Afl Skills Guide
Afl Skills Guide
Afl Skills Guide
http://www.usfooty.com/
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Like all sports, Australian Football is made up of diverse and varying components. It
should be simple and fun for juniors and physically challenging and rewarding for developing
players. By following this basic coaching and teaching philosophy (S.P.I.R), those passing on the
various skills will be rewarded, just like the players they are teaching.
KICKING
Kicking is probably the most important 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. Later in their career they will
demonstrate the ability to
a) kick under pressure
b) pass the ball accurately to a teammate
c) use the ball to the best advantage of their side when kicking from a set position.
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THE DROP PUNT
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 backwards, end over end.
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8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
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THE TORPEDO PUNT
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.
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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.
FIXING FAULTS
Faults that generally occur with young footballers include:
There are a number of remedial techniques designed to overcome this ball guidance problem.
1. Bouncing is an excellent aid to kicking since it teaches the guiding of the ball down with one
hand.
2. The one hand technique can also be helpful. This involves holding the ball underneath with
one hand and then releasing it in a vertical position by simply taking the hand away.
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8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
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MASTER CLASS
1. The Approach
The arms are extended to a natural but not strained distance from the body. The ball moves
with the hands in the approach, but the side to side movement should be minimal. Bend
forward so you are looking directly down on to the ball. The ball is carried over the thigh of
the kicking leg. Keep moving in a straight line to your target.
2. The Release
Immediately prior to release, the ball is brought up to about waist height. The hand on the
same side as the kicking leg guides the ball down at the correct angle to the foot.
3. Contact
The foot meets the ball when it is approximately knee height. The foot should have a straight
instep on contact with the ball. At contact, the eyes should "see the foot kick the ball". A
natural movement of the opposite arm out to the side keeps balance. Hand should be at
shoulder height.
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8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
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4. The Follow Through
The follow through should be straight to the target. Continue moving for a couple of steps
towards your target.
HANDBALL
In the late 1960's and early 1970's, handball became one of the game's most important
skills. Earlier, players were generally told never to handball in defence and to use handball only
in emergency. In today's modern game, handball is a major attacking weapon as players run the
ball from defence into offence. It is a skill that needs to be practised regularly and by watching
experts you can improve your game.
• The ball must be gripped firmly with the platform hand and hit with a clenched fist.
Players should have their eyes on the ball.
• Placing the thumb outside, not inside, the fingers forms the punching fist.
• The stance is nearly side-on to allow the punching arm to swing through freely. Knees
slightly bent to maintain balance.
• For a right-handed handball, the left foot is forward, and vice versa for a left-handed
handball.
• Punching arm also slightly bent
• After contact is made with the ball, the fist remains on the platform hand — "catch the
fist".
TYPES OF HANDBALL
Floater
The ball is hit at the crossroads, ie, where the seams cross at the back of the ball. Once
hit, the ball floats with no particular spin.
The floater is used in a game when a quick handball is required. It can be set up in the
hands quickly.
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8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
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Rocket
The ball is hit just above the crossroads. Note that the ball is set up at an upward angle
in the platform hand. The ball will spin end over end backwards -- like a drop punt.
The rocket is ideal for long and accurate handpasses, and is easiest to catch in the
hands.
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 "Catch
the fist".
The overspin is used to place the ball out in front of a teammate so that it runs along the
ground.
FIXING FAULTS
• 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.
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8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
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RUCKWORK
The role of the ruck player is a crucial one in Australian Football. A good ruck sets up
play from a variety of contests such as the centre bounce or boundary throw-in. To create
opportunities for their smaller, running players, it is important that a ruck has the skill to direct the
ball to his teammate's best advantage.
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
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CENTRE BOUNCE
MARKING
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
1. Eyes must be focused on the ball all the way from the player's boot to your hands.
2. Position your body in line with the flight of the ball.
3. Move forward to meet the ball; never wait for it to come to you.
4. Skilful players should take the ball in their hands with their fingers spread and thumbs close
together. Beginners should use the chest.
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Arm or chest mark
1. Keep your eyes on the ball and line up the body with the flight of the ball.
2. The fingers and hands are extended --- palms up. Tuck the elbows in to the side.
3. The ball is taken on the hands and arms and guided to the chest.
4. The ball is hugged tightly to the chest. This is an important marking style if the ball is wet or
muddy.
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United States Australian Football League
8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Hand Mark
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.
