Hidden Yardage: How Special Teams and Field Position Win Close Games

On The Coaching 101 Podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson talk fall football weather, share an FDR quote—“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on”—and encourage coaches to keep competing even in losing seasons because players remember the experience more than records. Simpson previews Field House film study and recaps a big win swung by special teams (onside recoveries, scramble punt, kickoff return TD, and a late field goal). The episode focuses on “hidden yardage” in special teams—penalties and field position—and why it decides evenly matched games, including how starting field position affects scoring chances. Simpson explains how to win hidden yards by prioritizing special teams personnel, scouting opponents, practicing a daily specialty period, and tailoring punt, kickoff, return, and kick plans to weekly situations. They also promote A Sports video boards and share contact info. 00:00 Football Made Simple 00:33 Fall Football Vibes 02:16 Quote of the Week 03:46 Keep Competing 06:06 Fieldhouse Recap 08:08 Sponsor Message 09:52 Hidden Yardage Intro 10:55 Where Hidden Yards Hide 16:27 How It Decides Games 21:57 Punting Scheme Shifts 23:01 Hidden Yardage Wins Games 25:22 Special Teams Momentum 27:38 Prioritize Personnel 30:05 Scout And Gameplan 31:56 Specialty Period Training 33:39 Situational Reps And Fakes 37:32 Directional Kickoff Strategy 39:56 Avoid Special Teams Autopilot 42:57 Wrap Up And Sponsors Daniel Chamberlain: @CoachChamboOK [email protected] chamberlainfootballconsulting.com Kenny Simpson: @FBCoachSimpson [email protected] FBCoachSimpson.com