Coach Zauner

Syracuse PK Ryan Lichtenstein

2009-11-01T07:14:00.003-08:00

Coach Zauner One on One Lessons

with

Kicker Ryan Lichtenstein

Lichtenstein returns to Heinz Field

by Michael Love
Sports Editor
November 5, 2009

Ryan Lichtenstein has kicked at Heinz Field each of the past two football seasons.

In 2007 and 2008, he booted footballs for Gateway in the WPIAL Quad-A title game.

On Saturday, Lichtenstein returns to Heinz Field, this time at the collegiate level.

The Orange true freshman hopes to get a couple of opportunities to put points on the board as Syracuse plays the Pitt Panthers.

Kickoff is set for noon and Lichtenstein expects to have a lot of family and friends in the stands.

Older brother Matt, a former Gateway kicker and a senior at Princeton, is on fall break this weekend and will be at Heinz Field to watch the game.

"It definitely will be cool playing in front of family like that on Saturday," Ryan Lichtenstein said.

"Growing up in Pittsburgh, the chance to play at a place like Heinz Field was amazing. Having already played there twice, the awe is kind of no longer there."

Lichtenstein walked on to the Syracuse football team over the summer, hoping to make his mark wherever he could.

He was thrust into the starting place-kicking job when scholarship player Shane Raupers, another true freshman, left the team and left Lichtenstein as the No. 1 place kicker for the Orange.

Lichtenstein eventually was put on scholarship and took advantage of his chance.

In his debut against Minnesota at home, a 23-20 overtime loss, he made two field goals, including a 42-yard attempt.

Lichtenstein earned Big East Special Teams Player of the Week honors against Northwestern, as his three field goals, including a 41-yarder as time expired, lifted the Orange to a 37-34 victory.

"It's been a pretty amazing experience so far," he said.

"I wanted to come in and prove myself. I told the coaches all I wanted was a shot."

Lichtenstein said a lot of people, including his mom and dad and Gateway head coach Terry Smith, encouraged him to go to campus and do his best.

"This is an exciting time for Ryan to come back and for his family to see him play close to home," Smith said.

"He has experience at Heinz Field, so he can help his teammates with how the playing surface can be."

Lichtenstein credits Syracuse assistant head coach and special teams coach Bob Casullo for helping him throughout his first season with the Orange.

Casullo coached in the Super Bowl with Oakland in 2002 and Seattle in 2005 and also has NFL experience with Tampa Bay and the New York Jets.

"Coach Casullo has a great resume," Lichtenstein said. "He really knows what he's doing."

Lichtenstein also praised kicking coach Gary Zauner, who worked with him in the spring and summer before he came to Syracuse.

Zauner coached in the NFL for 13 seasons with Minnesota, Baltimore and Arizona. He currently is the special teams coordinator for the California Redwoods of the new United Football League.

"I don't know where I would be with out (coach Zauner's) help and advice," Lichtenstein said. "He changed my form and how I kick. He helped me out a lot."

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3 Punters Ranked in NCAA Top 10

2009-11-01T07:14:00.001-08:00

On Thursday evening my new UFL team the California Redwoods played a game in New York vs the New York Sentinels in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford N.J.. The Redwoods won the hard fought game 20 to 13.

On Friday I got back home to Arizona at 5:15 AM. This week we have a bye. So on Friday and Saturday afternoon I was on the golf course trying to relax.

Sunday morning as I was waiting for the NFL games to begin I started working on some of my consulting projects.

Every couple of weeks I like to check the NFL and NCAA statistics to see how some of my punting and kicking students are doing. After 7 games Drew Butler, University of Georgia punter is still leading the Nation with a 49.3 Yard Punting Average and hoping to set a new NCAA record.

Drew Butler working Drop Progression Drill

As I reviewed the rest of the punting stats I noticed that two more of my One on One punting specialists had now moved up into the Top 10 NCAA Punting Stats.

Baylor University Punter Derek Epperson

Derek Epperson after seven games is now ranked 3rd in the nation in punting with a 46.09 yard average on 32 punts. Derek came to Fountain Hills, Arizona this Spring to work on this technique and improve his fundamentals.

Derek is a big strong good looking punter that has a big upside. During his time here I taught him my Drop Progression and One Step Drills. When I checked with him this summer he said his time in Arizona was well worth the trip.

Derek Epperson & Coach Zauner

As I moved down the list of punters I noticed that University of Wisconsin sophomore punter, Brad Nortman was now ranked 10th in the nation.

I have been working with Brad for the last two years on his fundamentals and drills. Brad had attended Chris Sailors kicking camps and it paid dividends in helping him get a scholarship.

Brad mentioned that at these competition and ranking camps he showed everyone he had a strong leg but admitted he never learned very much at these camps about fundamentals or technique.

Brad Nortman working his Drop Drill

It was actually rather ironic that as I was writing this blog I received a phone call from Mr. Hankins. His son Trevor Hankins is a walk-on punter at Arizona State and lives here in Scottsdale, Arizona. He mentioned that Trevor after yesterdays game is now ranked 2nd in the nation in punting.

He mentioned that Trevor was pretty much self taught and wanted to know where I give lessons and some information about my One on One Punting Lessons. He is going to talk to his son tonight. My suggestion and he agreed was that his son should wait until after the season to do any tweaking.

I wish all the guys the best of luck the rest of the season!

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Berger to Broncos & Kern to Titans

2009-10-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

On Monday Morning I received a phone call from Brett Kern informing that he had just been released by the Denver Broncos. I was pretty much in shock! Brett in my opinion is an excellent young punter with a big leg and a lot of upside.

I had worked with Brett in the Spring of 2008 and had recommended Brett Kern and Garrett Hartley both to the Denver Broncos to sign as free agents. Both were signed however, Brett made the squad and Garrett was released but later signed with the New Orleans Saints.

Brett told me he was being replaced by Mitch Berger.

Since I was now coaching in the UFL with the California Redwoods I had not seen or worked with Mitch for about four weeks. I was surprised that Mitch had not called me about the news.

After my conversation with Brett I gave Mitch a call to find out his side of the story.

Mitch called me back Monday night from Denver and told me he had gone to Denver the week before for a tryout and was selected to be their new punter. He had just arrived in Denver on Sunday and was already practicing on Monday afternoon.

Mitch Berger is a 14 year NFL Veteran Punter and a true professional. He works and trains hard and keeps his body in excellent shape. Mitch once again this spring and summer was in Scottsdale, Arizona training with me about two times a week.

He said he knew he wasn't going to camp with any teams but wanted to be ready for any team that called after the season started. Mitch was right on his game again.

Mitch last year signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after their punter sustained an injury. Mitch received his first Super Bowl Ring with the Steelers.

