AFL FAQs - Skills

Australian Football is built around the kick. A goal can be scored only by a kick. A mark can be taken only after the ball has been kicked at least 10 metres.

The most popular kick is the drop punt. This is the kick most players use when kicking to another player or kicking for goal. The ball is dropped so that its end hits the lower laces of the boot, causing the ball to spin end-over-end. It is the preferred kick because of its accuracy.

The drop kick, where the ball is dropped to the ground and kicked on the half-volley, has disappeared from the game because of time and risk factors: a player can get a drop punt away more quickly.

The torpedo punt is used primarily for distance. The ball is held with one hand slightly forward of the laces and the other slightly behind. It is then guided to the boot at a 15-degree angle and the foot makes contact across the lower seam, sending the ball spinning away in a spiral.

There is also the flat punt, but this has also lost much of its popularity because it generally lacks accuracy and is more difficult to mark.

Most players are adept at kicking the ball with either foot and are regularly required to kick distances of 60 to 70 metres.

Kicking is probably the most individual skill in Australian Football. The basic skill of kicking should be taught at a young age and any faults rectified before it is too late. It is important players learn the right technique while they are young and later in their career they will demonstrate the ability to (a) kick under pressure, (b) pass the ball accurately to a teammate and (c) use the ball to the best advantage of their side when kicking from a set position. Try to study the kicking style of some of the AFL's best kicks, such as Matthew Lloyd (shooting for goal), Nathan Buckley (length), Garry Hocking (each foot) and Craig Bradley (technique).

These four fundamentals apply to every kick. More information about each type of kick is given below.

1. The Grip
The fingers are spread evenly along each side of the ball, with thumbs extending to the lacing. The grip is the same for both left and right foot kicks.

2. The Release
The ball is guided down and is kicked on the bottom point, along the lower laces of the boot. It should spin in a backwards end over end fashion.

1. The Grip
The ball is held on an angle across the body. For a right foot kick, the left hand is slightly forward and the right hand slightly behind the lacing. For a left foot kick, the hand positions are reversed.

2. The Release
The ball is guided down at a slight angle to the ground, and is also angled across the kicking leg. When the foot makes contact with the ball, the ball should spin in a spiral motion.

It is important to make 'sweet' contact with the ball hitting the lower laces of your boot. Rotation causes the ball to 'cut' through the air, like a torpedo.

The torpedo is not used as often as the drop punt but is till required in situations where greater distance is needed, such as kicking in from full-back or shooting for goal after the siren from a long way out.

1. The Grip
The ball is held like a reverse torpedo punt, with the right hand forward for a right foot kick and the opposite for the left foot kick.

2. The Release
The ball is guided down so that it drops at an angle across the boot. The boot makes contact under the right side of the ball, causing a curved spin on the ball.

The banana kick is generally used when shooting for goal from close to the boundary line, near the behind post.

The banana kick (also referred to as checkside) needs lots of practice. Take it in turns with a friend in the goal square to return the ball.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, handball became one of the game's most important skills. Players were generally told never to handball in the backline and only to handball to get themselves out of trouble. In today's modern game, handball is a major attacking weapon as players run the ball from defence into attack. It is a skill that needs to be practised regularly and by watching great handball exponents such as Michael Voss and Paul Kelly you can improve your game.

When a player handballs, he must hold the ball in the palm of one hand and strike with the clenched fist of his other hand. The ball cannot be struck with an open hand nor may it be thrown in the air and hit with a fist.

Throwing the ball is also illegal. If the ball is not handballed correctly a free kick is awarded to the nearest opponent.

The days of a player using handball only when he was tackled or was hard-pressed have gone. The quick-fire handball has now become the greatest attacking weapon in any side's armory.

For Beginners
Concentrate on the basics only and punch the ball where it is most comfortable (usually under the crossroads of the seam). Beginners should also watch the ball.

For Advanced
More expert players should look at the target while handballing and should progress to using the "rocket" and "overspin" handballs. They should become competent with both left and right hands.

Floater
The ball is hit at the crossroads, i.e. where the seasms cross at the back of the ball. Once hit, the ball floats with no particular spin.

