Returning punts is a part of football that requires great skill and practice.

Along with preparation, experience in playing the outfield in baseball can help a player fielding punts, at least according to Auburn running backs coach Tim Horton.

Horton, recently joined USA Football’s Coach and Coordinator podcast, where he discussed why he believes outfielders make good punt returners.

As a successful returner himself, Horton recognizes that not all great athletes can easily transition into punt returning.

“This spring we have taken a look at a couple real good athletes we have and tried to get them to return punts,” he said. “It is not real natural for some of those guys, and they have struggled with it a little bit.”

Horton thinks that the skills it takes to play in the outfield parallel to those needed to be an effective return man.

“We talk about trying to catch punts moving forward, and use the analogy of being a center fielder and you are trying to throw somebody out at home plate,” Horton said.

To catch that punt moving forward, Horton coaches his players to catch the ball high on their shoulder pads with elbows in, with their chins to their chests.

In order to perfect the technique, he has his players constantly practicing to gain an edge during games.

“There is not a day that we go on the practice field that we aren’t catching punts, because it is a part of the game that can be a great advantage or it can really hurt your chances to win,” Horton said. 

Listen to the full podcast with Horton fellow: