Playbooks
Return Right Lead is a designed kickoff return play from the Nfl Kick Return set in the Kick Return formation that funnels the return man toward the right hash before setting up a wall of lead blockers pushing the return lane up the right sideline. The blocking scheme relies on your front wall of blockers sealing the initial wave of coverage defenders while your wedge/lead blockers peel off to escort the returner up the field. Your primary read progression starts by identifying which lane your lead blockers clear first (typically the right side alley), then transitioning vertical once you cross the 25-30 yard range with a track toward the sideline if a second wave of tacklers closes fast.
Watch the kicking team's lane discipline pre-snap, if their coverage unit crashes hard down the middle they are conceding the right sideline alley this play is designed to exploit. Identify the containment defender on the right edge first, if he stays home and squeezes the lane inside you need to cut it back rather than force it outside. Key on the gunners releasing down the field, a fast outside gunner unblocked can blow up the lead blocking wall before it fully forms. Look for the wedge defender shooting through the middle, teams that send an early wedge-buster can collapse blocking angles and force you to bail the designed lane early. If the coverage team consistently overloads numbers to the return side, expect this lane to get clogged, that is your cue to check to Return Left Lead or Return Middle Match Up on the next kickoff.
Take control of the return man immediately at the catch and get moving downhill rather than dancing behind the line, since hesitation kills the blocking wall timing on kick returns.
Watch your blockers on the right side develop the wall before committing all the way outside, cutting too early behind the ball can run you into unblocked gunners.
Use the right stick or spin moves sparingly near the second level, save your juke and truck moves for after you clear the first wave of special teams defenders around the 20 yard line.
This play pairs well with Return Middle Match Up as a changeup, if the coverage team overloads the right side on kickoffs, switch to Return Middle Match Up or Return Left Lead the next possession to keep the coverage unit guessing.
Best used against opponents who consistently kick to the same zone or squib short, since a predictable coverage lane lets you commit to the right alley with confidence pre-snap.