Rocket
The ball is hit just above the crossroads. Note that the ball is set up at an upwards angle in the platform hand. The ball will spin like a drop punt - backwards end over end.

Overspin
The ball is hit upwards just below the crossroads. The ball will spin forward - end over end. The ball should be held closer to the ground and the player does not always have to "vatch the fist".

Tip: At first, practise should be over short distances. Emphasise that for a right-handed handball, the left leg must be forward. When receiving the handball - fingers pointed towards the ball, thumbs behind the ball and focus on the seam.

Common faults in beginners include:

Throwing the ball up off the platform hand before punching it.
Dropping the platform hand away on impact.
Punching the ball with the wrist area.
Punching arm is too stiff and rigid - relax!
One method to keep the platform hand from leaving the ball is to have the coach hold the platform hand until the ball is hit from it.

The same effect can be achieved by resting the player's platform hand on a partner's back.

Another technique, "Catch your fist", is also useful. The player should grab his punching fist with his platform hand after hitting the ball. This stops you throwing the ball up and ensures you punch directly to your target and not across your body.

Tip: By setting up a simple handball target you can improve your accuracy. Try drawing a circled area on a brick wall (using chalk), starting with a small circle for a bullseye and moving out to larger circles.

The role of the ruckman is a crucial one in Australian Football. A good ruckman sets up play from a variety of contests such as the centre bounce or boundary throw-in. To create opportunities for his smaller, running players, it is important that a ruckman has the skill to direct the ball to his teammate's best advantage. It is worth watching top-class ruckmen such as Shaun Rehn, Peter Everitt and Corey McKernan to see how they use their various skills.

The techniques involved in ruck work are needed to move the ball toward goal or to get the ball to teammates from a ball-up or boundary throw in.

Palming to the Front - One Hand

Watch the ball through the air and leap off one foot using the arms and other leg to gain lift.
The arm is swung forward.
The ball is hit with the open palm and fingers and directed with a straight follow-through.
Palming to the Front - Two Hands

The hands are positioned behind the ball and the ball is hit with both open hands simultaneously.
The ball is directed with a follow-through towards the target.
Palming to the Forehand

The player leaps for the ball and contacts it with the open palm.
In the hitting action, the arm should be straight with a follow-through in the desired direction across the body.
Palming to the Backhand

The player leaps (off one leg or two) and the arm is bent immediately before impact.
The arm is straightened at the elbow and the ball is directed to the backhand side with the open hand.
Palming over the Back

The player leaps and with a straight arm reaches forward and overhead.
The ball is hit with an open hand over the shoulder towards the target.
Centre Bounce

Jump off one leg
Turn body sideways to protect yourself
Hit with outstretched arm at highest point of jump

One of the most spectacular features of Australian Football is marking, particularly the high mark. However, it is just as important to be able to pull in a safe chest mark on a consistent basis without fumbling the ball. Like all skills, marking needs to be practised. No matter what your size there will always be a situation in a game where you are in a position to mark the ball.

A mark is achieved when the ball is caught directly from the kick of another player who is not less than 10 metres away.

The player must have held the ball for "a reasonable time" before the umpire pays the mark. He does this by blowing his whistle.

The player who is paid the mark can either play on, handball or bring the match to a halt while he takes a kick.

Tip: Occasionally the ball must be taken on the run and with a leap. This is achieved by lifting one or both knees and bending over at the waist. This makes it difficult for an opponent to spoil from behind.

Skilled players should practise taking the ball in the hands at all times, in preference to letting it hit the chest. This will help quick disposal and prevent opponents from punching the ball from behind.

Main Teaching Points

This is the mark fans and commentators love to see. It takes great skill and athleticism to launch yourself in the air, but a consistent high mark can inspire teammates and bring other players into the game.

Main Teaching Points

Pick-Up

Pick-up: Moving Ball
Many different situations occur during a game when the ball must be picked up off the ground. Young players need to become competent at meeting and handling a moving ball.

The body is in line behind the path of the ball in a semi-crouched position.

The arms and hands are extended with the fingers almost touching the ground, plams towards the ball.

The ball is picked up cleanly in two hands. The elbows are kept close together.

The ball is then brought into the hands for disposal. Eyes on the ball at all times.

