6 Kicking: Torpedo and Banana

Home , Holding the ball, Kick (football), Set shot, Spiral (football), Tackle (football move), Torpedo punt

MIDDLE PRIMARY AGE: 9-10 Activities

Kicking: Torpedo and banana SESSION 6

Teaching points for kicking (torpedo and banana)

Torpedo punt: Banana kick: 1. The ball is held on an angle across the body. 1. The ball in held like a reverse torpedo punt, with the right 2. For a right-foot kick, the left hand is slightly forward and hand forward for a right-foot kick and the opposite for a the right hand slightly behind the lacing. For a left-foot left-foot kick. kick, the hand positions are reversed. 2. The ball is guided down so that it drops at an angle 3. The ball is guided down with one hand at a slight angle to across the boot. the ground – and it is angles across the kicking leg. 3. The boot makes contact under the right side of the ball, 4. When the foot makes contact with the ball, the ball should producing a curved spin on the ball. spin in a spiral motion. Note: The banana kick is generally used when shooting for goal from close to the boundary line near the behind post. Session overview

Freight train Warm-up 5 Freight train Form a group of four children, the remaining children scatter in the playing area in pairs. Children in the group of four, form a train by placing their hands on the hips of the child in front of them. Children in pairs form a “carriage” (by one person placing their hands on their partners’ hips) and must chase and try to join the end of the train.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Side step relay Team force back Goalkicking Three-ball ambrose

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 childrenxx 6 children 6 children 6 children

CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill Game: Sink the ship Grid Game Placing the balls inside the circle (on the ship). One child (pirate) stands inside the ship, the remaining children are 12 children, 2 teams of 6 the sharks. The pirate picks up the balls one at a time and • Children to stay in their zones. kicks them off the ship using a torpedo. The sharks retrieve • No diving on the ball. the balls as quickly as possible and handballs them back on • No bumping. Players are able to hold and release on to the ship. The game finishes when all balls are off the ship opposition player in possession. Players once held have at the one time. Children swap around. three seconds to dispose of ball. Other players are to back off, so the child can kick or handball. • A mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. • Try to give all children a kick of the ball.

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Kicking: Torpedo and banana

SESSION 6 Revision activity: Side step relay Skill activity 1: Team force back

Holding the ball, the first child runs and right side steps around In teams of three, 15 metres apart, the first child from team A the first marker then left side steps around the second marker. kicks a torpedo directly over the heads of team B. Team B tries to The child continues and runs around the end marker, bounces the mark the ball. If the ball is kicked over their heads or past them, ball once and rocket handballs to the next child in line. Variations they must stop it as quickly as possible. Team B must then take include relay races. the return kick from where they marked or stopped the ball. The objective is to force the opposing team over a back boundary/ marker (e.g.: 40-50 metres behind).

Teaching points • 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 Teaching points are reversed. • As you approach the marker, hold the ball out to the side. • The ball is guided down with one hand at a slight angle to the ground • Push hard off the foot planted on the same side as the ball. – and it is angles across the kicking leg. • Pull the ball back quickly as you move around the marker. • When the foot makes contact with the ball, the ball should spin in a • Ensure that you change direction and don’t run in a straight line. spiral motion.

2 8 mins 8 1 1 1 8 mins 3 1 1 8 8

Skill activity 2: Goalkicking Skill activity 3: Three-ball ambrose

Children stand on a tight angle facing a set of goals. In turn, Children form two groups of three. Each of the six children “tee” off each child takes a set shot for goal using a banana kick. Children using a torpedo punt towards the “hole” (a circle of approximately retrieve their ball and return to the end of the line. Once each child 2 metres in diameter). After teeing off, each team selects their has had three kicks, move to opposite side of the goals and repeat. teams best position (ball closest to the hole) to take their “putt”. Each of the team members will take their “putt” from the chosen position using a banana kick. The winning team is the team that “putts” the ball inside the “hole” with the least amount of kicks. Variations include increasing the distance of the “hole”.

