and restaurants for dining. And depending on the time of year you choose to visit, there are many sporting activities to enjoy in your off time.


And if you are a golfer, you can take advantage of my membership at the exclusive FireRock Country Club here in Fountain Hills, Arizona.



Arizona is also noted for its beautiful vacation areas and sights such as Sedona and the Grand Canyon. So, if you choose you can make this an opportunity to professionally improve yourself while taking your family on a vacation of a lifetime.

So, I hope you will take a few minutes to watch this video and see what awaits you, should you choose to attend a One on One Coaching clinic here.

I'd also like to point out that I can bring my Coaching Clinics to you wherever you are. However, I can't bring the weather or beautiful golf courses.

Please contact me if you have any questions at: gzauner@aol.com

Stay Tuned to Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: http://www.coachzauner.com/

Part 4: Why Coach Zauner

So, as a Coach or a Player, why should you consider coming to one of my One on One Coaching Clinics? After all, there are a lot of individuals who are in business as 'Kicking Coaches'.

In part four of this five part video series, I share a bit about my background with you.

First of all, Kicking is my passion. And it has been for as long as I can remember. I received my Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Education. During that time I did several studies, papers and video’s on The Art of Kicking. I was a kicker / punter at the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse and signed free agent contracts with the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Oilers.

Coach Zauner kicking and punting at U. of Wisconsin - La Crosse.

I’ve Coached Kickers for Over 35 Years in High School, College and the NFL and I am currently Consulting some of the Top NFL, College and High School Talent

During my 13 Year NFL Career with the Vikings, Ravens and Cardinals (working with Dennis Green & Brian Billick).

I’ve worked with kickers who have set a number of NFL Records including 31 Straight field goals with Fuad Reveiz, a perfect season with Gary Anderson and an NFL Record 40 touch backs with punter / kickoff specialist Mitch Berger.




Also, in 2002 we set an NFL 107 yard Field Goal Return Record with the Baltimore Ravens.


In my NFL and Consulting Career I’ve coached or trained 19 Pro Bowl Kickers and Punters or kicking specialists. And, as a Kicking Consultant I’ve been hired by some of the all time great NFL coaches including, Dick Vermeil, Mike Ditka, Marty Schottenheimer, Dan Reeves, George Seifert and Tom Flores.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX!

These all time great and Hall of Fame Football Coaches realized it was O.K. to hire an 'outside' Kicking Consultant to help coach their kicking specialists and Special Teams Coaches.

My expertise in coaching kicking specialists produced results for every NFL team I've coached or every NFL team I consulted with.

During my 11 Years as a college Special Teams Coach, I worked for two of the all time great coaches, LaVell Edwards & George Allen. George Allen is now in the NFL Hall of Fame


I also have the honor of being the 1st Full Time Special Teams Coach in NCAA History. Hired by Doug Scovil at San Diego State in 1980.



In my coaching career at Brigham Young University, San Diego State University, University of New Mexico, and at Long Beach State University, I had the privilege during my college coaching career of not only recruiting but also coaching nine (9) all conference and five (5) 1st Team or Honorable Mention All American Kickers and Punters.





I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch this video. If you do, I think you see that considering my experience and success as a Kicking Coach, I can help you take your Kicking Game to the next level.

If you have any questions, please contact me at: gzauner@aol.com


Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: http://www.coachzauner.com/

Part 3: Clinic on Kicking Game

An excellent kicking game consists of both good kicking specialists and a good kicking strategy.

This third video explains how, in my coaching the Coaches clinics, I work with Special Teams and Kicking Coaches to create a well rounded approach to their kicking game.


It's my philosophy that how a Coach sees the 'big' picture is key in creating an effective kicking game strategy. So, this section starts with a conversation about your philosophy of the kicking game.

After we discuss your philosophy, we move on to a number of other topics that all have an impact on a Coaches success.

These include:

* Evaluating your kicking game protection.

* Evaluating your kicking game protection, coverage and return schemes.

* Developing your Kicking Game around Your Kicking Personnel.

* How to get the best out of your Assistant Coaches in the Kicking Game.

* Developing a progression for your kicking game practices.

* Discussing the important points in Scouting Kicking Talent and Scouting Your Opponent.