Coach Zauner with Mitch Berger's Super Bowl Ring

So, Monday I received Bad News and Good News. What was good for Mitch was bad for Brett.

I'll finish by saying I had a good conversation with Brett Kern and told him to stay positive. Through the history of football there have been many players and kicking specialists cut or released for a variety of reasons.

Brett was pretty much cut because he was told to punt the ball out of bounds vs the San Diego Chargers and Darren Sproles returned his punt for a touchdown.

For all the young kickers and punters that is life in the NFL. NFL stands for NOT FOR LONG.

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Drew Butler has chance at Record

2009-10-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

This Spring the Nations leading Punter, University of Georgia Punter Drew Butler came to Scottsdale, Arizona with his father Kevin for some One on One Punting Lessons.

Drew's father, Kevin is the former Chicago Bears kicker and the only college kicker in the College Hall of Fame to date.

Drew in just two days of lessons and drills really improved his punting technique. He went back home to Georgia for spring ball and improved but was not satisfied. He knew he could still improve even more.

So, this Summer he enrolled in Coach Zauner's three day PRO DEVELOPMENT CAMP in St. Paul Minnesota at Macalester College. Once again Drew received a lot of information and worked on all phases of his punting technique.

In my PRO DEVELOPMENT CAMP Drew worked on his getoffs, directional, and pooch punting technique and also his holding technique. We also addressed the mental side of the kicking game.

PRO DEVELOPMENT CAMP

In the above photo Drew Butler (left) and Rob Maver (right) Canada's leading punter listen to Coach Zauner's instruction on the Aussie Drop Punt Technique.

Record within Butler's reach

By Marc Weiszer marc.weiszer@onlinathens.com Story updated at 10:07 pm on 10/15/2009

Drew Butler's punts in practice a year ago were a "50-50" proposition, according to Georgia coach Mark Richt.

He might wow with one kick and look so-so on another.
Now, midway through his first season holding down the Bulldogs' punting job, Butler has been rock steady.

The redshirt sophomore leads the nation with a 49.8-yard average, which is approaching rare territory.

Only one punter in the Bowl Subdivision has ever finished a season with an average of 50 or more yards per punt dating back to 1937, according to statistics kept by the NCAA.

LSU's Chad Kessler led the nation in 1997 with a 50.3 average.

Drew Butler might be next.

"That would be very awesome ," Butler said. "That would be a really cool thing to do and the fun thing about that is, I've got two more years left to go after this one, so hopefully we can just build off that."

Since 1980, a punter needed to average 3.6 punts per game to qualify for the NCAA statistics. There was no minimum from 1937-79.

Even in the Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA), the record average is 48.2 by Northern Arizona's Mark Gould in 2002.

"A 49-something average. I never thought of that. Drew's in a groove right now," said Kevin Butler, Drew's father and a former Georgia kicker who is in the College Football Hall of Fame.

"If he can hit him that far with the right hang time and a good operation. ... hey, more power to him, we're all for it," said assistant coach John Lilly, who oversees the punt team. "If not, I don't think he's going to sit there and worry about that."

Butler's main goal before the season was for Georgia to keep pace with the 37.5-yard net punting average that it had last year when it ranked fourth in the SEC. The Bulldogs top the nation in the category at 44.0 this season.

"It's relieving to see hard work and consistent performances in practice come into the field of play," Butler said. "It's felt good. Now, it's just a matter of keep doing it every week. This punt team has been playing at a championship level, and we're going to keep it that way. We're taking pride in what we do, and it's showing on the field."

Butler has gone from erratic to consistent after getting extra coaching this offseason in Arizona and Minnesota from Gary Zauner, a former NFL special teams coach who worked with Kevin Butler when he was with the Chicago Bears.

Coach Zauner with Chicago Bears Kevin Butler

Richt heard from one Georgia player that Butler and kicker Blair Walsh were on the practice fields nearly every day this summer. Butler worked to improve his drop, footwork and body position.

In the SEC, only Vanderbilt has punted more than Georgia's 29 times.

"I know the bottom line is he would not like to be punting as much and winning more games," Kevin Butler said. "I never would have thought I'd look in the paper this week and Duke would have thrown for almost 500 yards (against N.C. State), and the same weekend we couldn't get out of Tennessee alive."

Butler leaned towards going to Duke before he accepted a scholarship from Georgia in January 2007.

He backed up Brian Mimbs last season and kicked three pooch punts.

His first punt this season at Oklahoma State set the tone. It traveled 68 yards and was downed at the 2. His favorite: a fourth-quarter punt at Arkansas that went 64 yards and pinned Arkansas at its 8.

"It totally turned field position at a key moment," Lilly said.

Distance isn't everything. There's risk in outkicking your coverage and an opponent gets a big return.

Kevin Butler still holds the Georgia record for longest field goal of 60 yards against Clemson in 1984. Now, Drew is carving his own niche.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be Kevin's son," Butler said. "I love my dad. He's my best friend, but being able to do my own thing has been really cool. Not kicking, obviously, being a punter has helped. I think if I keep doing what I'm doing, hopefully people will know me and know my dad as Drew's dad."

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California (17) vs Las Vegas (30)

2009-10-11T11:35:00.001-07:00

On Thursday October 8, I coached in my first game with the United Football League, UFL California Redwoods vs the Las Vegas Locomotives. We had a half time lead of 14 to 10 but lost 30 to 17. Despite losing a hard fought game it was a great feeling being back on the sidelines coaching again.

This next week on October 17 we will play our next game in San Francisco at AT & T Stadium against the New York Sentinels at 6:00 PM.

Once again because of my practice and meeting schedule I will not have time to write a lot but have posted many photos for your viewing.

All photos by coach's media guy Craig Kasnoff.

Coach Zauner back on the sidelines:

My wife Michelle with friend Angie Lawrence on the sideline before the game:

Kordell Stewart (Slash) one of my former Baltimore Ravens players was on the sideline interviewing players. Kordell and I talked about a game in which he had to punt vs the New York Jets because of an injury to our punter. He was named AFC Special Teams player of the week for his performance.

Game was played at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas:

California Redwoods team stretch:

Head Coach Dennis Green California Redwoods talks to players on sideline:

UFL Head Coaches Dennis Green (California) and Jim Fassel (Las Vegas)

Coach Zauner & Specialist in Pre Game Warmup:

Actor Denzel Washington was in attendance watching his son #43 John David Washington:

Coach Zauner coaching photos:

Coach Zauner and Assistant Steve Hoppe watching the action:

Above Coach Zauner with Snapper Nick Sundberg

Punter Derrick Frost Kneeling on Sideline

Kicker Parker Douglass Kicking PAT

Kickoff Cover Team

Derrick Frost Punting in 1st half

Parker Douglass Kicking Off

#3 Parker Douglass

#12 B.J. Sams

DEFENSE PHOTOS

OFFENSE PHOTOS

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California Redwoods Practice

2009-10-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

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Punters 1st in NCAA & NFL Punting

2009-10-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

Georgia's punter Drew Butler Leads the NCAA and Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan Leads the NFL in gross punting averages.

