Coach Zauner's Blog...

Brendan Gibbons Dreams Come True

2012-01-04T09:36:00.044-07:00

Michigan's kicker, Brendan Gibbons kicks game winning

field goal in Sugar Bowl to defeat Virginia Tech.

Brendan Gibbons has gone from the outhouse to the penthouse, zero to hero or a nobody to a somebody in just about a year. Who knows he might be on Jay Leno. Why? He made one of the biggest kicks of his career.

Last night, Michigan kicker Brendan Gibbons made an overtime game-winning 37-yard field goal to defeat Virginia Tech in the 2012 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. With the game coming down to special teams more times than not, Brendan gave his team the winning edge by hitting his third FG of the night to finish 13 of 17 on the season!

Brendan Gibbons Drills 37 Yard Game Winner vs Virginia Tech in 2012 Sugar Bowl

Brendan Gibbons first worked with me at my January Arizona PRO Development Camp in 2011 and followed up with several One on One Kicking Lessons throughout the year. After struggling in the 2010 season going 1 of 5 in field goals, his goal was to improve and solidify himself as the number one kicker for the University of Michigan.

Brendan was Confident! Everyone Else Watches, Hopes & Prays For Game Winner

When we first met and worked together his passion and desire to improve was evident, however it was fundamentals that Brendan was lacking. As we continued to work together, we focused not only on his kicking technique, but also getting his confidence back.

As This Article Mentioned - Zero to Hero

As Brendan continued working during his football kicking lessons this past year, as a kicking coach I could easily see his improvement on the practice field. The key was how he would perform with his new kicking technique during competition and during a real game. His dedication, hard work, and this seasons game experience has renewed his confidence and made him a much better kicker today. Better technique and confidence is the key to every athletes success.

Brendan Gibbons Attends 2011 January PRO Development Camp For Kickers

During this 2012 Bowl season we have watched several kickers miss and make game winning field goals. Confidence, tempo and not changing your kicking technique is so important during pressure situations. What made Brendan's field goal even more remarkable was, he took a false step but stayed relaxed and still kicked up and through the ball with the proper kicking mechanics.

Being able to make game winning pressure kicks can be one of the most important attributes a kicker can have and the best way to learn is on the job training.

As a teacher I have always graded my students on their progress and improvement. Brendan gets an A+ for his improvement with his kicking technique from last year to this year. His final exam was his performance in the 2012 Sugar Bowl.

Brendan Works To Refine His Technique During A One on One Kicking Lesson

Congratulations Brendan, and continued success!

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Tom Lynch Wins Fred Mitchell Award

2011-12-16T18:18:00.002-07:00

St. Xavier Kicker Tom Lynch Wins Second Straight

Fred Mitchell Award

Click to View: Chicago Times Article

Fred Mitchell Presents Tom Lynch With Award

For the second year in a row, Tom Lynch (St. Xavier, Ill.) has beat out dozens of the nations top kickers to take home the Fred Mitchell Award.

The award is given to the top kicker in FCS, Div. II, Div. III, NAIA, and NJCAA for both excellence on the football field and in the community. Tom has not only had a successful season and career, but has also been instrumental in helping his team reach the NAIA National Championship this weekend!

Tom Lynch wins Field Goal Competition at Coach Zauner's 2011

January Arizona PRO Development Kicking Camp

Having a record-breaking career, this award only adds to Tom’s list of accomplishments. This season, Tom set the school record for points by a kicker in a season with 128, set the single game scoring record with 21 points against Taylor University, while going 19 of 26 in field goals on the season.

Tom also set school records for career scoring at 359 points as well as setting an NAIA record for extra points with 230.

Tom Lynch works on (FG) Technique During PRO Development Kicking Camp

In addition to his feats on the football field, Tom is also very dedicated to helping the community, which is what makes Tom a truly unique player and person. To name just a few activities he is involved in, Tom participates in his school’s annual service day doing community projects, volunteers at Misericordia helping those with developmental disorders, and lends time at the Kids Enjoy Exercise Program for children with disabilities.

Tom Lynch Working Field Goal Technique During One on One Kicking Lesson
Milwaukee, Wisconsin in July 2011

When Tom first contacted me, I did not know much about him except that he had previously won the Fred Mitchell Award. He was interested in attending my Arizona January PRO Development Camp to improve as a kicker.

During the camp, I noticed that he had a very strong leg, but he was kicking hard instead of a nice fluent motion. I knew that if he could control his power, he would be able to be more consistent. Also, during this camp he was one of the finalists in the field goal competition in a very talented field that included college and free agent specialists.

Tom Lynch Working on Hurdle Kickoff Technique During

Milwaukee PRO Development Kicking Camp

Tom then returned for a One on One Kicking Lesson and my July Milwaukee PRO Development Kicking Camp to refine his technique. He is also very interactive during film sessions by asking questions and trying to understand my 'Natural Style of Kicking'. Since I have worked with Tom, he has shown great improvement and has become a very good ball striker.

I can only say it was an honor a pleasure meeting and working with Tom Lynch. He truly has a passion for kicking. He has worked hard to take his game to the highest level and I wish him the best.

Once again, Congrats on winning your second consecutive Fred Mitchell Award and I wish you and your team the best of luck in the NAIA Championship Game vs Carroll College (Montana)!

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Click To View: Randy Bullock Wins 2011 Lou Groza Award

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Randy Bullock Wins Lou Groza Award

2011-12-11T12:54:00.007-07:00

Randy Bullock Texas A & M University

2011 Lou Groza Award Winner
All American Kicker

On Thursday night, senior and now All American Texas A & M Kicker Randy Bullock was awarded the prestigious Lou Groza Award for the nation's best kicker in FBS college football. In addition to having an extraordinary season this year, Randy has also had a very impressive career surpassing several school records and is on pace to break more before the seasons end.

Randy Working on KO Technique at 2009 Arizona PRO Development Camp

This season, Randy made 25 of 29 field goals setting a school record for most field goals in a season while also leading the nation with most field goals per game at 2.08. Randy also ranks second nationally in points with 127, which is also one point shy of the school's single season record.

Randy Working a Field Goal Drill During a One on One Lesson in 2011

Randy's 58 career field goals also rank second in the Texas A&M record books and he has the school record for most points scored in a career at 349. In addition, he was named to the Walter Camp All-American Team as well as the AFCA All-American Team.

I first met Randy in 2009 when he attended my Arizona PRO Development Kicking Camp. The first time he kicked a ball I took notice. He has what I call the Woooo factor. When someone kicks or punts a ball and you hear that Sebastian Janikowski type explosion - you turn around and say 'Woooo' who and what was that?

It was immediately clear to me that this young man had NFL potential.

The past two years Randy has come to Phoenix, Arizona to work One on One Kicking Lesson to refine his technique and improve on his consistency. I would say that he accomplished that goal.

I must say it has been a pleasure meeting and working with this young man. He has a passion for kicking and has worked extremely hard to accomplish his goals.

Next up for Randy is the Meineke Car Care Bowl against Northwestern and the NFL Draft.

Congratulations Randy and good luck!

Randy Bullock
One on One Lesson in Phoenix, Arizona

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Lessons & PRO Camps Produce Results

2011-12-09T14:29:00.003-07:00

One on One Lessons and PRO Development Camps Produce Results

These Specialists Attend PRO Development Camps & One on One Lesson:

Randy Bullock (Texas A & M) - Drew Butler (U. of Georgia)

Tom Lynch (St. Xavier) - Kyle Martens (Rice University)

One of the most satisfying feelings for a football kicking coach is to see his players winning and being recognized for their achievements on and off the field. Several of Coach Zauner's One on One students and PRO Development Camp attendees have had exceptional seasons this year.

Throughout my coaching and consulting career I have worked with 20+ Pro Bowlers and over 80 Pro Specialists during my career. From Gary Anderson's perfect season in 1998 to kickers and punters of today like Sebastian Janikowski (Raiders), Josh Scobee (Jaguars) and Jon Ryan's (Seahawks) record setting kicks and excellent seasons, has made me very proud of working with these specialists.

However, my satisfaction as a kicking coach and teacher comes from seeing players from all levels which I have had the opportunity to work with, improve and succeed. I would like to take some time to give recognition to a few college players that I have worked with over the past few years and acknowledge their accomplishments.

As I always say, ‘Coaches Coach, and the Players Play’.

Drew Butler Recipient of the Ray Guy Award

Drew Butler Working Techniques

Drew Butler (U. of Georgia), the ‘2009 Ray Guy Award Winner’, has worked with me for three years. Drew attended a PRO Development Camp in Milwaukee Wisconsin in 2009 and each year, he has come for One on One Punting Lessons during March and July, first to get ready for Spring Ball and secondly to tune up for training camp. Drew was also recently recognized as one of the recipients of the National Football Foundation (NFF) Scholar Athlete Award and two time Academic All American Award. Next challenge is the NFL Draft.

Randy Bullock Accepts Ray Guy Award

Randy Bullock Working Drills

Randy Bullock (Texas A & M) who just recently won the 2011 Lou Groza Award is another prize student. I first met Randy when he attended my PRO Development Camp in Casa Grande, AZ in 2009 and it was immediately clear to me that he had a very strong leg but needed to become more consistent. Last year and this year Randy came back for a One on One Kicking Lesson to work on his technique and improve on his consistency. This season he is currently leading the country with 25 field goals and has scored 127 points. Also, he broke the school record for most points surpassing the old record of 325, along with many other school records. I guess he accomplished his goal of becoming more consistent. Next up is the NFL Draft.

Tom Lynch Attends PRO Development Camp

Tom Lynch from St. Xavier, an NAIA school in Illinois, has had an excellent season and career. Tom first attended my January 2011 PRO Development Camp and in the summer followed up with a One On One Kicking Lesson and another PRO Development Kicking Camp in July in Milwaukee. He improved each time we worked together. In 2010 Tom won the Fred Mitchell Award for the nation’s top college kicker in FCS, Div II, Div III and NAIA, going 13 for 15 on field goals and scoring 121 points. This year Tom is 13 of 18 for field goals while scoring 122 points including two field goals over 50 yards.

Brendan Gibbons Refining His Technique

Brendan Gibbons of the University of Michigan has also been seeing success as we have been working together. Brendan came to Phoenix for the January and May Pro Development Kicking Camps, and followed up with some One on One Kicking Lessons prior to Spring Ball and training camp. Brendan's success first came from winning the starting job outright during camp and secondly finishing the season 10 of 14 on field goals. Brendan has a passion for kicking and has worked extremely hard to improve his technique and take his game to the next level.

Montreal Alouettes Draft Brody McKnight

University of Montana placekicker/punter Brody McKnight also attended a PRO Development Camp and followed with One on One Kicking and Punting Lessons. Brody was named honorable mention all-conference kicker finishing the season 21 of 27 on field goals in a conference that had a couple excellent (FCS All-American) kicking specialists. Brody had success not only being an excellent field goal kicker but turned out to be a very effective punter averaging 44 yards per punt! Being a valuable combination kicker/punter can be very attractive to PRO teams, especially the CFL where Brody was drafted in the first round by the Montreal Alouettes in the 2011 CFL draft.