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Teaching points Teaching points • Hold the ball like a reverse torpedo punt (Right hand forward for a • Torpedo – For a right-foot kick, the left hand is slightly forward and right-foot kick and the opposite for a left-foot kick). the right hand slightly behind the lacing. For a left-foot kick, the hand • Guide the ball down so that it drops at an angle across the boot. positions are reversed. • The boot makes contact under the right side of the ball, producing a • Banana – The ball in held like a reverse torpedo punt, with the right curved spin on the ball. hand forward for a right-foot kick and the opposite for a left-foot kick.

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Ground skills and evasion (dummy) SESSION 7

Teaching points for ground skills and evasion (dummy)

The dummy • As the opponent moves to smother the ball, the • As the opponent approaches, shape to handball player draws in the ball and moves around the or kick in a forward direction. The player must opponent by pushing hard off the foot planted on look in that direction so as to give the opponent the same side as the ball. the impression of handballing or kicking in that • The player is then in the clear and can accelerate direction. away past the opponent. Again, changing direction is important.

Session overview

Rob the nest Warm-up 5 Rob the nest • Divide children into four groups of even numbers. Place all balls in the middle of the playing area, spacing them well apart. At the sound of the whistle, children converge on balls, taking one at a time back to their corner (nest). When there are no balls left in the middle, children may rob other nests. • At the start of the game, the coach may ask children to move in certain ways while retrieving balls, such as hopping out to ball or rolling the ball back to nest. • At the end of the game, children count the balls. The team with the most balls at the end are the winners. Repeat.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Team force back Skill and evasion Ground skills The dummy

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 childrenxx 6 children 6 children 6 children

CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill Game: Eliminator Grid Game All children have a ball. Start in a scattered formation, children roll the ball close to their body and in control. 12 children, 2 teams of 6 Five eliminators are selected (parents). Eliminators attempt • Children to stay in their zones. to tap the balls away from the children. Using rolling • No diving on the ball. skills, visual awareness and body, children protect their • No bumping. Players are able to hold and release on ball. Eliminators must not continuously target the same opposition player in possession. Players once held have child. Once a ball has been tapped away or child goes out three seconds to dispose of ball. Other players are to back of the playing area, child must sit on ball for 10 seconds off, so the child can kick or handball. before restarting. • A mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. Ensure children are looking forward and look left Safety: • Try to give all children a kick of the ball. and right before changing direction. Start with children walking, when confident progress to jog.

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Ground skills and evasion (dummy)

SESSION 7 Revision activity: Team force back Skill activity 1: Skill and evasion

In teams of three, 15 metres apart, the first child from team A Form a square approximately 10 to 20 metres with one or two kicks a torpedo directly over the heads of team B. Team B tries players at each marker. Child A runs, bouncing the ball then to mark the ball. If the ball is kicked over their heads or past them, handballing to child B. Child B kicks to child C, who marks the ball they must stop it as quickly as possible. Team B must then take and rolls it along the ground to child D, who gathers the ball and the return kick from where they marked or stopped the ball. The evades child E. Child D handballs to child A. Children run to the objective is to force the opposing team over a back boundary/ next marker after disposal. marker (e.g.: 40-50 metres behind).

Teaching points • 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. • The ball is guided down with one hand at a slight angle to the ground – and it is angles across the kicking leg. Teaching points • When the foot makes contact with the ball, the ball should spin in a • Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. spiral motion. • Focus on where you will receive the ball.

1 3 mins 8 1 1 1 8 mins 4 1 1 8 8

Skill activity 2: Ground skills Skill activity 3: The dummy

(a) In pairs approximately 5 metres apart, child A rolls the ball In pairs, child with the football and their partner move towards to their partner (child B) who approaches the moving ball, picks each other. The child with the ball pretends to kick or handball it up and handballs it back. Child B then runs backwards to their however at the last moment, draws the ball close to their body starting marker keeping their eye on the ball. Repeat five times and dummies around their partner, pushing hard off the foot on before swapping. the same side as the ball. (b) In pairs, children stand side by side, child A rolls the ball out in front of child B who runs it down attempting to pick it up before it becomes stationary. Child B picks up the ball turns around and handballs back to child A. Repeat five times before swapping.