As I drove home today to Fountain Hills, Arizona from my UFL practice with the California Redwoods in Casa Grande, Arizona I listened to the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers football game. During the game the play by play announcer mentioned that Georgia Bulldog punter, Drew Butler was leading the NCAA in punting average with a 50.1 yard average.

When I got home I checked out some NFL stats and noticed that Seattle Seahawks punter, Jon Ryan was leading the NFL in punting average.

I must say I was feeling pretty good knowing I had helped some of my students take their punting games to the next level.

Last year in September and this summer I worked with Jon Ryan and in early March of 2009 my old friend Kevin Butler former Chicago Bears and College Hall of Fame Kicker, brought his son Drew to Scottsdale, Arizona for some One on One punting lessons.

Drew has called me a couple of times to update me on his progress and thank me for all my help. Drew not only did some One on One lessons but also attend one of my PRO Development Kicking Camps this summer in Minnesota.

Coach Zauner works Drop Progression Drill with Drew Butler

Coach Zauner explains to Kevin what Drew needs to work on.

Kevin Butler watches Son Drew get Video Taped

Drew Butler and Kevin Butler with Coach Zauner

SEAHAWKS JON RYAN'S - 52.8 Yard Punting Average Leads the NFL after week 3

In 2007 after the fourth preseason game Jon Ryan was surprisingly cut by the Green Bay Packers. The next week he called me and got on a plan and traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona for some One on One Punting Lessons.

During his time in Scottsdale, I introduced Jon to my Drop Progression and One Step Drills. We also worked on his get offs and directional punting. Maybe the most important thing Jon received out of his One on One Sessions was getting his confidence back.

The next week Jon received a call from the Seattle Seahawks. He flew up to Seattle and had an outstanding punting workout with Seattle's Special Teams Coach Bruce De Haven and was signed to be their punter for the remaining part of the 2008 season.

Coach Zauner teaches Drop Progression Drill to Jon Ryan

Below photo Coach Zauner teaches One Step Drill

Click below to view Jon Ryan's testimonial after working some One on One Punting Lessons in Scottsdale, Arizona after he was released in Sept of 2008 by the Green Bay Packers. The next week Jon was signed by the Seattle Seahawks. After three games in the 2009 season Jon is leading the NFL with a 52.8 yard punting average. His net punting average is 45.1 yards.

In 2009 Jon Ryan came to the River Falls Kicking Camp in River Falls, Wisconsin to work again with Coach Zauner. He had planned to work some more One on One Punting Lessons this Spring in Scottsdale, Arizona. However, because of the coaching change in Seattle from Mike Holmgren to Jim Mora Jr. we were unable to get together.

So, in late June Jon worked out his schedule so he could be available to help me at the River Falls Kicking Camp and be able to work with me between sessions on his own technique.

Coach Zauner working to perfect Jon Ryan's Drop

Jon Ryan & Coach Zauner at River Falls Kicking Camp

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CA Redwoods Scrimmage Photos

2009-10-03T23:26:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures of the UFL California Redwoods scrimmaging and getting ready for their first game on October 8th in Las Vegas against the Las Vegas Locomotives.

All photos by coach's media guy Craig Kasnoff.

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Lichtenstein Earns Big East Honors

2009-09-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

Those who think a kicking specialist has little importance in a football game would have a hard time convincing Syracuse University of that.

Check out this article where my former One on One student Ryan Lichtenstein kicked a 41 yard field goal on the final play of the game to help Syracuse win against Northwestern.

Ryan was named 'Big East Special Teams Player Of The Week'.

Below are a few photos of me working with Ryan.

Ryan Lichtenstein and Coach Zauner

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CA Redwoods UFL Training Camp

2009-09-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

Coach Zauner in Training Camp with the UFL (United Football League) California Redwoods in Casa Grande, Arizona. The California Redwoods and the Las Vegas Locomotives are both training at this brand new facility. All photos by my media guy Craig Kasnoff.

Weight Room is being filled everyday with more weights.

Head Coach Dennis Green with Coach Zauner (Special Teams Coordinator)

Coach Zauner talking personnel with Coach Green

Coach Green, Larry Fitzgerald Sr. and Coach Zauner watching practice

Coach Zauner talking with assistant coaches before special teams practice

Coach Zauner organizing special teams practice

Coach Zauner working punt cover drill

Coach Zauner with Steve Hoppe, special teams assistant.

Coach Hoppe organizing punt rush scheme with return team

Coach Zauner working with Punt Return Team

Derrick Frost Punting during Special Teams Period

Coach Zauner uses camera to analyze Frost's Technique

Coach Zauner notices Frost over striding and falling back.

Derrick Frost working on shortening steps & drop

Nick Sundberg snaps to Derrick Frost while Coach Zauner times getoffs.

Coach Zauner taking photo's of Parker Douglass

Coach Zauner analyzes Parker Douglass technique

Coach Zauner trying Parker Douglass to use a little more hip!

Kicker Parker Douglass - South Dakota State works on timing

Nick Sundberg - Snapper from Cal. Berkeley

Derrick Frost - Punter from Northern Iowa and NFL Veteran

Coach Zauner talking to kicking specialists after workout

Derrick Frost, Coach Zauner, Nick Sundberg & Parker Douglass

Assistant Coach Zauner with Head Coach Michelle Zauner

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Chris Bodnar, Just Call Him Bigfoot

2009-09-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

The following are excerpts from an article in the Canadian paper, The Star Phoenix about Chris Bodnar, a punter I have been working with from Canada.

It's always nice to be recognized for accomplishments, whether your the kicker or the kicking coach.

There is a link to the full article at the end of the excerpts.

Bodnar's total punting yardage for the season surpassed the one-mile mark -- that's the equivalent of 1,760 yards -- during last weekend's 18-14 win over the Regina Thunder.

Bodnar did more than average 46.3 yards per punt in that game, though. He also went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts and twice he kept drives alive by scrambling for first downs on third-and-medium.

For his efforts, Bodnar earned national recognition as the Canadian Junior Football League's special teams player of the week. He leads the CJFL -- comprised of the Prairie Junior, B.C. and Ontario conferences -- in both punting average (44.0 yards) and field goal percentage (9-for-10, 90 per cent).