Chris Rogers Attends One on One Kicking Lessons

Sacred Heart University (FCS) freshman kicker Chris Rogers, came to me for private One on One Kicking Lessons last year to improve his kicking technique and form. Throughout the three days I saw major improvements in his kicking game. When Chris returned to Sacred Heart he won the starting kicking job as a red-shirt freshman and continued to work on his technique. Chris finished the 2012 season a perfect 11 of 11 and First Team All-Northeast Conference Kicker!

Kyle Martens Perfecting His Technique

Another successful specialist is Kyle Martens from Rice University. Kyle took a One on One Punting Lesson and attended my May PRO Development Camp this summer in Phoenix, AZ. Kyle was already a very good punter, but he wanted to improve his technique to be a more consistent player. This year was Kyle’s third consecutive year as a Ray Guy Candidate while he averaged 43.8 yards on career high 78 punts. He also finishes at Rice having the highest career and season average yards per punt.

Jonathan Plisco Working Punting Techniques

Jonathan Plisco (Old Dominion) and (FCS) who took a One on One Punting Lesson, is another punter with excellent potential. Along with Kyle, Jonathan came to me boosting an already impressive résumé with a very strong leg, but wanted to improve his technique for more consistency. Jonathan has been named an FCS All-American and one of the nations leading punters for the past 3 years. This year, he ranks second in FCS punting average with a career high at 46 yards while placing 12 of his 51 punts inside the 20. Jonathan being a junior still has even more time to impress the NFL scouts for the 2012 season.

Coach Zauner Evaluates Paul Layton

This summer Paul Layton, University at Albany attended my Wisconsin PRO Development Kicking Camp. Paul had a strong freshman season. When I first saw Paul punt, I could see some inconsistencies in his drop, however it was evident he had a strong leg. As a matter of fact, he won the long punt contest during the camp that weekend. When Paul left, I felt that he had improved his drop and knew with his work ethic he would continue to excel. His hard work has paid off by averaging 43 yards with 21 of his 51 punts going inside the 20. Paul spent part of the season leading the FCS in punting and was named First Team All-Northeast Conference Punter.

Cody Morrow Attends PRO Development Camp

Cody Morrow of Mid American Nazarene a combination kicker/punter was named Honorable Mention Punter of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (NAIA). Cody first came to me to work on field goal technique but in training camp had the opportunity to punt for his team as well. He attended my Arizona PRO Development Kicking Camp in May to learn more about punting and improve his technique. Cody was very attentive in learning both my 'Natural Style of Kicking and Punting' techniques' and then applied both on the field and has continued to improve.

Garrett Maloney Working Drills

Garrett Maloney, from the University of St. Thomas (MN), is another punter that has taken several One on One Punting Lessons over the past few years and has also attended my Minnesota and Wisconsin Pro Development Camp. Garrett being an excellent athlete continues to improve. Garrett is also a duel athlete who played on the 2011 St. Thomas National Championship basketball team. This year, Garrett averaged 41 yards on 31 kicks while placing 10 punts inside the 20.

It has not only been a pleasure to work with each of these young men but also very gratifying for me. Each specialists has shown dedication, hard work, and the ability to be coached and has taken it upon themselves to become a better player. Note: If there is any specialists that has taken One on One Kicking and Punting Lessons or attended a PRO Development Camp and has had an outstanding season, please send me your information and I will try to mention you in another blog.

Kudos to these players, and again as I always say, ‘Coaches Coach, and the Players Play.’ All the credit goes to the players for performing under the pressures of the game.

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Improving Mental Focus for Football Kickers, Punters and Snappers

2011-11-03T08:15:00.001-07:00

Football players, especially make-or-break field goal kickers along with punters and snappers probably have one of the highest stress jobs in sports. Imagine: once a kicker enters a game, he is expected to hit it squarely through the uprights. Every time, only getting one chance. Imagine if your job was like that - jump into a meeting, say the absolute right words, and create a new sales deal. Stressful, right?

Now, pro and college-level football kickers, punters and snappers have an elite consulting team to help them master the physical and mental aspects of their game. Top football kicking coach consultant and former NFL Special Teams Coordinator Coach Gary Zauner and ELITE Performance Expert Deborah Dubree announce that they have aligned their service offerings to bring top-level consulting and coaching to college-level and pro-level football kickers, punters, snappers and special teams players.

This new alliance combines Coach Zauner’s recognized excellence in the physical aspects of football kicking specialists, with Deborah Dubree’s keen mastery and practical application of neuroscience, NLP training, human behavior and focused mental conditioning to special teams athletes. Together, their services will give football special teams players a sharper competitive edge to help them bridge the gap between winning and losing.

Read more about Deborah Dubree’s and Coach Zauner’s work for football kickers, punters and snappers at their website.

Click to read previous article; Coach Gary Zauner & Deborah Dubree Team Up To Offer Kicking Specialists Technical & Mental Conditioning

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Lombardi was right! It 'IS' the Only Thing!

2011-10-28T07:00:00.012-07:00

Famed Packers Head Coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the ONLY THING”.

Lombardi was a great a coach in his day. He was also a huge force of encouragement to his players. Lombardi knew that the more focused a player was on his mental game, the better his physical game would turn out, which directly led to game winning points on the scoreboard.

All athletes need mental preparation. If their focus is off, their game is off. This is especially true for pro and college football kickers, punters, snappers and other special teams’ athletes, who often play a key role in tightly contested games at crucial moments. How does one mentally prepare for those moments? Those who are truly willing to, ‘do whatever it takes to make it to the top and stay there’ turn to a proven expert. Someone who can show them how to keep their head in the game even if they feel ticked-off, upset or completely frustrated. They turn to Elite Performance Expert Deborah Dubree.

Top football kicking specialist and former NFL Special Teams Coordinator Coach Gary Zauner and ELITE Performance Expert Deborah Dubree have teamed up in a joint consulting capacity to bring top-level consulting and coaching to college-level and pro-level football kicking specialists and special teams players.

This new alliance combines Coach Zauner’s recognized excellence in the physical aspects of football kicking, punting and snapping with Deborah Dubree’s proven ClearEDGE emotional strength and mental conditioning routines for special teams athletes. The duo’s combined service offers a wealth of competitive sharpness to kickers and punters to help them bridge the gap between winning and losing.

Read more about this new elite consulting duo for football kickers, punters and snappers on Coach Zauner.com.

Click here to read press release; Gary Zauner & Deborah Dubree Team Up To Offer Kicking Specialists Technical & Mental Conditioning.

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A Kicking Specialist’s Mental Conditioning for Game Time

2011-10-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

Former NFL Special Teams Coordinator, Coach Gary Zauner has seen much over the years … the good and the bad, along with the amazing and the ordinary. He’s even marveled at watching decent football players with extraordinary ambition achieve much more than naturally great players with low inner drive.

Why does this happen? We decided to ask Coach Zauner directly. Here’s what he had to say.

“The reason most guys don't make it into the NFL is because they don't know how to handle the mental side of the kicking game, or the extreme stress that’s involved in dealing with coaches, other players, or specific game situations. Knowing exactly how to handle each of these situations is hugely important. I believe that not nearly enough time is spent preparing our young kickers, punters and snappers for all the pressure they face both on and off the field.”

“That’s why I’ve teamed up with ELITE Performance Expert Deborah Dubree. Her amazing expertise offers the talented specialists I work with some very specific ways to more easily deal with the mental focus issue. Deborah Dubree’s level of expertise around the mental and emotional side of the game offers kicking, punting and snapping specialist’s something more than they would get from just working with me on the physical component of their kicking game. Together, we feel that our coaching will make specialists even better than they already are in their game.”

Click here to read press release; Gary Zauner & Deborah Dubree Team Up To Offer Kicking Specialists Technical & Mental Conditioning.

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Josh Scobee Ties NFL Record vs Ravens

2011-10-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

Josh Scobee tied an NFL record with three field goals of at least 50 yards. He became the sixth kicker to hit three 50-yarders in a single game and the second to do so this season.

Most 50-Yard Field Goal in Game
NFL History

Player	50-yd FGs	Year
Josh Scobee	3	2011
Sebastian Janikowski	3	2011
Connor Barth	3	2009
Kris Brown	3	2007
Neil Rackers	3	2004
Morten Andersen	3	1995

Jaguars 12 - Ravens 7

Article: ESPN NFL News About The Game

Article: Josh Scobee's Four Field Goals Make The Difference

Above, Josh Scobee (Jacksonville Jaguars) working on his field goal and kickoff technique during a (3) Day One on One Kicking Lesson in Scottsdale, AZ with Coach Zauner in June of 2011.

Josh first came to Coach Zauner in the spring of 2010 after a so,so 2009 season. Josh started out very hot in 2010 in preseason not missing and then stringing together 13 straight during the regular season. As he mentions in his testimoial below, after the bye he missed a couple of kicks and felt he had gone back to his old kicking technique. He came back again this year for a three day workout and we also worked to improve his kickoff technique.

After watching Monday Night Football Game, Baltimore Ravens vs Jacksonville Jaguars it looks like Josh is kicking and kicking off at a very high level and maybe having one of his best seasons.

Matt Nelson (Louisiana Tech) who is the current kicker at Tech participated in his own two day One on One Kicking Lesson.

Louisiana Tech Kicker Matt Nelson Holds for Josh Scobee

Click below to listen to Josh Scobee's Testimonials after working One on One Kicking Lessons with Coach Zauner the last two off seasons of 2010 and 2011.

Great game Josh and continued success! It's very gratifing for any Coach to see a player he has worked with doing well. But as I always say - 'Coaches Coach and Players Play'. And all the credit goes to Josh or any kicking specialist because they're the ones that have to perform under the pressures of the game.

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2011 PRO Development Camps a Success

2011-10-21T16:39:00.250-07:00

Coach Zauner's PRO Development Camps
Provide Small Group Instruction
For College & Free Agent Kicking Specialists

Coach Zauner Instructs January Campers
Phoenix, AZ

Coach Zauner, LLC originates with One on One Kicking, Punting & Snapping Lessons... As a kicking coach consultant in 2008 I started Coach Zauner, LLC and at that point in time I was only giving One on One Lessons. My goal was to expose as many college seniors, free agents, and PRO specialists to Coach Zauner's coaching philosophy of teaching 'A Natural Style of Kicking and Punting'.

I was anticipating that the coaching and teaching philosophy which was proven to be successful early in my career as a kicking coach consultant and later as an 11 year college and 13 year NFL Special Teams Coordinator with the Vikings, Ravens and Cardinals would continue to help me with these young aspiring kicking, punting and snapping specialists.

As a side note: To date I have coached, consulted or been associated with 20 PRO Bowl specialists throughout my consulting and coaching career. However, most young high school and underclass college kicking specialists coming through these massive kicking camps, talent search, placement and showcase competition camps knew nothing about Coach Zauner.

First, I googled and checked for kicking camps and kicking coaches, the lists went on. Kicking coaches appeared to be everywhere. Names of kicking camps and coaches all around the country and names I had never heard of. Right or wrong many of these kicking coaches were still coaching specialists from the old school manual or coaching them they same way they were coached growing up.

I decided during my retirement years that I wanted to give back to kicking and the game of football that had given me so much enjoyment, satisfaction and memories. I wanted more specialists to at least get exposed to Coach Zauner's 'Natural Style of Kicking and Punting' and find out if it would work for them.

A coaching and teaching philosophy that had worked for me throughout my consulting and coaching career with many high school, college and NFL specialist. I now wanted as many younger specialists to also have an opportunity to take their kicking games to the next level and achieve their dream or goal to play professional football.

Idea For College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Combines

In 2008 while attending the NFL Combine, I went to the NFL Special Teams Coaches Dinner to honor the Special Teams Super Bowl Coach of the year. At this dinner which is paid for by the Coach of the year, all the Special Teams Coordinators and their assistant coaches talk about who's attending free agent kicking combines in the spring and who's going where.

New Orleans Saints Special Teams Coordinator, Joe Marciano one of the senior special teams coaches running the meeting turned around and asked me why I wouldn't organize and run a Combine. He said you know exactly what we want and look for. I figured with their endorsement and backing I had the opporuntity to be successful. After consulting with my wife Michelle we decided to move forward with our game plan.

Next, upon request from a group of NFL Special Teams Coaches I started my College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Combines 'A Field of Dreams' to not only help professional coaches discover free agent talent but also give deserving specialists exposure to NFL, CFL, UFL Special Teams Coaches and Pro Personnel Directors.

The success of the Coach Zauner's First Free Agent Specialist's Combine was contributed to networking, contacts and good talent. In 2009 41 specialists qualified and 17 signed NFL and CFL contracts. Billy Cundiff a free agent at the time, pretty much rebooted his career in front of 26 NFL teams. Billy is now with the Baltimore Ravens and earned 2011 PRO Bowler honors. Billy's agent Paul Sheehy was the man responsiable for getting Billy to attend this combine.

Success breeds more success! Some of the specialists that were taking One on One Kicking, Punting and Snapping Lessons and performing well at Combines were also signing NFL, CFL and UFL contracts. The word was spreading amongst kicking specialists and agents. Each year the number of specialists trying to qualify for Combines increased. Despite the increasing number of specialist trying to qualify the key was for Coach Zauner, LLC to keep the high standard of 'QUALITY' participants showcasing their talent to attending NFL, CFL and UFL Coaches and Scouts.

Why? PRO Development Kicking Camps:

Drew Butler (U. of Georgia) wins Ray Guy Award and Rob Maver (U. of Guelph / Calgary Stampeders) becomes a First Round Pick in Canadian Draft. Both took One on One Lessons and attended Coach Zauner's first and trial PRO Development Camps at Macalster College in 2010. Snapper, Morgan Cox (U. of Tennessee / Baltimore Ravens) and Kicker, Nick Novak (U. of Maryland / NFL Veteran Kicker) were also in attendance. The word was spreading down throughout the college and into the high school ranks. Thank goodness for Google and Facebook.

Morgan Cox Snaps To Drew Butler

As request grew from underclass college and now high school specialists for One on One Kicking, Punting and Snapping Lessons I needed another avenue to satisfy the growing requests from top college and free agent specialists to get their One on One Lessons. More and more kicking specialists wanted coaching instruction from Coach Zauner. However, some families could not afford One on One Lessons while other specialists, families or agents could afford One on One Lessons.

So, Coach Zauner, LLC moved forward from a 2010 trial to a series of 2011 PRO Development Kicking Camps. Keeping true to the idea of quality instruction versus quantity of campers in mind during each kicking camp.

These PRO Development Kicking Camps now provide college and free agent specialists Coach Zauner style One on One type instruction within a small group camp environment at a more affordable fee. The three (3) day weekend camps at $575.00 also include hotel accommadation and meals. These PRO Development Camps are conducted in two locations -Phoenix, AZ and Milwaukee, WI- and various times -January, May and July- for specific reasons.

Since 2007 the bottom line of Coach Zauner, LLC is for One on One Kicking, Punting and Snapping Lessons, PRO Development Kicking Camps, College Senior and Free Agent Speciaist's Combines to provide kicking, punting and snapping specialists at all levels 'A Specialist's Path To PRO Football'.

And it appears to be working!

One on One Lessons Helping Specialists To NFL Blog

College Senior Specialist's Combine Specialists to NFL Blog

Coach Zauner Provides All Instructions For PRO Development Camps

January's two PRO Development Camps prepare specialists for spring football, Indoor Arena tryouts, NFL Combine, Senior College PRO Day workouts and Coach Zauner's College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Combines held in February and March.

January Camps in Phoenix, AZ:

Fabrizio Scaccia (No College) Prepares For Training Camp
Signed with S.F. 49ers

Reid Forrest (Washington State) Prepares For NFL Combine
Signed with Buffalo Bills

John Gold (U. of Texas) Prepars for College Senior Combine
Signed with Seattle Seahawks

Coach Zauner's PRO Development Camps were started for two reasons. My, first goal was to give specialists a chance to work with me that could not afford One on One Lessons. The second goal, was to design a limited small group camp that would still offer a specialists a lot of individual Coach Zauner coaching or a One on One coaching atmosphere, while also providing competition.

This year, I decided to divide the punters and snappers into one camp with kickers and kickoff specialists in another in order to reinforce this concept. Also, by keeping the number of kicking specialists limited, it helps young men coming through to develop new friendships and measure the competition if they are pursuing ‘A Specialist’s Path To PRO Football’.

Neil Rackers (Houston Texans) Demonstrates Field Goal Technique

Nathan Whitaker (Stanford University) Prepares for Tryouts
Signed By Minnesota Vikings

May and July PRO Development Football Kicking Camps are designed for College Specialists preparing for the upcoming season and for Free Agent Kicking Specialists to prepare for PRO workouts and/or training camps.

The first of the two camps held July 15-17 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Wisconsin Lutheran College were designed for snappers and punters.

Brandon Hartson (U. of Houston) Testing on Sunday

During the weekend, I introduced new drills to kicking specialists to improve techniques and emphasize a natural style of punting while the snappers work to improve speed, accuracy and consistency. In addition, there is also a pooch punt or 'Aussie Drop Punt' contest, long punt contest, and a final competition that introduce the specialists to the testing format of the College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Combines.

Coach Zauner Teaches Aussie Drop Punt Technique

The kickers PRO Development Camp was held on July 22-24. Kickers were charted on each of

their kicks throughout the weekend to see where improvement needs to be made while also learning proper technique for kickoffs and onside kicks.

Matt Hogan (U. of Houston) Holds
For Thomas Lynch (St. Xavier)

Mike Salerno, Matt Hogan, Lirim Hajrullahu & Will Snyderwind

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Coach Zauner & ClearEdge Team Up

2011-10-21T15:59:00.006-07:00

Coach Gary Zauner & Deborah Dubree Team Up To Offer
Kicking Specialists Technical & Mental Conditioning

Phoenix, AZ ( Kazor ) October 12, 2011 – Professional and college-level kickers, punters and snappers now have an elite coaching team to help them master the technical, mental and emotional aspects of their game. Top football kicking consultant and former NFL special teams coordinator Gary Zauner and Elite Performance Expert Deborah Dubree announce that they have aligned their service offerings to bring specialists the unique blend of top level kicking, punting and snapping techniques, along with the emotional strength and mental conditioning that is necessary to outperform their competition and have the competitive edge by developing the correct muscle memory under pressure and or in game like situations.

This new alliance combines Coach Zauner’s recognized excellence for teaching ‘A Natural Style of Kicking and Punting’, with Dubree’s keen mastery of training players how to be remain calm, confident and focused even when they feel ticked off, upset or completely frustrated. Together their expertise develops highly skilled special teams players who are consistent, clear-headed and confident during critical plays.

“Constantly improving your technical skills and mental conditioning should be the number one priority for pro, college or high school level kickers, punters and snappers,” said Zauner, a former NFL special teams coordinator for 13 years with the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals. “There can be no bad days for kickers, punters and snappers; they have to be so mentally and physically focused on their game. That’s why Deborah and I are thrilled to be able to combine our talents into one amazing consulting service for kicking specialists.

As a leading authority on kicking in the football industry, Coach Zauner offers One on One Kicking, Punting and Snapping Lessons, PRO Development Camps, a College Senior and Free Agent Specialist’s Combine for athletes looking to improve their skills, and get exposure to NFL, CFL and UFLSpecial Teams Coaches, scouts and Personnel Directors in order for them to have ‘A Specialist’s Path To PRO Football.’

Deborah Dubree ( http://yourclearedge.com ) specializes in teaching highly committed and competitive athletes how to be “THE ONE.” The player who remains calm, confident and clear headed during critical plays; the player who is at his competitive best consistently, because he has conditioned and strengthened his mental game to manage the pressure on demand.

“All too often, I see highly talented players thinking way too much. They become their own worst enemy. Stress goes up and performance goes down,” said Ms. Dubree. “And that’s unacceptable to coaches in today’s ultra-competitive landscape of professional and college level football. I’m excited to join Coach Zauner in training theses talented players on exactly how to take their game to the next level … and beyond.”

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Football Kicking Coach

Football Kicking Lessons

Punting Lessons

Long Snapping Lessons

Tom Mante Looking For "Just One Shot"

2011-10-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

BG grad can’t kick his pursuit of NFL career

By TOM KING
Nashua Telegraph.com

They say punters and placekickers in professional football are only as good as their last kick.

Tom Mante is fighting the good fight to prevent his next kick from becoming his last.

“All he needs is a shot,” his former coach, current Bishop Guertin High School athletic director Tony Johnson said. “Just one shot.”

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Sebastian Janikowski Kicks 63 Yarder

2011-09-17T10:15:00.002-07:00

Sebastian Janikowski Ties NFL Record with 63 Yard Field Goal

Around this time of year I like to take a little break from camps, combines, and One on One Lessons, and spend a little time with my wife Michelle at our cabin in Show Low, Arizona. This past Monday was the opening Monday Night Football Game of the season, which featured a battle between the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos.

Even though now I am just consulting, I still like to watch football games that features coaches and players that I have had associations with when I was coaching or consulting. This particular Monday Night Football Game included the Oakland Raiders’ Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel and kicker Sebastian Janikowski.

I have had the privilege of working with both John Fassel and Sebastian Janikowski as a coach and consultant. When I was the Special Teams Coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, John was my assistant Special Teams Coach, and after the 2007 season, Sebastian came to Scottsdale, Arizona, for a three day One on One Kicking Lesson to improve his accuracy on long field goals.

On this particular Monday Night Game, both John’s Special Teams and Sebastian made some big plays. John's Special Teams unit blocked a punt for a touchdown and both his kicking specialists played exceptional. The eight time PRO Bowler and NFL's All-Time Leader in career punting average, Shane Lechler had 6 punts for a 58-yard average and Sebastian Janikowski added three field goals of 37, 21 and 63 yards. His 63-yard field goal tied an NFL Record for the longest field goal, sharing it with Tom Dempsey and Jason Elam.