* Discussing the individual and team drills you use in practice.

* Instituting Individual, Half Line and Team Drills during pre and post practice.

* Reviewing Kicking Charts and Forms that I make available for clients.



* How Power Point Presentations can enhance the learning and coaching process.

* Reviewing my Innovative Power Point Presentations combined with my extensive video library for all phases of the kicking game, to showcase how cutting edge technology on the computer, can yield results on the field during a game.

I hope you will take a few minutes to watch this video to see if you think my One on One Coaching Clinics can help you take your kicking game to the next level.

If you have any questions please contact me at: gzauner@aol.com

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

Part 2: Clinic on Kicking Specialists

The second video in this five part series will introduce you to some of the topics we will cover regarding the concepts and fundamentals of coaching your kicking specialist.

This includes evaluating your kicking specialist using your practice and/or game video. It also includes how to shoot video for the best evaluation.



There have been many times that I have been asked to evaluate a kicking specialists performance from video that was not shot correctly. This included both game and practice video that would not allow me to evaluate the kicker properly.

So in this clinic, I stress the importance of shooting both effective game and practice footage, and work with both coaches and player on how to 'shoot to evaluate'.

Above: Mike Vanderjagt (All Time NFL FG Percentage Leader)

Below: Rian Lindell (Buffalo Bills)

Other topics in this section of the clinic include:

* Fundamentals for each Kicking Specialist.

* Fundamental drills.

* Creating a Game Plan or Strategy,

* Corrections and Teaching Points for your Kicking Specialist.

* Drills to correct poor technique.

* Drills to simulate game situations.

* Physical training for the Kicking Specialist.

* Training for visualization and a positive mental approach.

Above: Brett Kern - Rookie Punter (Denver Broncos)

Below: Garrett Hartley - Rookie Kicker (N.O. Saints)

So, I hope you'll take a few minutes to view this video to see if there is something in this clinic that might help improve your game.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: gzauner@aol.com

Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: www.coachzauner.com

Part 1: One on One Clinics in AZ

A recent article in the Milwaukee Journal re-enforced a point I have tried to convey throughout my years as a Kicking Coach. And that is, sometimes it is necessary for an NFL special teams coach to 'go outside the box' and bring in a consultant to help with their kicking specialist.

The Journal article focused on the kicking performances of Green Bay punter Derrick Frost, who is having a troubled season, and the recently released (from Green Bay) Jon Ryan, who has signed with the Seattle Seahawks, and who is having a VERY good season.




In the article the writer, Bob McGinn, focuses on the fact that the special teams coach at Green Bay is adamantly against having any of his kickers seek outside coaching, even when they are having trouble season due to problems with their technique.

The article quotes Mike Stock, the Packers Special Teams Coach as saying, “I don’t believe in those things, and I’ll tell you why. One voice is the most important thing when you’re coaching a team or a player. You can’t have two different voices, especially long distance.”

However, the article points to the fact that after Ryan left Green Bay, and came to me for kicking consulting, both his punting and confidence improved dramatically.

Here is a link to the article.

In fact, in a video testimonial Ryan gave after his sessions, he said "Coach (Zauner) has probably taught me more in the last two days than any other coach in two or three years.”

Here is Jon Ryan's Testimonial.

My point is not to 'blow my own horn' (as the writer was quite generous to me), but rather to point to a real world example of why it is important for Special Team Coaches to be open to the idea of getting 'outside help' for a kicking specialist when it is needed.

Would Ryan have done better at Green Bay if they had flown me in to work with him, or had him come out to Scottsdale, AZ. for a few days of coaching? We'll never know.

What we do know is that the additional coaching Ryan received did help his kicking game and confidence. It's just unfortunate he had to leave the Packers to find that out.

The good news is not all Special Teams Coaches are resistant to working with outside help to improve the performance of their kicking specialist.

To that end, I have put together a consulting program which focuses on 'Coaching the Coaches'.

I’ve been coaching, coaches to coach kickers for many years with excellent results. In 2008 Head Coaches Jim Tressel of Ohio State and Kyle Whittingham of the University of Utah took advantage of my coaching services.

They sent their coaches who are in charge of their kicking specialist to my One on One clinic here in Fountain Hills, Arizona. This season I have followed the progress of their kicking specialists and their success with great satisfaction.

These clinics were developed specifically to teach coaches, how to coach and train their kicking specialist, and, if needed, expand their concepts for organizing, coaching and taking their kicking game to the next level.

Over the next five days I will be posting videos that highlight and explains what the program offers. These clinics can be held here in beautiful Fountain Hills, Arizona or at a location which works for you.

Here is the first video: Part I

Stay Tuned to More of Coach Zauner's Blog!

Visit: http://www.coachzauner.com/

Struggling Frost Gets Boot Article

Struggling Frost gets boot
Punter's potential never showed up
By Tom Silverstein of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Dec. 1, 2008

Green Bay - A lot of different things ail the Green Bay Packers, but only one can really be cured with a change in personnel this late in the season.

And so after a month of frustration with their punting game, general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy made the decision to cut punter Derrick Frost. For 12 weeks, they held on to the hope that Frost would carry over his outstanding practice performances to the field, but they were continually disappointed.

When it's all said and done, perhaps the biggest mistake Thompson will have made this season - the Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers debate withstanding - is dumping incumbent Jon Ryan one week before the season started. After working with Ryan for two seasons, Thompson and his staff didn't think he was going to get much better and took a flier on Frost.

Without question that decision cost them dearly.

Poor field position has been a consistent problem the second half of the season and it clearly affected games against Tennessee, Minnesota, New Orleans and Carolina. Not all of it can be attributed to punting, but consistently bad punting makes it impossible to overcome.

"He's practiced very well the last month," McCarthy said Monday, a day after his team fell to 5-7 with a 35-31 loss to Carolina. "But it's a performance industry. We all know that. And it did not transfer. And it was something that we felt factored in some of the outcomes of our games, and we need to make a change."

Since the bye week, Frost has averaged 39.7 yards per punt gross and 34.0 net. If those figures were season totals, he would rank lower than 32nd in the NFL rankings in both. As it is, Frost ranks 26th in gross (42.1) and net average (36.1) for the season.

What's more, two of the five games since the bye were played indoors. Yet Frost, whose strength is supposed to be hang time and directional ability, was terrible in both of them, averaging 35.0 net at Minnesota and 30.8 at New Orleans. The final straw was the Carolina game in which Frost averaged 32.3 net, mostly the result of low kicks that were easily returnable.

The wind was a factor, but apparently not so much that Carolina's Jason Baker couldn't average 46.2 gross and 42.3 net, landing three attempts inside the 20-yard line.

Special teams coach Mike Stock agreed that the punting, which he said "right now (is) the biggest problem we have," has affected the outcomes of games. Asked if considered the recent losses to Tennessee, Minnesota and others to be attributable to poor punting, he said, "Every one of those. You have to punt the ball good. And you have to punt it consistently good."

The questions Thompson and McCarthy have to face after the season are why they waited so long to get rid of Frost and whether they should they have gotten rid of Ryan in the first place.

When Ryan was let go, the coaching staff was assured that based on the personnel department's evaluations, Frost was the better prospect. Since being picked up by Seattle, Ryan has clearly outperformed Frost, averaging 45.9 yards per punt gross (seventh in the NFL) and 37.3 net (16th)

Asked if the Packers made a mistake cutting Ryan, McCarthy only would say, "I don't want to go back. I have a lot of respect for every player I've had the opportunity to work with. Jon was a true pro, a very talented punter. (We) had a positive experience with him here. I wish Derrick the best, too, as he moves on."

The options available to the Packers for replacing Frost are limited.

According to agent and NFL sources, the Packers made contact with five young punters: Paul Ernster, Ben Graham, Durant Brooks, Jeremy Kapinos and Ricky Schmitt. Graham signed with Arizona Monday and it looks as if only Ernster, Brooks and Kapinos will be brought in today for tryouts.

The Packers also appear to have a fallback plan with veterans Josh Miller or Scott Player, should they not feel confident in the tryout participants.

Of the youngsters, Ernster and Brooks punted this year in the NFL. Ernster was a three-game fill-in for Pittsburgh's Mitch Berger and averaged 31.6 yards per punt and 31.3 net on 12 attempts. Only two of his punts were returned, for 4 yards, and he landed four punts inside the 20.

