There is no way to explain the adrenaline rush you feel when it is time to assemble the kickoff team together to start the game.

Whether you are kicking the ball off or receiving the ball, you can feel the energy from both sidelines because it’s almost game time.

The crowd is roaring and the band is booming. The ball is kicked off the tee and the crowd in unison yells “ohhhhwoop.” That’s the power of special teams.

But it’s more than just crowd energy and excitement. Special teams plays can mean the difference between winning and losing.

For athletes and coaches, special teams should not be an afterthought. Here are three reasons special teams should be emphasized:

Control the field position battle

In college, I had the privilege to be on every special team unit, consisting of kickoff, kick return, punt block (rangers), and the punt team. The objective of the kickoff and punt teams was to pin our opponent deep within their territories so that our defense could force a three-and-out. Punt return and kick return served as a spark. We had the mentality to return a kick or punt back to the house every time we ran onto the field. In fact, when these units took the field, we elected to have the song “Take It To House” playing to ignite us to do just that. Even if we didn’t go all the way for a touchdown, a long return can set up a team’s offense for success.

Ignite big plays and shift momentum

Special teams create unforgettable moments in your career. As a freshman at Michigan State, I was able to help feel the power of special teams and how it can impact a game. Our team was down by 35 points heading into the fourth quarter against Northwestern. Our punt return unit assembled after our defense forced another three-and-out, and we decided to go after the punt because our coaches recognized something from the booth. My teammate Devin Thomas used his lightning speed to block the punt off the edge. The ball was floating around toward the left hash. I was able to scoop the ball up and rumble 33 yards for the score. The momentum shifted and our team prevailed. That moment etched our names in the history book at the greatest comeback in NCAA Division I football history. Eleven years later, the record still stands.

Display versatility

News flash: Most student-athletes do not see the value in special teams and sometimes go through the motions when their number is called. If you aspire to play at the next level and beyond, you have to be versatile to display your value. Many guys who were not All-Americans have found themselves on NFL rosters because they are devoted special team players. Generally, whoever wins the kicking game, return game, and controls the field position that team is normally victorious. Special teams are invaluable to the team and for athletes, special teams can be a valuable niche to master.

Work hard. Be great.

Ashton Henderson was a four year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as a honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit: www.beyondthegridironllc.com