Sebastian Janikowski kicks 63 Yard Field Goal vs Denver Broncos

2008 One on One Lesson with Sebastian Janikowski

In 2007, Sebastian Janikowski kicking percentage was 71.9% (most misses from long range) and his contract was ending in two years. He and his agent wanted him to improve on his field goal percentages for better contract negotiations. Sebastian and his agent felt that improving his long field goal accuracy would achieve this goal.

In June of 2008, Sebastian came to a sunny and hot Scottsdale, Arizona, for a three day One on One Kicking Lesson to improve on his long field goals. During these three days, I was amazed in how powerful his leg was and how good his natural kicking skills were. Also, he was really a good guy and very coachable.

My comment to Sebastian after watching him kick the first day was: "Lets not just get better kicking long field goals but work on a kicking technique that will make you a better all around kicker from all distances."

After his One on One Lessons, Sebastian improve his field goal percentages each year. He improved to 80% in 2008 and had a banner year in 2009, hitting 89.7% of his kicks. It was after the 2009 season, his goal was achieved when he signed a new contract making him not only one of the top paid kicking specialists in the NFL, but one of the elite NFL kicking specialists.

Coach Zauner One on One Lesson with Sebastian Janikowski

Comments From Coach Zauner's One on One Lesson with Sebastian:

The first day I watched Sebastian, I thought he was kicking too hard and out of control while many of his kicks had too much movement. In other words, his ball was hooking too much.

The next two days we worked to refine Sebastian's field goal technique. We worked on his approach angle and kicking a straight ball rather than playing a long ball hook, and using the same leg swing no matter where the attempt was on the field. Note: Most long kicks will draw a little, but his kicks had way too much movement to be consistent from long range.

I told Sebastian that because he arguably has the strongest kicking leg in football, that he should treat kicking field goals like hitting a golf ball, under control. Sebastian told me he was about a four handicap so he understood my analogy.

"Throw your driver out of your bag and just use your three wood, because you hit your three wood further than most people hit their drivers.” I then said, “Now just use one swing that is more under control and your consistency will improve. You will hit more fairways in golf just as you will make more field goals and raise your percentages in kicking a football.”

At the end of his three day One on One Kicking Lessons, he was kicking with one swing, under control, up and through the ball, finishing down field, and very happy with the results.

One on One Lessons Results:

In the last three years, I have watched several former One on One kicking students improve after their visit. Sebastian Janikowski (Oakland Raiders), Billy Cundiff (Baltimore Ravens), Josh Scobee (Jacksonville Jaguars), Rian Lindell (Buffalo Bills), Garrett Hartley (New Orleans Saints), and Nick Novak all have come to Scottsdale, Arizona for One on One Kicking Lessons, and all have left with knowledge and worked hard to become a better kicker.

As a retired coach and now a kicking consultant, my satisfaction as a coach and teacher comes from seeing my student specialists improve or fulfill their dreams by making NFL, CFL or UFL rosters.

As I tell all prospective specialists trying to make an NFL roster: "It's not easy to get into the NFL and it maybe even harder to stay in the NFL." "You can never have a bad day or you will be gone. The NFL stands for "Not For Long"

Hard Work Pays Off:

Today, I just called to congratulate Nick Novak after signing with the . Nick has worked One on One Kicking and Kickoff Lessons the last two years, attended my PRO Development Camp and Free Agent Specialist's Combine. Congrats to Nick for his hard work, perseverance and getting back into the NFL!

Sebastian Janikowski Video:

Click below to view a short video of Coach Zauner working with Sebastian during his One on One Lesson in the summer of 2008. During this short video you will see Sebastian warm up with a One Step Drill. He progresses all the way back to 60 yards. He finishes the day with 65 and 67-yard field goals from the right and left hashes.

Best of luck to John Fassel, Sebastian Janikowski and the Raiders Special Teams Units this season.

Coaches Coach and Players Play!

Coach Zauner’s goal is to emphasize a ‘Natural Style of Kicking’ while helping specialists reach their dream of playing PRO football, but it’s the players in the end that deserve the credit for their achievements.

Once Again Congrats To Sebastian Janikowski For His Record Tying 63 Yard Field Goal

Click To View YouTube Video of 63 Yard Field Goal vs Denver

Sebastian and Coach After 2008 Lesson in Scottsdale, AZ

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Cardinals Release Graham, Sign Zastudil

2011-09-02T22:29:00.002-07:00

Cardinals release 25 players, including Aussie punter Graham

By Associated Press, Friday, September 2,2011

The Cardinals’ dissatisfaction with Graham became clear nine days ago when the team signed Zastudil, who missed all last season with a knee injury. Zastudil punted for Baltimore and Cleveland with a career average of 42.7 yards per punt in 113 games.

“Dave has a body of work that we’re familiar with,” Whisenhunt said, “punting in the AFC North and in those conditions and being a successful punter. That was part of the information that we had going in. We needed to see him actually do it in the game for us, and he was impressive in the first half (Thursday night). That went a long way in answering some of those questions.”

Zastudil punted twice for an average of 47.5 yards in Thursday night’s 26-7 victory over Denver.

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Evolution of PRO Development Camps

2011-08-31T12:01:00.005-07:00

From One On One Lessons to College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Kicking Combines:

The Evolution of Coach Zauner's PRO Development Camps

Coach Gives Instruction to January Kicking Specialists in Phoenix, AZ

Coach Zauner, LLC Starts With One on One Lessons:

When I first started Coach Zauner, LLC in 2007, I was only giving One on One Kicking, Punting and Snapping Lessons. My goal was to expose as many college seniors, free agents, and PRO specialists to Coach Zauner's coaching philosophy of teaching 'A Natural Style of Kicking and Punting'.

My coaching and teaching philosophy had led to my success early in my career as a kicking coach consultant, and later as an 11 year college and 13 year NFL Special Teams Coordinator with the Vikings, Ravens, and Cardinals. I hoped that this would also lead to success in helping young aspiring kicking, punting, and snapping specialists.

I then decided during my retirement years that I wanted to give back to kicking and the game of football that had given me so much enjoyment, satisfaction and memories. I wanted to offer the opportunity for kicking specialists to get exposed to Coach Zauner's 'Natural Style of Kicking and Punting' to find out if it would work for them.

First, I researched kicking camps and kicking instructors. The lists went on and they seemed to be everywhere across the country. There were several names that I had not heard of as well. Also, several of these kicking instructors were still coaching specialists from the old school manual or coaching them they same way they were coached growing up.

Although I have coached, consulted or had been associated with now 20 PRO Bowl Specialists throughout my career, most young high school and underclass college kicking specialists going through kicking camps and showcase combines had never heard of Coach Zauner.

My dream then went from coaching in the NFL to giving many younger specialists an opportunity to take their kicking games to the next level and achieve their dream goal to play professional football by using my coaching and teaching philosophy that had worked so well for me in my coaching career.

Idea for College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Kicking Combines:

In 2008, while attending the NFL Combine, I went to the NFL special teams coaches dinner to honor the Special Teams Super Bowl Coach of the year, who also pays for the meal. During this time, all of the Special Teams Coordinators and their assistant coaches talk about who's attending free agent kicking combines in the spring and who's going where.

Houston Texans Special Teams Coordinator, Joe Marciano, one of the senior Special Teams Coaches, who was running the meeting, turned around and asked me why I wouldn't organize and run a combine because I know what NFL coaches want and look for in kicking specialists. I figured then, with the endorsement and backing of current NFL coaches, I could be successful. After going home and consulting with my wife Michelle, we decided to move forward with our game plan.

Next, upon request from a group of NFL Special Teams Coaches, I started my College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Combines 'A Field of Dreams' to not only help professional coaches discover free agent talent but also give deserving specialists exposure to NFL, CFL, UFL Special Teams Coaches and Pro Personnel Directors.

The secret to Coach Zauner's first Free Agent Specialist's Kicking Combine was networking, contacts and good talent. In 2009, 41 specialists qualified for the Free Agent Combine and 17 of them signed NFL and CFL contracts. Billy Cundiff, a free agent at the time, rebooted his career in front of 26 NFL teams. Billy is now with the Baltimore Ravens and earned 2011 PRO Bowler honors. Billy's agent, Paul Sheehy, was the man responsible for getting Billy to attend this combine.

Success breeds more success! Some of the specialists that were taking One on One Lessons and also doing well at my kicking combines were also signing NFL, CFL and UFL contracts. The word was spreading amongst specialists, agents, and coaches alike. Although each year the number of specialists trying to qualify for my combines increased, the key to success was to keep the number of participants low and the quality of specialists high for the attending NFL, CFL, and UFL Coaches and Scouts.

Why? PRO Development Camps:

Drew Butler (U. of Georgia) wins the Ray Guy Award and Rob Maver (U. of Guelph / Calgary Stampeders) becomes a First Round Pick in the Canadian Draft. Both took One on One Lessons and attended Coach Zauner's first and trial PRO Development Camps at Macalester College in 2010. Snapper, Morgan Cox (U. of Tennessee / Baltimore Ravens) and Kicker, Nick Novak (U. of Maryland / NFL Veteran Kicker) were also in attendance.

The word was spreading down throughout the college and now into the high school ranks. Thank goodness for Google and Facebook!

Morgan Cox Works Perfect Laces Drill with Drew Butler

As more college underclassmen and high school specialists began to request One on One Lessons, I needed another avenue to satisfy top college and free agent specialists in getting them their individualized lessons. While some of these specialists, families, and agents could afford One on One Lessons, there were also some that could not.

So, Coach Zauner, LLC moved forward from a 2010 trial to a series of 2011 PRO Development Kicking Camps while keeping the idea of quality instruction and not quantity of campers in mind during each kicking camp.

My PRO Development Kicking Camps now provide college and free agent specialists Coach Zauner One on One type instruction in a small group camp environment at a more affordable fee. The three (3) day weekend camps at $575.00 included hotel accommodations and food. These PRO Development Kicking Camps now take place in different locations (Phoenix and Milwaukee) and times (January, May and July) for specific reasons.

Click: One on One Lessons Helping Specialists To NFL Blog:

Click: College Senior Specialist's Combine Specialists to NFL Blog:

Participants Benefit From January and May Camps in Phoenix, Arizona:

Fabrizio Scaccia (No College) Prepares For Training Camp - Signed with S.F. 49ers

Reid Forrest (Washington State) Prepares For NFL Combine - Signed with Buffalo Bills

John Gold (U. of Texas) Prepares for College Senior Combine - Signed with Seattle Seahawks

Nathan Whitaker (Stanford University) Prepares for Tryouts - Signed By Minnesota Vikings

Change in Camp Structure:

Coach Zauner's PRO Development Kicking Camps were started for two reasons. My first goal was to give specialists a chance to work with me that could not afford One on One Kicking Punting or Snapping Lessons. The second goal was to design a limited small group camp that would still offer specialists a lot of individual Coach Zauner coaching or a One on One coaching atmosphere, while also providing competition.