Overhead Mark
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.
• Line your body up with the flight of the ball. Keep your "eyes on the ball".
• Jump off one foot and swing the other knee up to gain maximum height.
• Eyes are kept on the ball, fingers are outstretched and thumbs almost together.
• The ball is met slightly in front of the head with arms extended – "long arms". It should
be firmly gripped in the fingers.
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United States Australian Football League
8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
GENERAL SKILLS
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.
1. The body is in line behind the path of the ball in a semi-crouched position.
2. The arms and hands are extended with the fingers almost touching the ground,
palms towards ball.
3. The ball is picked up cleanly in two hands. The elbows are kept close together.
4. The ball is then brought into the hands for disposal. Eyes on the ball at all times.
One-Handed Pick Up
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St. Louis MO 63144
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Two-Handed Pick-Up
Begin with:
• a two-handed pickup and progress to a one-handed pickup
• a slow pace, and then build up the speed.
• no opposition, and progress to practise with opposition.
The one-handed pickup is more difficult than the two-handed, but can be done with no loss
of speed.
The players should be instructed to look at the bottom half of the ball and to move the arm
through quickly.
Insist on a two-handed attempt for most players, using the body as a last resort if the ball is
over-run.
HAND DRIBBLING
The skill of hand dribbling - or tapping the ball along the ground 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.
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United States Australian Football League
8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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 moving faster with unpredictable
bounce
• Use both hands and keep your body behind the ball
BALL HANDLING
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 coordination and learning how to mark effectively.
2. Pass the ball in a figure eight 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
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.
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United States Australian Football League
8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Running speed and acceleration are the product of stride length and frequency. The
distance covered with each stride taken and the speed with which the legs move are key factors
in sprinting.
Players are required to bounce the ball every fifteen metres when running.
Begin With:
• Standing and bouncing, and then extend to walking and bouncing
• Running in straight lines, and extend to weaving and dodging
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United States Australian Football League
8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
THE SIDE STEP
BLIND TURN
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.
The tactic known as “selling the dummy” is used when in possession of the ball to dodge
an oncoming opponent.
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United States Australian Football League
8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
MAIN TEACHING POINTS
• As the opponent approaches, shape to handball or kick in forward direction. The player
must look in that direction, so as to give his opponent the impression that he will pass in
that direction.
• As the opponent moves to smother the football, the player draws in the ball and moves
around him by pushing off hard as in the side step.
• The player is then in the clear and can accelerate away past the opponent. Again,
changing direction is important.
CHECKING SKILLS
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
It is important to practise all these skills correctly so that you don't give away free kicks.
SMOTHERING
A good smother can deflate the spirit of a player who thinks they are about ot get an
easy kick. It also lifts the side that has made the smother because of great courage it takes
putting your body on the line.
1. The hands are brought from the hip level, close together.
2. "Shoot from the hips" with the fingers pointing straight ahead.
3. The arms and hands are extended at about 45 degrees over the kicking boot.
4. Smother the ball when it is on or just left the kicker's boot.
The smotherer must keep his eyes on the ball at all times.
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United States Australian Football League
8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
TACKLING
From Behind
Approach the player who has the ball, from one side, so he is not pushed in the back.
The head should be placed to one side. The player is grabbed on the arms just above the
elbows and then swung or spun off balance.
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.
• Begin with the opponent stationary and the tackler walking in.
• Extend to the tackler jogging in.
• Players may be tackled below the shoulders and above the knees (when in
possession of the ball).
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United States Australian Football League
8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
BUMPING (HIP-AND-SHOULDER)
A player can legally hip-and-shoulder (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.
SPOILING
Spoiling is knocking the ball out of the hands of an opponent who is attempting to mark.
It 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.
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United States Australian Football League
8902 N Swan Circle
St. Louis MO 63144
http://www.usfooty.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________________
SHEPHERDING
The aim of a shepherd is for a player to block the approach of an opponent to stop him
making contact with the player's teammate.
A shepherd is achieved by using the arms and body to form a barrier to protect a
teammate. The fingers are outstretched with the arms spread below shoulder level. An
opponent can be legally shepherded by placing the body between the player and the ball, as
long as the ball is not more than five metres away. Bend your knees and be strong but do not
hold or grab your opponent.
A shepherd can also be used when contesting an overhead mark. The player
shepherding must communicate clearly with his teammate, telling him he is all clear to mark.
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