Playbooks
Onside Xl is a special teams play run out of the Kick Return formation, designed specifically to execute an onside kick attempt. There is no route concept or blocking scheme in the traditional sense since this is not an offensive or defensive snap play, instead it dictates kicker approach and hang time to maximize recovery odds. The primary read progression for the return team is to identify which of your players has the best positioning and hands to attack the ball the moment it travels the required ten yards.
On the return side, key the kicker's approach angle and plant foot before the whistle to anticipate a short, bouncing kick rather than a deep boot. Watch for return team players crashing forward early, since a false step by the front line can leave a soft spot for the ball to bounce toward the sideline. Identify which return players are true hands catchers versus blockers, since the kicking team will target the weakest pair of hands in the front row. Post-kick, track the ball's spin and bounce direction immediately, because a squib-style onside kick can carom unpredictably off the turf and create a scramble opportunity for either side. If the return team lines up with all players deep, this signals they expect a deep kick, which increases the offense's chance of a successful surprise recovery with Onside Xl.
Only call Onside Xl when you desperately need possession, typically late in the fourth quarter or after a score when trailing by more than one possession.
Use the pre-snap window to check which kick return players are positioned closest to the likely bounce zone, since the kicking team controls the ball placement.
Combine this with a normal Onside Heavy formation kick beforehand in the same drive if you have multiple onside opportunities, so the opposing return team gets comfortable with a standard kick before you mix in the surprise onside attempt.
Manually control the player nearest the expected landing spot after the kick to fight for recovery rather than relying on CPU logic, since user-controlled hands often win 50-50 ball battles.
Save this play for situations where the opponent has substituted lesser special teams players into their return unit, since Kick Return formation personnel changes can be exploited for better recovery odds.