This year, I decided to divide the Punters and Snappers into one camp and Kickers and Kickoff Specialists in another in order to reinforce this concept. Also, by keeping the number of kicking specialists limited, it helps young men coming through to develop new friendships and measure the competition if they are pursuing ‘A Specialist’s Path To PRO Football’.

COACH'S FINAL THOUGHT

Since 2007, the goal of Coach Zauner, LLC is for One on One Lessons, PRO Development Camps, College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Combines to provide kicking, punting, snapping specialists at all levels 'A Specialist's Path To PRO Football', and it seems to be working in all phases of Coach Zauner's kicking programs!

Coming Soon: Next Blog to Talk About Success of 2011 PRO Development Camps

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One on One Lessons Produce NFL Results

2011-08-11T15:03:00.464-07:00

Coach Zauner's One on One Lessons Produce
Results For Veteran and Rookie Kicking Specialists.

Ten (10) 2011 Draft Class Specialists Who Took One on One Lessons
Sign NFL Contracts and Compete For Roster Spots In NFL Training Camps.

Coach Zauner's One on One Lessons, PRO Development Camps,
College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Kicking Combines Provide

'A Specialist's Path To PRO Football'

Clint Stitser during a One on One Lesson in 2010

Approximately three years ago, as a kicking coach Coach Zauner started his One on One Kicking, Punting and Snapping Lessons, PRO Development Camps, College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Football Kicking Combines. Each phase of Coach Zauer, LLC is specifically designed to assists specialists so they may follow their dream and have 'A Specialist's Path To PRO Football'.

My year around One on One Lessons and PRO Development Camps (January, May and July) are designed to help kicking, punting and snapping specialists refine their fundamentals and techniques to take their game to the next level.

Coach Zauner's College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Combines in February and March were designed as my version of a 'Field of Dreams' for specialists to get exposure to NFL, CFL and UFL teams.

Coach Zauner tries to separate his teaching and coaching philosophy from other kicking coaches, camps and combines by teaching 'A Natural Style of Kicking and Punting'. And it seems to be working for College, Free Agent and Professional Specialists.

In the last three years my One on One Kicking Punting and Snapping Lessons are helping kicking specialists take their games to the next level by making them a more consistent college, free agent or professional specialist. The One on One Lessons have different results for each specialists. However, the bottom line is that each specialist has improved.

Results:

Some specialist get an NFL job (ie Garrett Hartley and Brett Kern, others have gotten back into the NFL (ie Billy Cundiff and Dave Raynor), a few have improved their stats to negotiate a bigger and better contracts (ie Sebastian Janikowski). And then there are some specialists that are simply seeking some type of professional improvement in certain aspects of their kicking game (ie Rian Lindell).

Below, check out just a few current NFL kicking specialists that have used Coach Zauner's One on One Kicking, Punting and Snapping Lessons, to refine their skills and take their game to the next level.

Snapper Matt Katula One on One Lessons in 2010 and 2011

Kicker Billy Cundiff One on One Lesson and FA Combine in 2009

Kicker Josh Scobee One on One Lesson in 2010 and 2011

Kicker Jeff Reed One on One Lessons in 2011

Punter Jon Ryan One on One Lessons 2009, 2010 and 2011

Punter Tim Masthay One on One Lesson 2009

Punter Dave Zastudil One on One Lessons in 2011

Click To Listen to these One on One Testimonials by:

Gary Anderson, Kevin Butler, Josh Scobee and Matt Katula.

Former NFL Kicker, Kevin Butler and NFL Punter, Jeff Feagles Bring Their Sons Drew (U. of Georgia) and CJ (U. of North Carolina) To Scottsdale, Arizona For One on One Punting Lessons

______________________________________________________________

Ten (10) One on One Students Sign NFL Contracts

#64 Christian Yount Snaps to #24 John Gold During 2011 College Senior Specialist's Kicking Combine. Both specialists received One on One Lessons to help refine their technique

Note, that some of the ten specialists also attended my PRO Development Camps or College Senior Specialist's Combine. All ten specialists have taken One on One Kicking, Punting and Snapping Lessons during their careers and have recently signed contracts with the following NFL teams:

Kickers: Jake Harfman (USC) signed with Atlanta Falcons / Baltimore Ravens and Nathan Whitaker (Stanford) signed with Minnesota Vikings

Punters: Chad Cunningham (U. of Tennessee) signed with Tennessee Titans, Derek Epperson (Baylor) signed with Arizona Cardinals, Reid Forrest (Washington State) signed with Buffalo Bills, John Gold (U. of Texas) signed with Seattle Seahawks, and Spencer Lanning (U. of South Carolina) signed with Chicago Bears.

Snappers: Christian Yount (UCLA) signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Utility Players and Snappers: Kyle Nelson (New Mexico State) signed with New Orleans Saints and Ryan Coulson (Nevada Reno) signed with New England Patriots.

Kicker, Jake Harfman (USC) One on One Kicking and Punting Lessons, and attended the 2011 January PRO Development Camp and College Senior Specialist's Kicking Combine

Kicker, Nathan Whitaker (Stanford) attended Coach Zauner's 2011 College Senior Combine, then received One on One Lessons and attended the May PRO Development Camp.

Chad Cunningham (U. of Tennessee) One on One Punting Lessons and PRO Development Camp

Derek Epperson (Baylor University) One on One Punting Lessons and PRO Development Camp

Reid Forrest (Washington State) One on One Punting Lessons and PRO Development Camp

John Gold (U. of Texas) received One on One Punting Lesson in 2010, then attend Coach Zauner's 2011 January PRO Development Camp and February College Senior Specialist's Combine.

Spencer Lanning (U. of South Carolina) One on One Punting Lessons in 2011

Christain Yount (UCLA) received One on One Snapping Lessons in 2011 and attended Coach Zauner's College Senior Specialist's Kicking Combine.

Snapper and Utility Player, Kyle Nelson (New Mexico State) attended Coach Zauner's 2010 May PRO Development Camp, assisted with One on One Lessons and attended the 2011 College Senior Combine.

LB, Defensive End, Utility Player and Snapper Ryan Coulson (Nevada Reno) received One on One Snapping Lessons in January of 2011 and attended both the January PRO Development Camp and College Senior Specialist's Football Kicking Combine.

Year Around One on One Training in Phoenix, AZ

Zach Enyeart (Washington State), Tom Mante (Yale), Fabrizio Scaccia (S.F 49ers),

Reid Forrest (Washington State) and Garrett Lindholm (Tarleton State)

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College Senior Combine Specialists To NFL

2011-08-11T14:28:00.007-07:00

Coach Zauner's 2011 College Senior Kicking Combine
Produces Results For Seven College Senior Specialists

Coach Zauner's
One on One Lessons, PRO Development Camps,
College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Combine

'A Specialist's Path To PRO Football'

Coach Zauner's 2011 College Senior Specialist's Kicking Combine attracted 61 College Senior Specialists. These (17) kickers, (20) punters and (24) snappers came to Phoenix, Arizona to show Coach Zauner their NFL, CFL and UFL potential.

These 61 specialists were not invited to the 2011 NFL Combine in Indianapolis and wanted to receive exposure to NFL, CFL, and UFL Personnel Directors and Special Teams Coordinators.

Because of the NFL Lockout this year many College Senior and Free Agent Specialists did not receive the same look or exposure they deserved. However, the following (7) Seven College Senior Specialists that did attend Coach Zauner's College Senior Combine did sign free agent contracts and started the 2011 NFL season in training camps in July. Many of these specialists also received One on One kicking, punting and snapping lessons and attended Coach Zauner's PRO Development Camps.

The following seven kicking specialists from Coach Zauner's 2011 College Senior Specialist's Kicking Combine signed contracts with these NFL teams:

Kickers: Jake Harfman (USC) signed with Atlanta Falcons, Nathan Whitaker (Stanford) signed with Minnesota Vikings

Punters: John Gold (U. of Texas) signed with Seattle Seahawks and Travis Baltz (U. of Maryland) signed with Indianapolis Colts

Snapper: Christian Yount (UCLA) signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Utility Players and Snappers: Kyle Nelson (New Mexico State) signed with New Orleans Saints and Ryan Coulson (Nevada Reno) signed with the New England Patriots.

Kicker, Jake Harfman (USC) participated in Coach Zauner's One on One Lessons, and attended the 2011 January PRO Development Camp and February College Senior Specialist's Combine

Kicker, Nathan Whitaker (Stanford) attended Coach Zauner's 2011 College Senior Specialist's Combine, then received One on One Kicking Lessons & attended the May PRO Development Camp.

Punter, John Gold (U. of Texas) received One on One Punting Lessons in 2010, then attend Coach Zauner's 2011 January PRO Development Camp and 2011 College Senior Specialist's Combine.

Punter, Travis Baltz (U. of Maryland) attended Coach Zauner's 2011 College Senior Combine.

Snapper, Christian Yount (UCLA) received One on One Snapping Lessons in 2011 and attended Coach Zauner's College Senior Specialist's Kicking Combine.

Snapper and Utility Player, Kyle Nelson (New Mexico State) attended Coach Zauner's 2010 May PRO Development Camp, assisted with One on One Snapping Lessons and attended the 2011 College Senior Specialist's Kicking Combine.

Click: To Listen to Testimonials by Kickers, Punters and Snappers

That Attended Coach Zauner's 2011 College Senior Specialist's Combine.

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ClearEdge Clients Signed by NFL

2011-07-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Three ClearEDGE Clients Picked Up By NFL Teams.

Agent Jerry Marlatt, President of First Team Sports Group in Dallas, knew the value that mental and emotional strength conditioning could offer his players in preparing them for 2011 Pro Days. He teamed up with ClearEDGE president Deborah Dubree to work with three of his players and all three are now signed by NFL teams.

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Striefsky channels heart into Soul

2011-06-07T11:39:00.004-07:00

Written by: KEVIN TRESOLINI

Date: June 6, 2011

Former UD kicker now working way up in AFL

"He's a great kid. There should be more like him," Zauner said of Striefsky. "Like most young men, he's progressed nicely with his accuracy and getting more distance on his kicks. It's really no different than the young guys on the PGA Tour who are good and just need to take their game to next level. Jon's doing that through training, working on his technique and working on the mental side of the game."

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Zastudil & Katula Train with Coach Zauner

2011-05-05T11:42:00.005-07:00

In 2002 when I became the Special Teams Coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens we drafted Ohio University's Punter, Dave Zastudil in the 4th Round with the 112 pick. From 2002 to 2006 I had the pleasure of working with and coaching David.

During those four years I watched Dave develop and become one of the NFL best directional and situational punters.

#70 Matt Katula, #15 Dave Zastudil, #3 Matt Stover and #12 BJ Sams

Once again I had a chance to work with Dave Zastudil and Matt Katula (former Ravens Snapper) when they both came to Scottsdale, Arizona from April 18-21 for One on One Punting Lessons and One on One Snapping Lessons.

As a NFL Coach it's always fun and rewarding to see rookie players grow and mature and become excellent veteran NFL players. However, and maybe more importantly I had a chance to watch these two young men grow up on and off the field. Both Dave and Matt are two excellent people, husbands and fathers.