Tip: It is important that the player be in a crouched position to cover the situation where the ball shoots along the ground. Always try to keep the ball in front of you so that you can pick it up on the second try if necessary.

Pick-up: Stationary Ball
One-Handed Pick-Up

The ball is approached to one side.
The player runs slightly past the ball then swings one arm down with his hand scooping under the ball.
The free arm can be used to steady the ball, once it is picked up.

Two-Handed Pick-Up

The ball is approached from the side. As the player draws level with the ball, he bends down and picks up the ball cleanly with two hands.
Tip: Leave the ball stationary on the ground and practise by walking through to pick it up.
Gradually progress from jogging to running through.

The skill of hand dribbling - or tapping the ball along in front - is a necessary component of picking up and is a useful tactic in a game.

Often a player cannot pick up the ball cleanly or is in danger of being tackled from behind by an opponent.

The ball is tapped out three to five metres in front and the player can accelerate to get clear of his opponent before picking up. This is also useful when a number of players are contesting the ball.

General Coaching Hints

Begin with:

hand dribbling without an opponent and then introduce opposition.
a slow speed and then build up to a fast speed.
the ball rolling slowly away from the player and then progress to faster rolling balls with less predictable bounce.
use both hands and keep your body behind the ball.

When learning skills it is important to handle the ball as much as possible. A football is an odd shape and the more familiar you become with the ball, the easier it will be to master the skills. You won't always have someone to practise with, so these drills can be done before or after training or in your spare time.

1. Lay on your back and using both hands tap or throw the ball from hand to hand. Vary the height and speed of the throws as you become more competent. This is great for hand-eye co-ordination and learning how to mark effectively.

2. Pass the ball in a figure eight movement in and out of the legs. This will develop your grip strength, making it easier to mark, handball and guide the ball on to your foot when kicking.

Running has become a major skill in modern day football with the emphasis now on running with the ball to maintain possession. Similarly, defensive and offensive players are required to run and chase. There is great value in teaching youngsters how to run correctly, in order to improve their running speed. Running speed and acceleration are the product of stride length and frequency. The distance covered with each stride taken and how quickly the legs move are key factors in sprinting.

Good running technique involves:

Moving arms and legs in a straight line and not across the body.
Slight forward body lean.
Keeping head and trunk steady, eyes looking ahead.
High knee lifts.
Tip: Tuck a ball under your arm and run straight at an object. Concentrate on maintaining your balance.

One of the features of Australian Football is its free-wheeling nature. Passing to a player with space ahead, and no danger nearby, encourages players to run freely with the ball.

A player in possession can run as far as he likes as long as he bounces the ball or allows the ball to touch the ground every 15 metres. Long runs, finishing in a goal, make up some of the most exciting components of the game.

Running with the ball has come into the game in recent years, as team plans seek out opportunities for fast-running players to be given, or gain, plenty of open space.

Main Teaching Points

The distance at which the ball is thrown out in front is directly related to the player's speed - the faster he is running, the further out in front it must be thrown.

General Coaching Hints

Begin with:
Bend over and bounce the ball standing still.
Standing and bouncing, and then extend to walking and bouncing.
Running in straight lines, and extend to weaving and dodging.
Add an opponent to chase.
Being able to bounce the ball with both hands will enable you to guide the ball down better and kick with either foot.

Wet weather bounce
On wet days, the ball will skid away or fail to bounce back. In this case, it should be touched on the ground, using both hands.

Main Teaching Points

Tips: Practise by rehearsing the movements without any opposition.
Add stationary opposition. Players can then rehearse the evasion skill at their own pace.
Finally, allow the opponent to walk slowly towards the ball carrier, providing more game-like opposition.

The blind turn is used to evade an opponent when the player is being chased from behind and you are heading away from the direction of your goal.

To turn on the left side:

As the opponent gets closer, hold the ball out to the right hand side.

Dig the right foot into the ground and push hard to step to the left hand side as in the side step.

Pull the ball back 'inside' towards your team's goal and accelerate quickly away.

Tip: Make sure you have good control and grip of the ball when you execute the blind turn. You don't want to 'show' the ball to an opposition player and have him steal it!