Several CFL teams have taken notice of Bodnar, who is eligible for next spring's CFL draft. He has spent the past couple of years training with Arizona punting guru Gary Zauner. And, in an effort to make himself more versatile, Bodnar has stepped up his field goal training, too.

"When I came into the year, field goals were my weak point," says Bodnar, who had only cursory knowledge of placekicking when he took over that role with the Hilltops midway through last season.

He has proven a quick study, though, and is hoping his ability to both placekick and punt will make him more attractive to CFL teams.

Chris Bodnar deserves this recognition for his success. You can click on this link for the full article.

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Coach Zauner Joins UFL

2009-09-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

This season I will be the Special Teams Coordinator for the newly formed United Football League's (UFL) California Redwoods.

This will only be a short 'break' from my consulting business as the UFL's 'Premier' Season will run from September to November.

I am excited about being part of the launch of this new league, and once again I have the fortunate opportunity to be working with Coach Dennis Green, who will be the Head Coach for the team.

I plan to continue my blog, though it will focus on other issues and projects other than my consulting and 'One on One' lessons.

I plan to resume my consulting in December with a possible kicking specialists camp held in Australia. This camp would focus on 'evaluating' Australian kickers for my next Free Agent Specialists Combine currently scheduled for early 2010.

While in Australia, I will also be looking at offering 'One on One' lessons for those Australians interested in playing professional football in the United States.

I have a full 2010 agenda planned for coaching and consulting, and which you can view on www.coachzauner.com.

I have no idea if this UFL 'Premier' Season with the California Redwoods will turn into additional seasons of UFL coaching, but I am not closing the door to a future coaching position on a professional team should the right occasion arise.

I love coaching, so we'll just have to wait and see what the future brings.

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Scottsdale CC Kicking Specialist's

2009-09-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Tyler Rosenfield / Dillon Jackson / Josh Hubner

On Tuesday and Thursday of this week I worked with the kicking specialists at Scottsdale Community College here in Scottsdale, Arizona.

During the spring I met head coach Doug Madoski at SCC and he mentioned should I have some available time during the season if I would be willing to come out and spend a couple days with his kicking specialist's.

During the spring I was actually giving One on One Lessons to Arizona's All State Punter Josh Hubner who is 6'2 225 lbs and was one of Desert Mountain High Schools top athletes. I mentioned to Coach Madoski if he didn't have a punter he should look at Josh.

So, when I showed up at practice on Tuesday there was Josh. Josh is a young good looking athlete that has a lot of potential and must continue to work on the basic fundamentals like all kickers and punters. During practice Josh hit several Power Zone Punts with excellent distance and hang time.

I also worked with three long snappers. One of the special teams coaches mentioned they were having some snapping issues. I took all three snappers for about 45 minutes and went through some fundamentals and drills. Just in that short amount of time all three snappers improved and thanked me for my assistance.

When I went back on Thursday it was special teams day. Scottsdale CC was preparing for their game this weekend with Mesa Junior College.

During practice I worked with the kicking specialists on more basic fundamentals. We worked on snapping 'Perfect Laces', the hold and timing on field goals.

Tyler Rosenfield Snapping 'Perfect Laces' to Josh Hubner

Josh Hubner Holding for Dillon Jackson

I have been giving a lot of One on One Lessons this year and I must say it was good to get back out on the field with the entire team and coach. I wish Coach Madoski and all the players at Scottsdale Community College the best of luck this season.

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'Kicking For The Gold'

2009-09-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Kicking a ball for an Olympic gold. Wouldn't that be great. That's why I launched the Kicking For The Gold website.

While watching Michael Phelps win all his gold medals for swimming during the 2008 Olympics, I once again started wondering who was the greatest kicker in the world. Or to be more specific, who would be the best in the world at ‘kicking a ball’ for distance and accuracy.

I’ve worked with some of the greatest kickers and punters in the NFL, so I know some of the best kickers and punters in American football. But what happens when you throw into the mix soccer, rugby and Australian rules football players. Who, out of all these individuals, would kick a ball the highest, the furthest and with the greatest accuracy.

Considering ‘kicking a ball’ is perhaps the most wide-spread sports activity in the world, wouldn't it be fascinating to find out just who is the best at it! And what better way to find out then by making it an Olympic event."

Although I am getting interviews regarding 'Kicking For The Gold' from some of the top kicking specialists in the world, I would like to have input from every kicking specialist or anyone who is a fan of kicking.

To ensure everyone can voice their thoughts on Kicking For The Gold I am asking kickers -or kicking enthusiasts- to create a video and post it to YouTube with the tag: 'Kicking For The Gold'.

These videos should include a persons thoughts on how 'kicking' as an Olympic sport might be implemented. Should it be an individual or team sport? What kind of ball might be used? Should a new universal ball be created specifically for the event?

And perhaps most importantly, who do you think would be the best 'kicker' in the world? Would that be a football, soccer, rugby, or Australian rules football player. Or would it be someone who has never played the game?

Post your videos to YouTube and I will select some to post on 'Kicking For The Gold' website and this blog.

Here is a YouTube sample video created by James Wilhoit, former kicker from the University of Tennessee.

Perhaps together we can convince the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to take this idea under consideration for the 2012 Olympics.

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Visit: 'Kicking For The Gold ' Website

Connor Hughes One on One Lessons

2009-09-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

On Monday and Tuesday former University of Virginia kicker, Connor Hughes was in Scottsdale, Arizona for some One on One Kicking Lessons.

After graduation Conner was signed as a free agent and went to mini camp in 2007 with the New Orleans Saints. He was cut and signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers and later sent to NFL Europe.

Conner has had an excellent college career and has a taste of the NFL. He like many kicking specialists that have had excellent college careers and have been in a couple of NFL camps are all trying to figure out why NFL teams are not giving him and others like him any more tryout looks.

In my opinion the new decade of GM's and Directors of Pro and College Personnel have very little patients for developing kicking specialists. They think the answer to replacing their kicking specialists is through the most recent draft. Kicking specialists are like a fine wine, they take time to mature.

The only problem today is there is no place to mature and develop. The 80 man NFL roster limits and the absence of NFL Europe and Arena 1 football are causing the American kicker, punter and snapper to become a dying breed.

Hopefully, the United Football League (UFL) and the four teams this year with the possibility of the league increasing to 8 or 10 teams in 2010 will produce more job opportunities for kicking specialists in the near future.

On Monday,Connor kicked and showed me a good leg but some inconsistency because of some minor technique flaws. Conner is a former soccer player and was a natural kicker.

However, in the last couple of years Connor has received some instruction and advice from a couple of special teams and kicking coaches that I think have slowed or hindered his development.

On Monday we reviewed his video and he mentioned to me that he has unknowingly changed his kicking technique. We watched video of several other NFL kickers and I came up with a progression of drills that I thought would give Connor the proper muscle memory to be a more consistent kicker.

