special teams

units that are on the field during kickoffs, free kicks, punts, and field goal and extra point attempts; most special teams players are second- and third-string players from other positions; special teams are unique in that they can serve as offensive or defensive units and that they are only seen sporadically throughout a game; special teams include a kickoff team, a kick return team, a punting team, a punt blocking/return team, a field goal team and a field goal block team.