TESTIMONIALS
Kelly Poppinga
BYU Defensive Coordinator (2026)
BYU Special Teams Coordinator (2023-25)
Boise State Special Teams Coordinator (2022)
Virginia Special Teams Coordinator, OLB Coach, Co-Defensive Coordinator (2016-21)
"Sam is the best Australian punter that I I have worked with over my 18 year career of coaching college football. His knowledge of rugby, punting and pocket punting makes for a great combo to developing punters to do both at the next level. Sam‘s passion and attention to detail and competitive spirit helped him be a part of one of the best special teams units in BYU history over the 2024 in 2025 seasons. His mentorship has currently developed current P4 punters into becoming special talents at the next level."
Dylan Almond
BYU Assistant Special Teams Coach (2026)
BYU special teams analyst (2024-25)
BYU defensive assT, safeties & de's (2023-24)
Virginia Military Institute football defensive analyst, safeties (2022-23)
"Sam's passion for punting is second to none. As a multiple-year starter at the Power 4 level, he always strived to perfect his craft. With expertise in both traditional and rugby-style punting, Sam is the perfect coach to develop versatile punters that will shine for any Special Teams Coordinator. He has personally trained multiple punters that have landed on Power 4 rosters due to his ability to elevate their game to the next level. Whenever I need a punter trained to punt at the college level, Sam is my first call."
Fuller Shurtz
Brigham Young University PUnter
"Sam is a great coach! I was pretty new to the roll-out style of punting and he really helped me prepare to execute that kick in-game. He didn't just teach me the technique of the roll-out, but also the strategy behind it and how to maximize it's effectiveness. Sam also helped me with improving my pin punts and learning how to kick within my coverage. I am a much better punter having worked with him."
"Sam has worked with me for the past year. He is a great coach and played a major role in developing me as a Punter both physically and mentally. Sam worked with me with my roll-out craft and significantly improved my hangtime and distance, he is without doubt the best roll-out coach there is out there. His coaching is simple and effective and moulds his coaching specifically towards you. Not only did he improve my punting, but he was able to work with me mentally and help me harness more confidence and belief in my ability, and ultimately gave me the belief that I could play Division 1 FBS Football."
Western Kentucky University Punter
Daniel Wall
Andrew Nielsen
4.5 Star Punter/#18 Ranked Punter In USA, SKyridge HS - Class of 2027
Working with Sam has helped me become a true Swiss Army knife as a punter. His coaching in Aussie-style punting has given me the ability to handle different situations on the field and develop skills that help set me apart from the average American punter. Sam’s knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to his athletes have improved my confidence and overall game. If you’re looking to take your punting to the next level and increase your chances of playing college football, I highly recommend training with Sam.
- Andrew Nielsen
Coach Vander Haar has been incredible to work with. He took the time to evaluate my son’s natural punting style and strengths, then helped refine the technical details that have elevated his performance. Every lesson is intentional, and he does an excellent job explaining not just what to do, but why it matters and how it translates to game situations.
You can tell he genuinely loves coaching and helping athletes succeed. My son has become a more confident and consistent punter because of Coach Vander Haar’s instruction, and we’re grateful for the impact he’s had on his development both on and off the field.
-Catherine Nielsen (Andrew's Mother)
Hayden Traxler
4.5 Star Punter/#5 Ranked Punter in USA, #1 in Utah (Class of 2028)
"Every training day with Coach Sam was something to look forward to! It’s awesome how quickly he can watch my punting, pinpoint what needs work, and instantly make it better. I’ve already grown so much under his coaching. I especially love how he breaks down real-game scenarios, teaching me how to choose the right tool for the right moment to maximize every single punt."
- Hayden Traxler
"Coach Vander Haar is an amazing punting coach! He took the time to study my sons' natural punting styles and then introduced solid techniques that truly took their skills to the next level. You can tell immediately that teaching others is his absolute passion. I really appreciate how he breaks down the mechanics and explains exactly how and why these techniques translate to actual game-time success."
- Eddie Traxler (Hayden's Father)
Will Walker
6-Star Punter/5-Star Kicker, 2027 BYU Commit
"Sam is an exceptional punting coach whose deep expertise in both rollout and pro-style techniques set him apart as one of the very best. His consistently positive attitude and rare ability to connect with athletes at any skill level make him not only highly effective, but truly inspiring to work with. In order to be the best you need to train with the best! Become a Swiss Army Knife with the Aussie!"
Taft Erickson
BYU Student
Working with Sam Vander Haar at Precision Punting has helped me grow as a Punter very fast! He has taught me everything from how to drop the football to how to roll out. Working with him has increased my ability to punt at the next level.