At the end of the second session Connor was very happy with the way he was kicking field goals and kicking off.

Connor finished his day kicking field goals with a snap and hold. Lending a helping hand snapping was Nick Sundberg from Cal. Berkeley and holding was 14 year NFL punter Mitch Berger. I worked with Nick and Mitch after Connor finished his One on One Kicking Lessons.

Connor Hughes, Nick Sundberg & Mitch Berger

Click below to listen to Connor Hughes testimonial on working with Coach Zauner:

It was a real pleasure meeting and working with Connor Hughes. He is a fine young man and has a lot of ability. I know that if he works the drills and technique and gets the proper muscle memory he will impress the NFL scouts and coaches at my March Free Agent Specialists Combine.

I wish him the best of luck in his pursuit of securing a kicking position in the NFL or UFL.

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The 'Fred Mitchell Award'

2009-08-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

A new award has been created for Elite Division II and III College Kickers, and I have the honor to be associated with it.

Starting with the 2009 college football season, the annual Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place-Kicker Award (also known as the Fred Mitchell Award) will be provided to the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker. The recipient will be chosen from among the approximately 150 Division II and 240 Division III football teams.

The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the record-setting place-kicker who was also a Wittenberg University Athletic Hall of Famer, author, philanthropist and Chicago Tribune sports columnist. The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be chosen based on excellence on the football field and in the community.

I have been asked to be on a blue-ribbon Selection Committee who will evaluate place-kickers that are nominated by Division II and III schools.

There are nine members of the Pro and/or College Football Hall of Fame on the Selection Committee including Tom Beck, George Blanda, Kevin Butler, Lou Holtz, Paul Hornung, Marv Levy, Steve McMichael, Don Pierson and Gale Sayers. Several former football players that are active in their communities are also on the Selection Committee including Carl Allegretti, Sean Gothier, Jeff Michalczyk, Mark Murphy, Rob Perry, Bob Thomas, Todd Wilkins, Rob Zvonar and me.

There are also eight former college or NFL place-kickers on the Selection Committee.

ABOUT FRED MITCHELL:

Fred Mitchell is a long-time Chicago Tribune sports columnist who enjoyed a distinguished career as one of the nation’s first prominent small-college place-kicking specialists at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.

During the mid-1960s, Mitchell set the NCAA “College Division” record for career points scored by kicking while playing in the Ohio Athletic Conference for the legendary Bill Edwards, who later was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Edwards had previously served as head coach of the Detroit Lions (1941-42) and as an assistant coach to Paul Brown with the Cleveland Browns. It was with the Browns that Edwards tutored Pro Football Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groza.

Mitchell, who was named to the Lutheran College All-America team in 1968, was inducted into Wittenberg’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.

Mitchell played semi-pro football with the Columbus Bucks while teaching English and coaching football and track at Grove City (Ohio) High School. One of his players, defensive end Gary Burley, went on to play nine years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons. Burley started in Super Bowl XVI for the Bengals.

THE AWARD PRESENTATION:

This year, the Award’s Watch List will be released in August; the winner will be announced in mid-December; the school of the Award winner will receive scholarship funds and the Fred Mitchell Award trophy will be presented in February at the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall.

I can only say it’s a gratifying feeling to be in the company of the talented people who will be selecting the recipient for this award. It is just more icing on the wonderful football career I have been so fortunate to have enjoyed over the years.

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Rankings Services and Scholarships

2009-08-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Today I received an email and telephone call from a very elated father, Sam Lichtenstein. Sam's son Ryan was one of my One on One Lessons this summer in Scottsdale, Arizona. Sam was informed that his son Ryan was named the starting kicker at Syracuse University.

Ryan, who is a freshman walk-on from Gateway High School in Monroeville, PA recently beat out a freshman scholarship kicker who was ranked a top kicker at one of the many 'elite' kicking camps held throughout the country.

The irony of this was when I first met met Sam and his son Ryan, they made it a point to tell me how disappointed they were that Ryan, who was one of the top kickers in the state of Pennsylvania, had not received any kicking scholarship offers from any universities.

Sam said he was concerned Ryan may have been passed over for a college scholarship because he had lost his 'rankings' after he had stopped attending one of the kicking camps that 'ranked' players. To him, it seemed that colleges and universities rely on these 'rankings' to award scholarships to kicking specialists.

Sam said Ryan had attended some of these camps during his sophomore year, but stopped going because he realized the camps were more about competition, rankings, and not about coaching.

But regardless all of this, here he was after a few months and a few One on One lessons, securing a starting position at a major university. Ryan's dad has reason to be elated!

This situation with Ryan re-enforced an issue which I hear about from many parents who bring their sons to me for One on One lessons and one, as a former college special teams coach, is of particular concern to me. And that is how some colleges and universities seem to base their scholarships awards to kicking specialist's base on these so called 'rankings' from kicking camps around the county rather than on a kicker's talent and ability.

Rankings which seem to be based primarily on how 'big' a kickers leg is, how many times a player attends one of these camps and how many private lessons they take from a head instructor. Rankings which have no consistent standard conforming with college or professional football requirements, as illustrated by the fact many of these kicking specialists are ranked kicking off 'tees' while others are not.

There are no kicking 'block or tees' for field goal kicking in college football.

When I was college coach and recruited kickers, one of the biggest obstacles for a high school kicker transitioning from high school to college was kicking off a one or two inch block to the ground. And I don't believe this has changed through the years.

During our initial conversation, Sam told me he believed that these camps that evaluate and 'rank' kickers seem to be more about about competition and rankings rather than coaching. He also said it concerned him because even though Ryan had attended a few of these camps and was 'ranked' well, he lost his ranking as he stopped attending them.

And to Sam, that meant that Ryan's loss of 'ranking' would mean his chances of receiving a scholarship would be jeopardized.

Sam is not the only father who has said there seemed to be a correlation between the number of times a kicking specialist attended a camp and how many private lessons they took, impacted the rankings they received.

It appeared when they stopped attending these camps and feeding the 'money tree' their rankings would diminish.

Many parents have told me the same thing.

Unfortunately what this means is that parents, who want to improve their son's chances of getting a scholarship, have to be able to afford many camps, travel expenses, lessons, or they have to watch their child move down in the rankings.

The 'ranking' issue is not the only issue parents have expressed concerns with.

Many fathers have told me the camps that 'rank' players, seem to offer 'little to no' actual coaching. They say their sons get to compete and get ranked at these camps, but rarely get the instruction needed to improve their technique to make them better kickers, punters or snappers and take their game to the next level.