Brooks was the guy Washington kept ahead of Frost after training camp, thus making him available to the Packers. The sixth-round pick from Georgia Tech had an unspectacular training camp and then struggled for most of the season, averaging 39.6 yards gross and 32.1 net.

Opponents returned 12 of his punts for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He suffered a hip flexor injury in Week 5 that eventually resulted in his release.

His agent, Pat Dye Jr., said Brooks was completely healed and had a solid workout Monday with Arizona. He was scheduled to work out in Cincinnati before arriving in Green Bay today.

Kapinos is an undrafted free agent who was on the New York Jets' practice squad last year and has been out of football since being cut by the Jets in June.

As for Frost, Stock doesn't think his career is over. He said the 27-year-old punter had a lot of talent and just needed to be as productive on Sunday as he has been the rest of the week. He said it was an unusual problem, one he hasn't seen much in his long career coaching special teams.

"I've never been involved (in something) like that before with a guy who has talent, which he does, that has not at least been able to put a couple games together," Stock said. "It's not like this guy can't do it. He can do it."

It just won't be for the Packers.

Ciskie Article on Frost's Meltdown

Ironically, this latest meltdown came a few days after a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article talked about the Packers' decision to sign punter Derrick Frost and cut incumbent Jon Ryan after training camp. Ryan went and saw an outside consultant, former special teams Coach Gary Zauner, after he was cut, and he's been solid in Seattle.

The use of outside coaches is something frowned upon by Packers Special Teams Coach Mike Stock.

"If you want to get into the discussion of, does this guy know more about punting than the other guy? Do you want to read my bio? I'm not promoting myself, but I know what I know and I know what I've done and I know the people I've worked with. "It's a matter of, this is the guy who is coaching that position. And this is his philosophy and this is the team's philosophy, and that's the philosophy we'll follow."

(Insert a roll of the eyes here.)

Frost averaged 33.5 yards on four punts against the Saints. In New Orleans. Perhaps Stock should invite the help of outside coaches, because he's clearly doing something wrong. Either that, or there was a huge windstorm in the Superdome that somehow went unnoticed by anyone but the Packers' punter.

Bob McGinn's Kicked Back Article

Kicked back

As Frost flails, Packers castoff Ryan hits his stride

By Bob McGinn of the Journal Sentinel

Posted: Nov. 28, 2008 11:19 p.m.

Below, Jon Ryan of the Seahawks punts the ball during the game against the Packers on Oct. 12, 2008, at Qwest Field.




Punter Jon Ryan is becoming for the Seattle Seahawks everything that the Green Bay Packers hoped he would become but were so impatient and rigid that it never happened.

As Derrick Frost's poor season as the successor to Ryan drags on, scrutiny shifts onto the Packers for their decisions not only to waive Ryan on Sept. 1 but also to discourage him from working with an outside kicking specialist.

Perhaps the strongest-legged punter in team history, Ryan entered 2008 as the National Football League's third-ranked active punter with a 44.5-yard gross average. But Ryan, who came to Green Bay as a Canadian Football League free agent in March 2006, recognized there were areas of his game that needed refinement.

His agent, Gil Scott of Toronto, suggested that Ryan spend a few days during the off-season working with Gary Zauner, the Milwaukee native and NFL special-teams coach for 13 seasons who now serves as an independent kicking consultant in Arizona.

"I said to Jon, 'It's like getting an oil change for a car. Every once in a while you need a little tuneup,' " Scott said Friday. "I said, 'This is a guy who is a professional kicking coach that I've got a lot of respect for. I think he can help you.'

"Jon's pretty quiet. I talked about going in the spring. He said, 'Oh, I couldn't go there. They don't want me to go.' "

About three days after being cut by the Packers, Ryan flew to Phoenix for two days of work with Zauner. A couple days after that, Ryan had an impressive tryout for the Seahawks and was signed to replace Ryan Plackemeier.

"Let's just say he was more confident when he went up to Seattle for his workout," Scott said. "I know he felt very good coming out of there."

Zauner's Web site includes testimonials from many kickers whom he has coached or tutored over the years, including Frost for the Baltimore Ravens in 2003. Ryan agreed to do one after finishing with Zauner.

"Coach Zauner' has probably taught me more in the last two days than any other coach in two or three years," Ryan said in a short video. Ryan didn't return a phone message Friday.
After a so-so start, Ryan has been one of the few bright spots in Seattle, ranking seventh in the NFL in gross average (46.4) and 14th in net average (37.9).

"He's done really well," said Will Lewis, the Seahawks' director of pro personnel. "He's got a big leg, he's athletic enough to field snaps that aren't great, he can hold and he works hard. He has a lot of good things."

Obviously, the Packers liked Ryan's leg. What the Packers didn't like was what they felt were his slow get-off times and limited directional skill.

Those were some areas of Ryan's punting that he sought help from Zauner with. In Seattle, neither has been a problem.

"He consciously worked on it when he got here," Lewis said of get-off times. "It hasn't been an issue for us at all.

"Actually, he's done remarkably well inside the 20, and I don't think directional has always been his strong suit. On a couple occasions, it was more our gunner who didn't down it than him not putting it there."

Mike Stock, the Packers' third-year special teams coach, said he could not recall if Ryan ever asked him about working with a specialist.

"But let me say this about that, and not about him (Zauner)," Stock said at midweek. "I don't believe in those things, and I'll tell you why. One voice is the most important thing when you're coaching a team or a player. You can't have two different voices, especially long distance."

Former Packers kicker Dave Rayner used to work a portion of the off-season with Eddie Murray. Because Murray kicked successfully in the NFL, Stock said that was worthwhile.

Don't the specific skills required to punt make use of outside specialists appropriate?

"No," Stock said. "If you want to get into the discussion of, does this guy know more about punting than the other guy? Do you want to read my bio? I'm not promoting myself, but I know what I know and I know what I've done and I know the people I've worked with.

"It's a matter of, this is the guy who is coaching that position. And this is his philosophy and this is the team's philosophy, and that's the philosophy we'll follow."

Scott made the point that some special-teams coaches clearly are more knowledgeable about schemes than kicking technique.

"Because Zauner was a special-teams coach in Minnesota and Arizona (and Baltimore)," Scott said, "some special-teams coaches who aren't kicking specialists are paranoid about it."

Lewis, who scouted for the Packers from 1997-'99, said special-teams coaches who resist consultants would seem to have an ego problem.

"I've been around enough kickers to know that the special-teams coach may not be his greatest ally but the guy he worked with in the off-season on strength and technique might be the guy that helps him once he gets into the season," said Lewis.

"To me, a special-teams coach might not be a great kicking coach but he's smart enough to listen to some of the kicking experts. Most special-teams coaches are, like, 'Whatever can help my kickers.' "

In 2006, Ryan tied for eighth in gross average (44.5) but tied for just 26th in net average (35.7). His average hang time was 4.0 seconds.

Last year, his gross mark (44.4) ranked ninth and his net average of 37.6, the best by a Packer since Donny Anderson's 38.5 in 1969, ranked 12th. His average hang time was 4.22.

Stock was asked if he had done a good job developing Ryan.

"More than you know," he said. "Look at the first year to the second year. And he had never held before."

Now the Packers enter the time of the season when the ability to kick a stone-cold football makes leg strength even more paramount. Stock said he "wasn't going to argue that point at all," but also seemed to suggest Ryan's hands weren't as clutch as Frost's in frigid weather.

Despite kicking in three domes and generally ideal weather, Frost is averaging just 42.0 gross and 36.4 net, which rank 25th and 24th and are close to his career marks.

"He knows he took a big stumble, a big fall flat on his face," said Stock, referring to the New Orleans game. "He's got to make sure that he reconciles that to the team. That was addressed (Wednesday) with the team."

Billed by General Manager Ted Thompson and Stock as an effective directional punter, Frost ranks merely 28th in percentage of punts inside the 20 (18.2%). Ryan ranks 26th at 23.3%. Also, Frost ranks 22nd in touchback percentage (11.4%), but Ryan is even worse, at 29th (18.3%).

With little to choose from among "street" free agents, the Packers just hope that Frost, a fine holder for Mason Crosby, can make it through the season.

"We're trying to make this right for this situation," Stock said. "He needs to wake up. I think he not only has the leg, he has the fundamentals. What he has to do is cut it loose."