Coach Zauner Signed Matt Katula in 2005 as a Free Agent Snapper

In 2010 Matt Katula was release by the Baltimore Ravens after training camp and due to an injury lost his consistency. He came to Scottsdale, Arizona for a One on One Snapping Lessons to see his former Coach, Gary Zauner with the hopes of getting his form and consistency back.

Matt Katula Working Perfect Laces and Two Hands Thru Finishing Drills

After his One on One Snapping Lesson and a couple of weeks of drill work back in Baltimore, Matt was back to his old form. He not only had his form back but maybe more importantly had his confidence back. In November Matt signed with the New England Patriots and finished the remainder of the 2010 season. Matt has now played six years in the league after signing in 2005 with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent with no signing bonus.

Dave Zastudil:

After Coaching Matt and Dave for a couple of years in Baltimore I left the Baltimore Ravens in 2006 to become the Special Teams Coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals. Matt stayed with the Ravens, while Dave left and signed an excellent free agent deal with the Cleveland Browns.

Dave showed everyone why he received the free agent deal he got by having two or three excellent seasons with the Browns. However, Dave was struck with an injury bug in 2009. He tried playing hurt but was eventually put on IR. In 2010 he re- injured his plant leg. Dave had surgery to repair the problem and is now back in shape and healthy.

Getting Back To Form

Dave basically came to Scottsdale, Arizona because as he said, "He wanted another set of eyes to look at his punting technique and form". Dave felt there was nobody better than his former Special Teams Coach, Coach Zauner.

Dave and I had talked a couple of times in the past couple years and I was very familiar with what was going on in his career. Dave had talked to Matt and both felt it was perfect timing to take their wives on a little vacation and for them to get some professional improvement and golf in.

When I talked to Dave I told him that I felt in the last three years while working with a plethora of top College and NFL specialists I had become a better kicking coach and teacher. I mentioned I had a couple of things I wanted him to try. I also felt that these changes would not only help his punting form but eliminate any possibility of another injury to his plant leg. Dave was all ears.

Dave wanted another set of eyes to analyze his technique and see where he was in getting back to his original punting form.

It has been my experience when most kicking specialists get hurt they change their technique but still perform at a high level but maybe not at their best level. My goal was to help Dave get back on another NFL team and perform at his highest level.

The first day I listened, watched, analyzed and documented how Dave was now punting. I took a bunch of sequential camera shots and showed Dave what I was seeing. After the first session we went and watched the video and I explained what I thought Dave should work on to get his form back to his highest level.

I introduced my Drop Progression and One Step Drills. We worked on improving his grip and drop to make it more consistent.

The first day Dave had too many nose up drops. After watching video and reviewing the photos and working the drills Dave was back perfecting his nose down drop. The second day his drop was almost perfect on every rep.

Dave punted at least 70 to 80 balls each day. The second day he was turning over almost every punt. He was getting more comfortable with the adjustments and changes and liked how he was feeling by the end of day two.

As I tell everyone that comes for kicking, punting or snapping lessons, it usually takes about three to four weeks to become comfortable when making a technique change. The drills are so important in acquiring the new muscle memory and building confidence.

In the two days I worked with Dave he made some major improvements. Dave is an excellent punter in his own right but I think he realized the changes he is making is going to make him even a better punter in the future. Dave is a hard worker and will continue to get better each day.

Click below to listen to Dave Zastudil (NFL Veteran Punter) comments after working One on One Punting Lessons in April of 2011.

Click below to listen to Matt Katula (New England Patriots) comments after working a One on One Snapping Lesson in September of 2010 and again in April of 2011.

It was a real pleasure seeing and working with both Dave and Matt again. I wish them both the best of luck and success with their NFL careers. After watching Dave punt and improve the last two days I know he will be back on an NFL roster this fall. Of course that's if the NFL lockout is lifted.

As a side note, Coach Zauner enjoyed his time on the golf course with his two former players.

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Click To View College Senior Combine Video's

Arizona Producing NFL Snappers

2011-05-01T20:15:00.022-07:00

During this years 2011 College Senior Specialist's Combine Coach Zauner consults with his two assistants, Washington Redskins Nick Sundberg (Left) and Houston Texans Snapper Jonathan Weeks (Right) about the top potential NFL Snappers. Twenty-four snappers attended this years College Senior Specialist's Combine and seven snappers and two utility players that snap were recommended to NFL, CFL and UFL Teams along with two punters and four kickers.

Jonathan Weeks (Texans) gives advice to Dartmouth's Shane Peterlin

Kyle Nelson (New Mexico State) Utility Player and Snapper Working Coverage Drill

Nick Sundberg (Washington Redskins) Demonstrates to Snappers

Arizona a hotbed for producing NFL long snappers

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The Genesis Pro Kickoff Tee

2011-04-28T15:58:00.000-07:00

About two and half years ago I gave One on One Lessons to San Diego State Kicker, Garrett Palmer here in Scottsdale, Arizona. Garrett was a big good looking kicker with a great personality.

For the last couple of years Garrett has pursued his dream to be an NFL Kicker. He competed at my 2009 and 2010 Free Agent Combines, kicked in the indoor Arena League and this year is trying to make a UFL Roster. While pursuing his dream Garrett has come up with a great idea. A better kickoff tee.

Garrett has designed the 'Genesis Pro' Kickoff Tee. He designed it because he and many other kickers want to lean the ball forward more and can't on the NFL kickoff tee. He played around with many different ways to get a better lean on the ball and created the present day tee. The Genesis Pro.

He sent the tee to me to get my opinion. I said what I think doesn't matter but more importantly the opinions of several NFL kickers. Two weeks ago Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh Steelers & S.F. 49ers) tried the tee out and loved it. Jeff was going to give a testimonial but Garrett had not given the tee a name.

Recently Garrett named the new tee 'Genesis Pro'. I believe after working with several college and NFL kickers it is going to be a winner.

On Thursday I had a One on One Lesson with Fabrizio Scaccia. Fabrizio has kicked with the AFL Arizona Rattlers, and UFL Sacramento Mountain Lions in 2010. After the 2010 season he signed as a free agent with the S.F. 49ers in December and has signed a futures contract for the 2011 season. Because of the NFL lockout Fabrizio is kicking once again for the Arizona Rattlers.

Click below to listen to Fabrzio Scaccia's Comments after using the 'Genesis Pro" Kickoff Tee.

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Distinctive Characteristics Among Positions

2011-04-19T21:53:00.017-07:00

NFL insiders say they often see distinctive characteristics among positions

Article by Lori Nickel
Journal Sentinel
April 19, 2011

...Kickers: Gary Zauner, 60, coached in the NFL for years and now works independently with kickers in Arizona. He said some the best kickers he's known - Ryan Longwell, Adam Vinatieri, Kevin Butler, Jan Stenerud - were mentally tough.

"You know the doctor who maybe doesn't have the best bedside manner? And you still don't care, as long as the guy can operate?" Zauner said. "I want a kicker who doesn't get too excited, who doesn't ride too many highs or lows, who makes the kick. And it helps to have a little amnesia. If you're worried about the last kick, you're not going to make the next.

"Ryan Longwell once said all these young kickers were so much better than him now, physically. The difference, he said, was that he knew he was going to make the kick."

Click here to read article in its entirety

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Kemar Scarlett Has NFL Dreams

2011-04-19T21:22:00.008-07:00

Can he kick it? Yes he can!

Article by Scott Ostler
ESPN The Magazine
April 12, 2011

But can Kemar Scarlett break the mold in the NFL, where black kickers are virtually nonexistent?

Click here to read article in its entirety

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Coach Zauner on Sirius NFL Radio

2011-04-13T10:31:00.031-07:00

Coach Zauner on Sirius NFL Talk with Hosts Tim Ryan &Pat Kirwan

TOPICS:

Ramification of the New NFL Kickoff Rule

Moving the NFL Kickoff -LOS- from the 30 to the 35 Yard Line

How Will It Effect: Kickers, Kickoff Specialists, Rosters, Camps & the Kickoff Return Game

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Football Kicking Coach

Football Kicking Lessons

Punting Lessons

CFL & UFL Attend Free Agent Combine

2011-04-01T09:58:00.083-07:00

Coach Zauner's

2011 Free Agent Specialist's Combine

Due to the NFL Lockout, National Football League (NFL) teams were restricted from attending all Free Agent Combines, however three (3) Canadian League Football (CFL), and four (4) United Football League (UFL) teams spent the day evaluating 42 highly regarded kicking specialists from around the country competing with each other in hopes of fulfilling their dream of playing professional football.

This past week I hosted my 3rd Annual Free Agent Specialist's Combine in Phoenix, Arizona under a beautiful sunny sky and on perfect field turf conditions. The temperature was 70 degrees am / 84 in pm with slight cross breeze of 4-6 mph in the am and 7-10 mph in the pm.

These weather conditions starkly contrasted with the weather conditions we had when I hosted 61 of the college seniors kicking specialists at my College Senior Specialist's Combine in mid February. I am still getting great feedback from the NFL teams and coaches about the video I distributed at the NFL Combine of the top performers.

Even though the new NFL ruling has kick-off specialists kicking from the 35 yard line, I chose to have kickers kick from the 30 yard line during this Combine. I chose this for a few reasons. First, a number of UFL coaches were in attendance at this Combine and UFL teams still kick off from the 30 yard line, and there are seemingly no plans to change this.

Therefore it only made sense to keep it that way. Secondly, the CFL teams are often kicking off from their 25 yard line, And lastly, even though the distance a kicker kicks will be the same no matter what yard line they start from, it is more mentally challenging for the specialists to have to kick from the 30 yard line. As in previous years, we had a great showing of kicking talent at this Combine. My philosophy for the Free Agent Specialist's Combine is to make sure kickers are at their best when they perform for the coaches.

This means the kickers who I evaluate are given limited reps to show me their PRO potential. After coaching in the NFL for 13 years and working or coaching 20 NFL Pro Bowlers, it doesn’t take me very long to evaluate a kicking specialists true potential.

By limiting the reps during the evaluation it means these specialist are on a level playing field with the specialists that have been pre-qualified for the Combine. This is important to both the coaches and players. It also means I am limit the possibility a specialist will be injured because he has overworked in previous days before the event.

It’s very important to me to safeguard the health of the specialists who come to my Combine. All the attending coaches said they were impressed with the specialist's performance and potential (listen to coaches testimonials video above).

They also appreciated how efficiently the event was run and how it replicated a game like situation. In addition, they said it was great we provided them with a tent to shade them from the hot Arizona sun and that we made sure they had sunscreen and plenty of fluids to keep them from getting dehydrated.

Although I pride myself in using brand new NFL K-balls for my Combines, a few of the specialists got into my supply of balls, and over a 5-7 minutes period put a few kicks on them before the kickers kicked. Needless to say I wasn’t very happy about this, because as minor as those few kicks may seem, it tainted the final results.

To me, and to all NFL coaches I know, the only way to effectively evaluate a kicker’s ability during a private workout or in a Combine event is to have them kick with brand new NFL K-Balls. Period.

Fortunately, these were the only balls that were affected, and the balls used for snappers and punters were brand new NFL K-balls.

Because NFL coaches were not in attendance, I had a number of videographers shoot every specialist’s workout from a number of angles. These videos are now posted on my website here: 2011 Free Agent Combine Video.

I believe these videos will be useful to NFL teams as evaluation tool because of the narration, the close-up technique, and the variety of angles shot of each specialist. My guess is once the NFL coaches review the videos, they will be impressed with how the Combine was run and the specialist’s performances and potential.

The specialists who attended also said they were quite satisfied with the way the event was run, the field conditions, and with the quality of the kicking specialist’s talent they were competing against (listen to specialists testimonials above).

It’s always fascinating for me to observe how different players handle the stress of competition. Some handle it well, others not so well. And how they handle the stress of competition of my Combine, does go to how they will handle the stress of playing on a professional team. I’ve seen –and worked with- a number of players who attended the Free Agent Combine; the rest I have observed through my Combine evaluations.

What is obvious is when under stress, some players simply revert to a bad form or habit. And this impacts their performance. As a coach, it’s tempting to want to take a player who is not handling the pressure well aside and give him a few pointers to get back on track. However, it is my philosophy NOT to coach participants during a Combine. Not only would that be unfair to other participants, but I think it is irresponsible to try to coach someone who I have not worked with, under these circumstances. That would be like telling someone to change their golf swing in the middle of a tournament.

But stress in competitive situations is a reality. I know this, coaches know this. So what I did to try and address the ‘pressure’ issue was to have a Sunday night pre-Combine seminar called the ‘The Mental Side of the Kicking Game' which was presented by Deborah Dubree, from Your Clear Edge. After the Combine, a number of players said what they learned in the seminar made a difference with how they dealt with the pressure during the event.

3 Finalists in Field Goal Contest Made 60 Yard Field Goals

Jose Martinez, Kenny Spencer & Andrew Ireland

IN SUMMARY: My Free Agent Specialist’s Combine is my Field of Dreams. And my dream is to connect professional coaches with kicking specialists who have the talent to be on a professional team. Once again, I was able to see my dream come to reality before this Combine was even over.

Despite the NFL Lockout, there were a number of Coaches from both the CFL and UFL in attendance. And it wasn’t long after Tom Mante -a combination punter / kick off specialist and field goal kicker from Yale- had finished his performance when two (2) CFL Coaches ‘filed a claims for the rights’ for him.

Now, this is what they do in the CFL, and whichever Coach files a claim first gets him. There was pretty close timing on this, so it’s going to be interesting to see how that turns out.

But regardless how it turns out for the Canadian teams or Tom Mante, it brings me a great deal of joy and satisfaction to see my Field of Dreams turn a specialist’s dream into reality in front of my eyes. Tom did a great job at this Combine, and I expect great things from him in the future. And Tom’s isn’t the only success story I am getting, his was just the first.

From the feedback I am already receiving, there are a number of specialists who have already been approached for invitational workouts for UFL and CFL teams (I will blog about this later this week). In addition, I have also received a number of calls from NFL teams who want to know when the Combine will be posted so they can review the specialists.

It has already been posted here at Videos for Free Agent Combine.

So go ahead all you NFL coaches and review away. I think you’re going to see a great deal of talent in these videos. So it appears that once again my Free Agent Specialist’s Combine proved to be a success for Coaches, players and me.

Finally, I want to re-state the goal for my Free Agent Combine, and all my kicking programs, is to create events that will contribute to a kicking specialist development regardless what level they are at. Simply stated, I want all Coach Zauner, LLC programs and evenst to be ‘A Specialist’s Path to Pro Football'. I think I, and the Coach Zauner, LLC team, are succeeding at this.

OUR SPECIAL THANKS GOES OUT TO:

Steve Hoppe for his tremendous organizational skills with the stats, information and Combine profiles.

Billy Khayat for his assistance throughout the day of the event; taking measurements, administrating the 225 bench press and not to mention the crucial task of running the stop watch.

Phil Grams, Digital Sports Video expert and Craig Norgren their expertise and patience in editing the Combine video. Also to Coach Zauner, LLC Intern Erik Senst for assisting Phil and Craig.

Phil Grams, Craig Nordgren & Erik Senst

Lynsey Hoppe, Athletic Trainer on and off the field and a great help behind the scenes.

Grayson Harris (Millennium High School), his parents Tony and Connie, Jett Stratford (Horizon High School) and Zac Brown (Paradise Valley High School) for their assistance on the field.

Russell Terpening for coordinating the photography and video crew to ensure everything was running smoothly.

And last but not least, Craig Kasnoff for his photography skills and expertise with the website; www.coachzauner.com I understand the demands it takes to run a successful event and I know without Team Zauner and the support staff this would not have been accomplished!

The kickers thought having official referees' gave the Combine a game like situation. That was Michelle's idea...what a woman to enforce details!

THANK YOU...Coach Zauner and Michelle

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CFL & UFL Coaches Attended Despite NFL Lockout

Another Five Yards

2011-03-24T00:10:00.007-07:00

Rocket-footed Niners kicker undeterred by rule change

Inside The 49ers
Posted by: Eric Branch
March 23, 2011

Let’s see … the Fort Pierce Fire to the St. Lucie Bobcats to the Arizona Rattlers to the Sacramento Mountain Lions to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.

After the one-of-a-kind road he’s traveled to the NFL’s fringes, what’s another five yards to rocket-footed kicker Fabrizio Scaccia?

This week’s vote by the NFL owners to move kickoffs to the 35-yard line (from the 30-yard line) will obviously impact big-name returners such as the Chicago’s Devin Hester and Cleveland’s Josh Cribbs, who will have fewer chances to return kicks...read more

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NFL Changes Kickoffs

2011-03-22T23:07:00.012-07:00

NFL Votes To Change Rules For Kickoffs

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

NEW ORLEANS -- NFL owners voted to alter rules for kickoffs and instant replay next season but tabled a proposal that would have expanded language changes in the rule involving penalties against defenseless players.

The rule that moves kickoffs from the 30 to the 35-yard line passed 26-6, while the rule to have the booth replay official review all scoring plays passed 30-2. Overall, four of the five proposals up for vote passed.

With changes suggested by 32 head coaches attending the NFL owners meetings, kickoffs will move from the 30 to the 35-yard line but adjustments were made in the proposal by the NFL competition committee.

Click to read more...

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NFL Lockout Update: Free Agent Combine

2011-03-14T14:21:00.008-07:00

UPDATE: 03.14.2011

2011 COACH ZAUNER'S FREE AGENT SPECIALIST'S COMBINE

The extension of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is gone and an NFL Lockout is now in place.

As it currently stands, NFL Teams are restricted from having any contact with Free Agents while the Lockout is in place. This means NFL Coaches and Scouts will not be permitted to attend Coach Zauner's Free Agent Specialist's Combine March 28, 2011.

However, Coach Zauner will still be conducting the Free Agent Specialist’s Combine and has a game plan to ensure all specialists who attend, will get the exposure they need to NFL Coaches and Scouts even if the NFL teams are not able to evaluate them at the Combine.

At the recent NFL Combine, NFL Teams and Special Teams Coordinators expressed their need to have the information generated at Coach Zauner’s Combine. NFL Personnel said they are very impressed with the efficiency, professional manner and the quality of talent provided by Coach Zauner.

Now, with the lockout, Coaches have said it is even more imperative they obtain information about Free Agent Specialist’s in a manner other than by attending the event. Teams have said Coach Zauner could provide them with the information they need for player evaluation, in the form of a video similar to the College Senior Specialist's Combine video.

It is still possible restrictions will be lifted and NFL Teams will attend the Combine. However until that is determined, Coach Zauner says we'll just ‘Improvise and Adjust.’

It also important to note, all UFL Teams, and many CFL Teams have confirmed they will be in attendance. Neither of these leagues are, or will be impacted, by the CBA discussions.

Specialists attending the Combine should plan on this being an ‘all day’ event, starting at 8:45 am and ending at approximately 6:oo pm.

Specialists should make their travel plans accordingly.

CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES...

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Jonathan Weeks...Free Agent Combine

2011-03-06T10:53:00.006-07:00

Jonathan Weeks graduated from Baylor University with a dream of playing professional football. He was ready to give up on that dream until he met Coach Zauner. I created my College Senior and Free Agent Specialist's Combines or 'Field of Dreams' for Specialists to have a chance to fulfill there dreams. Jonathan is living proof.

At 5' 10 maybe and 245 pounds everyone was saying that Jonathan was too small. None of the teams were giving Jonathan a chance. However, on March 27, 2010 at Coach Zauner's Free Agent Specialist's Combine, Jonathan showed all 26 NFL, 4 CFL and 5 UFL teams that he had the talent to play in the NFL.

Jonathan just finished his first year as a professional football player with the Houston Texans.

When I first met Jonathan and he showed his ability to gain entrance into my Combine, I made a deal with him. I said if you make it you need to pay me back. He said no problem. However, the way I want you to pay me back is to work my PRO Development Camps here in Phoenix and work with other young snappers that have the same dream as you. He said 'Deal'.

This past weekend Jonathan Weeks (Houston Texans) and Danny Baugher (U. of Arizona and Las Vegas Locomotives) assisted me with my January PRO Development Camp for Snappers and Punters.

Coach Steve Hoppe / Jonathan Weeks / Coach Zauner / Dan Baugher / Erik Senst

Click below to listen to Houston Texans Long Snapper Jonathan Weeks talk about attending Coach Zauner's Free Agent Combine. During the video he mentions that 32 teams were in attendance at my Combine. There were 26 NFL, 4 CFL and 5 UFL Teams in attendance.

Jonathan Weeks and Coach Zauner

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College Senior Combine Success

2011-03-05T09:59:00.006-07:00

Coach Zauner's 2011

College Senior Specialist's Combine... A Success!

Coach Zauner's Staff :

Nick Sundberg (Washington Redskins) Jonathan Weeks (Houston Texans) Scott Player (11 Yr. NFL Punter) Danny Baugher (Las Vegas Locomotives Punter)

Coach Zauner at Registration Meeting Coach discusses Snapping Talent with Sundberg & Weeks 'A Specialist's Path To PRO Football'

Once again, with 61 college senior specialist’s attending, this year’s Coach Zauner Senior Specialist’s Combine turned out to be quite a success.

Regardless the challenges with the weather, each of the participants brought their game face and professional attitude to Phoenix, Arizona to show the me the level of their NFL, CFL and UFL potential.

This was a Combine, not a College-Pro Camp. I specifically design my College Senior and Free Agent Specialist’s Combines with a ‘game-day’ like format to evaluate specialist’s talent and to check their competitiveness and mental toughness. Just like in any ‘game like’ situation, some will rise to the challenge, and some won’t. I believe this format separates my Combines from other kicking coaches, combines or College-Pro Camps.