The troubling part of this is it seems many universities and colleges around the country recruit their kicking specialists, and give scholarships based on these 'rankings'. This, regardless the fact that the kicker may or may not have the skills and techniques necessary to compete at a college level.

This certainly brings up an interesting point.

When a major university invests tens of thousands of dollars a year in scholarship money on an a potential kicking specialist or athlete, you would think they would want to recruit the 'best' kicking specialist possible and not just the one that was recommend through a 'ranking' system.

When I was recruiting kicking specialists or football players I know we wanted to invest in the best players possible.

I was a college coach for eleven years and it was my goal to only recruit walk-ons who had the potential to be excellent kicking specialists. After a kicker would walk-on I would work fundamentals and drills with these players and refine their technique.

We only gave the scholarships to players that earned it. We didn't give scholarships because I was told they 'ranked' highly at some camp run by someone I didn't know.

In my opinion football scholarships are investments for the future of the college or university football program. A university can't afford to make too many mistakes or have too many bad investments, and this is why they should be recruiting the best player, not the best 'ranked' player.

The key to any kicking specialists or athletes development is fundamentals, drills and technique, not 'rankings'.

I am very happy for Sam and Ryan. Ryan has worked hard and diligently on his kicking technique to be the best he can be. His hard work has paid dividends. He has now secured a starting position and must work hard to keep that position.

This situation has shown me or again proved the point that kickers and punters with good fundamentals and technique will -and should- prevail over players that -in my opinion- can seemingly buy their rankings.

Sam and Ryan realized that One on One Lessons were a path to a college scholarship and perhaps in the future a path to playing professional football.

In August Coach Zauner once again worked with Ryan in Pittsburgh before he left for Syracuse.

Click below to listen to Sam Lichenstein's testimonial about his son Ryan working with Coach Zauner.

Two days later Ryan was awarded a 'Full Scholarship' as the starting kicker!

"Congratulations Ryan"

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Berger & Sundberg Training in AZ

2009-08-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

After a four day golf vacation at my cottage in the White Mountains of Show Low Arizona I was back working Monday and Tuesday in Scottsdale giving One on One Lessons with Mitch Berger and Nick Sundberg.

Mitch is training and getting ready for any upcoming tryout with a team that might need a veteran punter. Nick also is staying in shape after recently being released by the Carolina Panthers after three months competing against two other long snappers.

As for me I love coaching and assisting players to take their games to the next level. Mitch has been punting extremely well and improving every day. Mitch needed to start working with a snapper and Nick wanted to get some work in.

It was a perfect match for all of us. I was coaching two excellent kicking specialists that are trying to refine their technique and more importantly want to be coached.

After working on some individual drills we moved to punting situations. Mitch worked on some Open Field, Directional, Pooch and End Zone Punting situations.

Nick first worked on some warm up drills then progressed to some 10, 12 and 15 yards snaps. We emphasized snapping balls and hitting Mitch exactly on his hip. I must say that Nick was a machine.

Both players are working at a very high level. I can't believe that Mitch and Nick are not in an NFL camp. I know most teams like to give young kickers and punters a chance to prove themselves so they can save money for the salary cap. However, I don't think there are 32 snappers better than Nick Sundberg.

Some times all players can do is practice, stay in shape and hope to get another chance. Nobody wants a player to get hurt however, it is a part of the game.

Just the other day I was watching Sports Center and saw the Bengals kicker Shayne Graham got hurt in the game and Chad Ochocinco had to kick an extra point and kickoff. On Saturday their special teams coach called me asking for a couple of names of young kickers that they could bring in to workout.

They brought in a couple of young kickers and signed a rookie kicker out of Wake Forest. Every team has a short list of veteran and rookie specialists. This time Sam Swank was in the right place at the right time.

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Matthew Greenblatt One on One

2009-08-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

On Monday and Tuesday Matthew Greenblatt and his father flew from New York to Phoenix, Arizona for some One on One Kicking Lessons.

Matthew was a high school soccer player in the state of New York but never played high school football. All his free time was devoted to his high school and club soccer teams.

Matthew is attending the University of Michigan and has aspirations when school starts in September to tryout as a kicker for the football team. Matthew told me that he has never had any type of formal training as a kicker but has a lot of soccer foot skills. He is here is Fountain Hills, Arizona because he wants to be the best he can be.

During the first lesson Matthew went through a brief stretch and warm up and just started to kick. When I asked him about drills he replied, all I do is just kick. He told me he is here to learn as much as he can to get better.

I could quickly tell that this young man has some talent but absolutely no fundamentals. He marked off his steps and approached the ball from a long distance and kicked at the football like a kickoff. Sometimes he kicked and skipped and other times he kicked and hurdled.

Many soccer players that have never played organized football usually try to kick a football like a soccer ball. They usually try to punch, chip or pass a kick and don't use their hip. Many soccer players also don't lock their ankle or knee.

After the first lesson we went back to my office and reviewed Matthew's video tape. Matthew had never seen himself kick and was very surprised at what he saw. I went over many video tapes of other NFL kickers and stressed fundamentals.

I showed and taught Matthew several drills in my office and I told him to go back to his hotel and work the drills as many times as he could before the next lesson.

We started day two at one end of the field working my end zone line drill. I could quickly tell that Matthew had been practicing my drills. In combination with my end zone line drill I also introduced my foot position, one step and target zone drills.

I put together a teaching progression specifically for Matthew that would introduce him to the kicking fundamentals and several important drills. Matthew was a quick study. Quickly during the one step drill he started using his hip more and was kicking and skipping up and through the ball much better.

After an hour of kicking drills we progressed back to the field and continued to work on Matthew's perfect triangle. Matthew's approach the first day was too long and he was taking too many steps. We shortened his approach and worked on his alignment.

Matthew was now kicking with much better technique. The balls were flying with much more height and distance. Most of his kicks were now traveling from 47 to 53 yards and he was kicking with less effort. He was beginning to look like a field goal kicker and not a soccer player trying to pass the ball through the goal posts.

I must say it was a real pleasure meeting and working with Matthew Greenblatt. It is always a very gratifying experience for a coach or teacher to see improvement. In two days his performance was like night and day.

Matthew is very dedicated to kicking and getting better. I wish him the best of luck in his future kicking endeavors.

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Tomas Silva Western Ontario

2009-08-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

On Monday and Tuesday Canadian Tomas Silva of Western Ontario University in London Ontario, Canada was in Scottsdale, Arizona for some One on One Punting and Kicking Lessons. Tomas is the back up combination kicking specialist and is trying to get better to compete against the incumbent.

On Monday morning Tomas punted first and after his session stayed and watched a fellow Canadian, Mitch Berger go through his One on One Training Lesson.