Some players have an amazing ability to change direction without greatly reducing their speed. The dummy is a movement used to evade an opponent approaching head on.

Main Teaching Points

Use this tactic when you are stationary and an opponent is running towards you quickly.

Tip: Even in your own backyard, you can practise the dummy by stepping around a bin or similar object.

All footballers, no matter what their position, must recognise the crucial role of defence. From the full-forward who must chase hard to the full-back who spoils a mark, they all contribute to the eventual success of your team.

Beginners should practise the skills that result in your team regaining possession such as:

- spoiling marks
- tackling

Competent players can add these components to their game:

-shepherding
-blocking
-smothering

It is important to practise all these skills correctly so that you don't give away any free kicks.

The smother is a display of courage when a player throws himself across the leg or boot of an opponent to stop the ball from reaching its destination.

A good smother can deflate the spirit of a player who thinks he is about to get an easy kick. It also lifts the side which has made the smother, because it requires great courage to put your body on the line.

Tackling an opponent is an important component of a footballer's make-up. It can often mean the difference between a goal and a kick that travels off-line.

A player may be fairly met or checked by an opponent by the use of the hip, shoulder, chest, arms or open hand, provided the ball is not more than five metres away. The tackle may be from the front, side or behind, provided it does not thrust forward the player with the ball.

Only a player with the ball can be held and then only below the shoulder and above the knee. Once a player has possession of the ball and is legally held he shall be given a reasonable time to kick or handball the ball, otherwise he is deemed to be "holding the ball" and a free kick is awarded to his tackler.

If the umpire believes that the player in possession of the ball has the ball pinned to his body and he has not had a reasonable time to dispose of the ball, the ball will be bounced. In other words, play will come to a momentary halt and each team will have an equal chance of getting the ball.

The correct technique is important, otherwise you will give away a free kick.

Tackling From the Front

The tackler approaches the player with his arms at waist level. The tackler places his head to one side of the player, with his chin tucked into his chest. He then pins the arms of the other player and spins or turns him off balance. Your shoulder and arm make first contact to an opponent's chest. Ensure your head is behind the opponent's back and out of any danger. Use your body weight to slow down your opponent.

General Coaching Hints

Begin with:

The opponent stationary and the tackler walking in.
Extend to the tackler jogging in.
Tackling can take place below the shoulders and above the knees.

Tip: When playing or training, always aim for your opponent's hips when tackling - make the hips your sole focus.

A player can legally bump an opponent when the ball is within five metres.

Lean towards the opponent, pushing hard from the foot furthest from the opponent.

The arm is bent, with the elbow tucked into the side.

Make contact with the shoulder and upper arm - preferably when an opponent is settled on one foot, so he is easier to unbalance.

The bumping player should keep his feet on the ground at all times. Only bump when an opponent does not have the ball. If he does have the ball - apply a tackle.

Tip: To get the correct 'feel' of the bump, gently bump into a teammate and have him bump into you at the same time. This is usually done in the pre-game warm-up.

Spoiling is an effective method of preventing an opponent from marking or gaining possession of the ball. Once again when spoiling, especially from behind, the spoiling player must not infringe by making contact with his opponent's back, head or shoulders. If performed correctly, spoiling can be an attacking skill, whereby the ball can be placed to the advantage of teammates.

Chest Mark
Approach the opponent from one side. Keep your eyes on the ball.

Punch the ball with a clenched fist before it reaches the opponent's arm.

Overhead Mark
The spoil should be used when a player is not confident of marking.

The fist should be clenched and arms outstretched ("long arms") at point of contact with the ball.

As with marking, the spoiling player's run must be timed to gain maximum height with the arm following straight through the flight of the ball.

Be careful not to put the other hand on the back of an opponent's neck as this is an infringement.

Shepherding is a tactic used by a player to give a teammate a clearer path with the ball. Shepherding is achieved with an outstretched arm which acts as a barrier between the player who has the ball, or is about to take possession, and an opponent (s) who is anxious to stop him.

A player can be shepherded by an opponent provided the ball is not more than five metres away.

A free kick is awarded against a player who shepherds an opponent and makes contact with the face, head, neck or shoulder. A free kick is also given if a player attempts to shepherd a player who is in the air attempting to mark the ball