By the discussions I had with the players, and the testimonials I received from them, the specialists overwhelmingly endorsed this structure which reflects a ‘game day’ atmosphere. They believed, as I do, this Combine was exactly what they needed to be on ‘A Specialist’s Path to PRO Football’.

But rather than my speaking for them, just click on videos below to hear what many of kicking specialists who attended had to say about the Coach Zauner College Senior Specialist’s Combine.

You can check out the workouts of those I recommended to the NFL here: Coach Zauner’s NFL, CFL and UFL Recommendations

2011 College Senior Specialist's Combine Snappers Testimonials:

2011 College Senior Specialist's Combine Punters Testimonials:

2011 College Senior Specialist's Combine Kickers Testimonials:

Combine Assistants:

Coach Steve Hoppe, Erik Senst & Coach Billy Khayat

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Update: Free Agent Combine

2011-03-01T12:07:00.017-07:00

UPDATE:

2011 COACH ZAUNER'S FREE AGENT SPECIALIST'S COMBINE

The purpose of the Coach Zauner Free Agent Specialist’s Combine is simply to help kicking specialists get exposure to professional football teams.

And as I am preparing for the Combine, I realize there is uncertainty about what -if any- restrictions regarding coach and player contact may be imposed by the NFL League if the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is not extended.

With this in mind, and after talking with a number of NFL GM’s, coaches and league officials at the 2011 NFL Combine, I have prepared a game plan that will ensure, that all players who attend the Free Agent Specialist's Combine will still get the exposure they need to all NFL teams.

Coaches have repeatedly told me how important the information gathered at the Coach Zauner Free Agent Specialist’s Combine is to them. And this year, if coaches are not allowed to observe all the players who attend, then getting the information on the kicking specialists they were not able to evaluate will be even more important to them.

It will only be a few days until we know the results of the CBA discussions. But regardless the results, we are moving forward with the 3rd Annual Coach Zauner’s Free Agent Combine, and will ensure kicking specialists they will receive the exposure to NFL teams they need to advance their careers.

Just to note, all UFL teams and many of the CFL teams have already confirmed they will be in attendance.

Stay tuned for continued updates...

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College Senior Combine

2011-02-28T20:29:00.030-07:00

2011 COACH ZAUNER’S

COLLEGE SENIOR SPECIALIST’S COMBINE

Coach Zauner and His Staff

Nick Sundberg (Redskins), Jonathan Weeks (Texans)

Scott Player (11 Yr. Punter), Dan Baugher (UFL Las Vegas)

Once again the Coach Zauner College Senior Specialist’s Combine had a great turnout; 61 kicking specialists from around the country came to Phoenix, Arizona to showcase their skills.

Friday Registration Meeting

And even though the weather didn’t cooperate again this year, the kickers, punters and snappers who attended gave their best performance while dealing with unseasonably cool temperatures and occasional rain.

Evaluating the 61 specialists who competed in this 2nd Annual College Senior Specialist’s Combine in inclement weather, was still a matter of evaluating talent, regardless the weather or venue. Difficult weather conditions are simply part of the game. Those who play professional football already know this. Those aspiring to play professional football need to realize and accept it. And that is simply a fact.

I am pleased the Coach Zauner 2011 College Senior Specialist’s Combine yielded a number of kicking specialists who I believe have the talent to be signed as a Free Agent or be in a NFL, CFL, or UFL training camp and can compete for a roster spot. In all, I believed 15 of the specialists who attended have that ability at this time. And for those individuals I have placed their workouts on my website (http://www.coachzauner.com/) and on a DVD I took to the 2011 NFL Combine and gave to all 32 NFL Special Teams Coordinators and many Directors of College Scouting.

I was received warmly at the NFL Combine by the Special Teams Coaches who were once again, looking forward to seeing video of -on a high quality DVD- kicking specialists who were not invited to the NFL Combine but attended my College Senior Specialistss Combine and who I thought had NFL potential.

Before the video went live on my website, I had a telephone conversation with every kicking specialist and gave them my evaluation about their performance.

Coach, Nick Sundberg and Jonathan Weeks discuss Snappers

I believe these conversations will be useful in helping them take their game to the next level and reaching their goal of playing professional football. It is truly my intention to help each and every specialist who attended become better at their craft.

After the Combine, many specialists said they were interested in attending my One on One Lessons or PRO Development Camps.

I look forward to working with these individuals over the coming year, and to seeing them at the 2012 Coach Zauner Free Agent Specialist’s Combine, as they pursue 'A Specialist’s Path to PRO Football’.

COMING IN MARCH:

Next up is the 3rd Annual Coach Zauner Free Agent Specialist’s Combine schedule for March 28th, 2011.

Although there is uncertainty regarding the extension of the CBA, and regardless any restrictions on coach and player contact that may be imposed by the league, Coach Zauner will still be hosting the 3rd Annual Coach Zauner Free Agent Specialist's Combine in March.

After talking with a number of NFL GM’s, coaches and league officials at the 2011 NFL Combine, Coach Zauner says teams ensured him, even if they are not allowed to attend the event, they still want and need the information on the kicking specialists attending the event. Coach Zauner has a game plan to make sure the NFL teams get this information.

Additionally, all UFL teams and many of the CFL teams have confirmed they will be in attendance.

We have had very successful Free Agent Combines over the last two years which have yielded quite a few specialists signing to NFL, CFL and UFL camps or rosters. And I have no reason to believe this year will be any different.

So, regardless of anything in the wind (or any other weather conditions for that matter), I expect this year’s Coach Zauner's Free Agent Specialist’s Combine to be just as successful as the last two.

Click here for more information.

Please contact me if you need any additional information about the event.

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Jose Maltose & Sergio Castillo

2011-02-06T09:56:00.022-07:00

Monterry Nuevo Leon Mexico Kickers;

Perform Well at Coach Zauner's PRO Development Camp

Sergio Castillo, West Texas A & M Attends One on One Lessons and PRO Development Camps; Ends Season With All Conference Honors

Ivan Pena / Arturo Pena / Jose Maltos & Sergio Castillo

The 1st of many international kickers to come to my PRO Development Camp. Ivan Sena, Eduardo Santos, Jose Maltos made the trip from Monterry, Mexico to attend this camp in Scottsdale, AZ.

Jose Maltos is a kicker for the Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon in Mexica (UANL). Jose came to my camp along with his manager and special teams coach to learn the art of kicking. Having never met Jose, after a couple of minutes I could tell the kid had potential. After a couple of small changes, he really started hitting the ball more consistently and was one of the final two kickers in our kicking contest at the end of the Arizona PRO Development Camp.

Ivan Sena is another kicker from for the Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon in Mexica (UANL). Ivan also did very well at my camp and picked up on the coaching very well.

Sergio Castillo currently attends West Texas A&M and has been working with me for the last year. Sergio has taken One on One lesson and has made great improvement since last year. He was the All-Conference Kicker in his league and my hat is off to him and his work ethic.

He competed well this weekend at my camp and was a great help to bridge the gap of communication between the amigos and I.

Sergio is a first class person and a excellent kicker / punter. You will hear more about Sergio in the future.

It was a honor having these international specialists come to my PRO Development Camp. They will take home new drills, technique and a new philosophy on the art of kicking that will beneift there football program as they grow in the future.

Click below and listen to the testimonial by Eduardo Santos and what he had to say about his and his two kickers Jose Maltos and Ivan Pens's experience at Coach Zauner's PRO Development Camps in Phoenix, Arizona in January. There is also video of Jose Maltos and his 60 Yard Field Goal during Coach Zauner's Kicking Contest at the end of the testimonial.

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AZ PRO Development Camps

2011-01-06T11:21:00.038-07:00

ARIZONA PRO DEVELOPMENT CAMPS

In my Year End blog, I announced I would be doing a number of PRO Development Camps in 2011. The first of these will be my Arizona PRO Development Camps being held January 21-23 and January 28-30, 2011.

These kicking camps are designed to help College Kickers, Punters and Snappers at all levels -including those entering college- develop and refine their skills, techniques and become more consistent kicking specialists.

The first PRO Development Camp, being held January 21-23, is specifically for College Seniors, Underclassman and College Bound Snappers, Punters and Kickoff Specialists to refine their individual techniques and skills to become more consistent.

Also, this kicking camp welcomes combination specialists with the emphasis primarily on punting technique and secondly on field goal technique.

The second PRO Development Camp, being held January 28-30, Kickers, Kickoff Specialists and Combination Kickers/Punters to refine their individual techniques and skills to become more consistent. Also, this kicking camp welcomes combination specialists with the emphasis primarily on kicking technique and secondly on punting technique.

Included in each camp will be:

* Four (4) Practices with Meetings and Video Review Sessions
* Coach Zauner’s Video Analysis of Individual Techniques
* Emphasis on Kicking, Punting and Snapping Techniques
* Fundamentals and Drills to Improve Your Consistency and Technique
* Skill Competition
* Coach Zauner - What NFL Coaches and Teams Look for in a Specialist

These are 3 day camps will be conducted in Phoenix, AZ and will cost $575. This fee includes five meals and lodging at the Embassy Suites Hotel (double/triple occupancy).

All information about the camps can be found on my coachzauner.com website; or click on this general information PDF.

I look forward to seeing you in Arizona in January.

PRO DEVELOPMENT CAMP TESTIMONIALS:

Rob Maver, Top Canadian Combination Kicking Specialist in 2010 CFL Draft said: “The Pro Development camps are the best way that college and free agent specialists can prepare themselves for the next level. In these three-day camps, you go over specific fundamentals/drills. On top of the fundamentals, more importantly the camp tells you exactly what the NFL standards are, and what exactly will be expected from you in the NFL.

This includes charts (handed out in hard copy plus gone over on PowerPoint) of snapping times, handling times, hang times, and expected field goal percentages. The meetings make it clear what these standards are and show you how to practice properly. This includes how to film yourself, and when a camera is not available how to chart yourself properly so that you can monitor each practice.

The kicking camp also shows you how you stack up against other top kicking specialists. The camp includes full operation: snap to punt, and snap to hold to kick. Beyond this is the sports psychology presentation. With 99% of the guys in the league, what separates them from one another is not their leg, but what is between their ears. These last two key elements are great for preparing you for upcoming competition in training camp.”

Morgan Cox, Currently Baltimore Ravens Long Snapper and former University of Tennessee Long Snapper and Senior Bowl participant said: "Coach Zauner's Pro Development Camp was a great chance for me to compete against other top long snappers. It gave me an opportunity to pick up tips and techniques that other guys are using to be successful. Also, I was able to develop relationships with guys that have very similar backgrounds and personalities. The atmosphere was competitive but friendly at the same time.

Coach Zauner also offered his professional advice on snapping as well as his insight into the NFL process, which was invaluable in my development seeking his knowledge during college, I was able to be ready for what the NFL will expect. Coach Zauner's most helpful moments often came in his video review when we went over my technique and footwork.

While learning the physical aspects of snapping, Coach Zauner also offered preparation mentally in a manner that applied to my game personally. Coach Zauner's Pro Development Camp is the complete package for any kicker, punter, or snapper seeking to take their game to the highest level."

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