Mitch is a 14 year veteran NFL punter and is coming off a season playing with the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mitch Berger with Super Bowl Ring

Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Super Bowl Ring

Tomas informed me before he came to Scottsdale that he has had absolutely no formal coaching instruction for punting and kicking.

During his first session he started to warm up and punted some balls down field. Tomas actually hit a couple of nice punts with good distance. As he continued punting each ball he kept falling backwards after each punt.

As I continued to watch his punting technique and more specifically his drop I noticed he was pushing the ball outside his punting leg. He was more or less trying to wipe a spiral. He hit a lot of pretty good punts but started to hit some stray bullets or shanks.

For a specialist that had no formal training I could tell that Tomas had some pretty good pop in his leg but not a lot of technique. That is why Tomas came here to see me. To learn the proper fundamentals and drills and to refine his technique and take his game to the next level.

After his first lesson Tomas watched Mitch Berger go through his punting workout. I was stressing almost some of the same fundamental coaching points to Mitch. I told Tomas to watch and listen.

After the One on One Lesson we reviewed Tomas's video. He had never seen himself on tape and was a little amazed at what he looked like on video. I pointed out some coaching points and showed him my Drop Progression and One Step Drills.

I showed him video of two other Canadian Punters Mitch Berger and Jon Ryan. I mentioned that punter's fundamentals are pretty much all the same but everyone has a little different style.

When Tomas made good foot to ball contact and punted up and through the ball he hit some excellent Power Zone Punts.

We went out on the field again Monday late afternoon to work on a couple of drills. That night Tomas worked on more drills back at the hotel.

Tuesday morning I could see that Tomas's drill work on the field and at the hotel at night was already paying dividends. He was not only getting better at all the drills but was also looking smoother and punting with better technique.

We spent the remainder of time on Tuesday working on Tomas's field goal and kickoff technique.

In Canada the college kickers get to kick field goals using a one inch block. Tomas showed me a good strong leg. He hit many of his field goal 55 to 60 yards off the one inch block.

Once again I tried to stress kicking fundamentals. We worked getting Tomas's perfect triangle. He hit some great balls but needed to get a more consistent. He like many kickers had an inconsistent plant which produced a inconsistent foot to ball contact.

Another reason for his inconsistency was he was taught to aim and kick way to low on the ball. If any kickers target and contact on the ball is too low it will cause the ball to have too much spin. Too much spin reduces the distance a ball will travel.

Once Tomas started to kick with the sweet spot of his foot to the sweet spot of the football his kicks flew straighter, higher and with more distance. Tomas was smiling at the end of his two days of One on One Lessons.

It was a real pleasure meeting and working with Tomas Silva. He improved in all phases of his kicking and I wish him the best of luck this upcoming season.

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Hall of Fame Induction

2009-08-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday night Michelle and I attended the PRO Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium where the Hall of Fame Game between the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans took place on Sunday evening.

Saturday morning and afternoon it rained all day. However, the football Gods stepped in and threw a red flag and penalized the weather 15 yards for foul weather. Then an hour before the event started the sun came out and the weather was beautiful all evening long.

There are so many stories that go with an event of this magnitude and being a former special teams coach and current kicking consultant I am not qualified to write long stories. However, I am a pretty good photographer and took some great pictures.

Enjoy my photo gallery from the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Michelle and I had pretty good seats on the field. The stage was filled with many of the past PRO Football Hall of Fame Players.

Rich Eisen from the NFL Network was the Master of Ceremony and did an excellent job announcing and directing everyone through the entire evening. Rich started the evening by introducing all the PRO Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees and their presenters.

Two of the Hall of Fame players that were inducted have since past on. The families of "Bullet" Bob Hayes (Dallas Cowboys) and Derrick Thomas (K.C. Chiefs) had the sons accept their inductions on their behalf.

The very popular ESPN announcer Chris Berman presented Ralph Wilson Jr.. Chris did an outstanding job presenting Mr. Wilson, 90 year young owner of the Buffalo Bills. Chris started the ceremony and everyone after also did an outstanding job.

There were a lot of great speeches by all the presenters and inductees. I must say all the Hall of Fame Inductees were 'Hall of Fame' people.

Enjoy my photos of the PRO Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Mr. Ralph Wilson, Jr. - Buffalo Bills Owner

Randall McDaniel - Vikings Offensive Linemen

Roger Staubach presented "Bullet" Bob Hayes

Carl Peterson presented Derrick Thomas (Chiefs)

Rod Woodson - Steelers Pro Bowl Corner & Safety

Bruce Smith - Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl Defensive Linemen

Randall McDaniel speaks at his private Induction party

Randall McDaniel with Vikings & Tampa O-Line Buddies

Randall McDaniel, Vikings Snapper Mike Morris & Coach Zauner

Randall McDaniel & Coach Zauner

At the end of the evening I finally got my photo with Randall McDaniel. Everyone had a great time and I know everyone was very tired. We said our 'thanks' to Randall McDaniel's wife, Marianne and I know she was exhausted and wanted to sleep for a week.

The private party went until 1:30AM. Michelle and I caught a bus back to the hotel for an Sunday departure from Pittsburgh to Arizona.

I believe this is a first class event. The committee and all the volunteers associated with the PRO Football Hall of Fame should be complimented on the performances for creating such a successful Enshrinement Festival. It was very organized and first class all the way.

I would highly recommend to any football fan who has a chance to attend this festival or just go to the Hall of Fame and see the history of football.

It was an honor to be invited to this event by Randall and Marianne McDaniel and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

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Hall of Fame Inductees

2009-08-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

All I can say is the PRO Football Hall of Fame has been quiet the experience to date. Friday evening my wife Michelle and I had a great time at the Enshrinees Dinner.

I have seen and talked to a lot on NFL people from the league. Commissioner Roger Goodell, Ray Anderson (NFL VP of Football Operations), and Mike Pierella (Head of the NFL Officials) are some of the big names.

After the dinner I was lucky to first run into Jan Stenerud the only kicker to date that has been inducted in the Hall of Fame. Jan and I worked the River Falls Kicking Camp together for about three years in the late 1970's.

Later in the evening I ran into Warren Moon. Warren was one of the quarterbacks when I was the Special Teams Coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings. Warren is now announcing for the Seattle Seahawks.

Next, I ran into Willie Brown and Fred Biletnikoff (Oakland Raiders) Hall of Fame players. Willie and I coached together at Long Beach State for Hall of Fame Coach George Allen. Willie later became Head Coach at Long Beach State. He presently is coaching with the Raiders.

Next, I ran into Paul Krause, Minnesota Viking Hall of Fame Safety. I met Paul when I was coaching for the Vikings. We have played several rounds of golf together back in Minnesota. It was good seeing and talking to Paul.

Hall of Fame Kicker - Jan Stenerud

Warren Moon - Hall of Fame Quarterback

Willie Brown - Hall of Fame Corner Back (Raiders)

Fred Biletnikoff - Hall of Fame Receiver (Raiders)

Paul Krause - Hall of Fame Safety (Vikings)

Marv Levy - Hall of Fame Coach

Hall of Famers - Troy Aikman and John Maddan

Emmitt Thomas - Hall of Fame Defensive Back (Chiefs)

2009 Hall of Fame Class on Stage

At the end of the ceremony each PRO Football Hall of Fame inductee was give his yellow Hall of Fame sport coat to put on in front of the crowd. In the photo above Randall Mc Daniel (Vikings) has just received his new Hall of Fame jacket and is wearing it proudly.

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Kicking Displays in Hall of Fame

2009-08-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

This blog will be dedicated to kickers and kicking displays that are in the Canton's PRO Football Hall of Fame.

So, I guess the best way to start this blog is with a photo of Jan Stenerud the only kicker to date to be enshrined into the PRO Football Hall of Fame.

At the Enshrinees Dinner Friday night I saw Jan and we talked about the good old days.

Back in the late 1970's Jan Stenerud and a young Coach Zauner worked the River Falls Kicking Camp together. The River Falls Kicking Camp was the first kicking camp in the country for kicking specialists to attend. The camp would have 250 to 300 kickers and punters at each camp.

Jan Stenerud and Coach Zauner

Besides trying to enjoy the entire Hall of Fame experience, my main goal as Michelle and I toured the Hall of Fame was to take photos of all the kicking displays. For those that read my blogs I have posted many photos of interest to the kicking game and specialists.

Once again I will not be able to write a lot on each photo. Enjoy my PRO Hall of Fame Kicking Photo Gallery.

Shoe Display of Lou 'The Toe' Groza

Ben Agajanian Display 'Booten Ben'

In the photo below Tom Dempsey kicked a 63 yard field goal and set an NFL Record with a modified squared toed shoe. Tom was born with a club foot and had a special shoe made for kicking.

Tom Dempsey (Straight-On Kicker) Display

Pete Gogolak - First Soccer Style Kicker in the NFL

Mark Mosley - Last Straight-On Kicker Display

Jan Stenerud's Kicking Shoe

Jerrell Wilson Punting Display

Garo Yepremian (Miami Dolphins) Display

In 1998, I was the Special Teams Coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Gary Anderson was our kicker. In 1998, Gary Anderson set NFL Records with 40 consecutive field goals, most points scored and having a 'Perfect' Season. Mike Morris was the snapper and Mitch Berger was the holder.

Gary Anderson Kicking Display

Jason Elam (Denver Broncos) Display (63 Yard Field Goal)

Seven Field Goals in One Game Display

Jason Hanson Display (Most Field Goals Over 50 Yards)

My next blog will be dedicated to the Hall of Fame Enshrinees Dinner and Induction Ceremony.

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Coach Zauner Visits Hall of Fame

2009-08-08T08:10:00.001-07:00

My wife Michelle and I have started our trip by first attending PRO Football's Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio on Friday morning.

During my Hall of Fame visit I will post many photos for everyone to view. Unfortunately I will not be able to write long blogs due to time restraints.

Coach Zauner and Michelle at PRO Football Hall of Fame

As we entered the Hall of Fame there was a display of each of the six enshrinees on the entrance wall. Joining Randall McDaniel (Minnesota Vikings) are 'Bullet' Bob Hayes (Dallas Cowboys), Derrick Thomas (Kansas City Chiefs), Bruce Smith (Buffalo Bills), Rod Woodson (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Oakland), and Ralph Wilson Jr. (Buffalo Bills) who was one of the original owners in the American Football League (AFL) in 1959.

Randall McDaniel Wall Display in PRO Football Hall of Fame

2009 Hall of Fame Enshrinees Display

In 1989 I was hired at Long Beach State as their Special Teams Coach by George Allen. George was inducted into the PRO Football Hall of Fame in 2002. I was invited to the induction ceremony by George's family but was unable to attend because I was the Special Teams Coordinator at that time for the Baltimore Ravens.

In the photo below I'm standing next to the man who started the Nickle Defense. George had a lot of 'firsts' in his coaching career. First Coach to hire a full time special teams coach. First coach to have a return specialist and a long snapper on his roster. George was a pioneer when it came to defense and the kicking game.

"It was a thrill and honor to work for George Allen a Hall of Fame Coach."

Coach Zauner with Hall of Fame Coach - George Allen

Baltimore Ravens Ed Reed Sets Return Record

Ravens Jamal Lewis Rushes for 296 Yards vs Cleveland

Michelle With The 'Lombardi Trophy'

My next blog will be dedicated to kicking displays in the PRO Football Hall of Fame.

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Robert Morris Specialist's

2009-08-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

Sunday through Wednesday I was in Pittsburgh, PA working with two of the kicking specialists at Robert Morris University. Punter Nick Schirtzinger and Kicker Garrett Clawson.

During the first two sessions on Sunday and Monday I worked with Nick and Garrett refining their punting and kicking technique.

I have worked One on One Lessons with Nick in Scottsdale, Arizona. With Nick we worked drills to not only refine his punting skills but to emphasize get off times. One thing is punting consistently in practice and the other is punting consistently with good get off times in game situations.

In the first couple sessions Nick struggled with his power zone punting technique. However, on the third day, which was windiest Nick had a great day. Into the teeth of the wind Nick was hitting punt after punt SNO spiral nose over. Nick was feeling good just days before starting fall camp.

I also had a chance to work with Garrett Clawson, the kicker at Robert Morris University. Since I had never worked with Garrett before I watched and evaluated his technique. After watching him warm up and go through his kicking routine I made a couple of suggestions.

Garrett is a cruncher. I mentioned to Garrett one of the main reasons he was missing some of his kicks to the right was the result of his severe crunching motion.

After reviewing some video we went back on the field the next day. I introduced Garrett to a progression of drills to help him get ride of his crunching problem. I told him he would not get ride of his crunching problem over night. I said he needed to work mirror drills and drills off the field to get the proper muscle memory.

In just a couple of sessions Garrett could feel the difference in his kicking technique. What I showed him with his field goal technique we applied to his kickoff technique.

Garrett said he learned a lot and was very happy with the results of his 3 day kicking and kickoff instruction. I believe both boys will have their game ready for the start of the season.

At the end of the third session Nick and Garrett's snapper showed up and the boys worked on their technique with a snap and kick. The boys had an excellent day.

It was a pleasure working with Garrett and Nick and I wish them both the best of luck this upcoming season at Robert Morris University.

Wednesday night my wife Michelle is arriving and we are heading to Canton, Ohio for the PRO Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

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