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Teaching points Teaching points • Look in the direction that you shape to kick or handpass. • Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. • As your opponent moves to smother the ball, draw in the ball and • Body in line behind the ball in a semi-crouched positioned. move around the opponent by pushing hard off the foot on the same • Pick up the ball cleanly with both hands. side as the ball.

3 8 mins 3 1 1 3 8 mins 3 1 1 8 8

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Contested marking SESSION 8

Teaching points for contested marking

1. The ball must rest on the platform hand and be hit with a clenched fist. Beginning players should have their eyes on the ball. 2. Make the punching fist by placing the thumb outside the fingers. 3. Stand partly side on to allow the punching arm to swing through freely. 4. For a right-handed handball, the left foot is forward, and vice-versa. 5. After making contact with the ball, the fist stays on the platform hand – “catch the fist”.

Session overview

Numbers game Warm-up 5 Numbers game Children each with a football walk around a circle clockwise. When the coach calls out a number (1 to 4) the children perform a set of actions. 1. Bounce the ball. 2. Overhead mark. 3. Place the ball on the ground and go back the other way. 4. Handball over your head to the player behind you.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Skill and evasion Kick to lead Contested marks Mark 1, 2 or 3

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 childrenxx 6 children 6 children 6 children

CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill Game: Kick tennis Grid Game Two teams stand in squares opposite each other, with a space (the net) of approximately 10 metres between each 12 children, 2 teams of 6 square. Children kick the ball across/over the net into the • Children to stay in their zones. opposite square. A point is awarded if the ball hits the • No diving on the ball. ground in the opposing teams square. The kick can not land • No bumping. Players are able to hold and release on in the net area or outside the square, if so a point is awarded opposition player in possession. Players once held have to the opposing team. Children who have had a kick must three seconds to dispose of ball. Other players are to back handball to other children in their team. The first team to off, so the child can kick or handball. nine points is the winner. • A mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. • Try to give all children a kick of the ball. goal line

neurtal zone xx xx xx xx goal line

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Contested marking

SESSION 8 Revision activity: Skill and evasion Skill activity 1: Kick to lead

Form a square approximately 10 to 20 metres with one or two Helper coach rolls or handballs to child A, who kicks the ball well players at each marker. Child A runs, bouncing the ball then in front of leading child B, who marks the ball. Child B kicks the ball handballing to child B. Child B kicks to child C, who marks the ball back to the helper coach and children A and B swap lines. and rolls it along the ground to child D, who gathers the ball and evades child E. Child D handballs to child A. Children run to the next marker after disposal.

Teaching points • Be balanced when kicking. Teaching points • Turn the body in the direction of the kick. • Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. • Follow through in the direction of the kick. • Focus on where you will receive the ball. • Run on after the ball.

1 8 mins 4 1 1 3 8 mins 1 1 8 8

Skill activity 2: Contested marks Skill activity 3: Mark 1, 2 or 3

Children form two lines of two approximately 40 metres apart, Set three markers in a triangle (approximately 5 metres apart), with a pair standing in the middle. A child from Line 1 runs with a each marker is given a number 1, 2 or 3. Two children stand ball and kicks it high to the two players in the middle who contest behind each marker. The helper coach nominates two numbers the mark. The kicker runs on to crumb the ball off hands or receive (e.g.: 1 and 3) and then throws/kicks the ball in to the centre a handball, then kicks to line 2. of the triangle for it to be contested by one child from each of Drill starts again, regularly swap players who contest the ball in these markers. the centre.

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Teaching points • Get your body in front of your opponent. • Keep your eyes on the ball. Teaching points • Mark the ball is taken at the highest point that you can reach. • Get your body in front of your opponent. • Note: Kicker runs to the front of the marking contest to crumb or • Keep your eyes on the ball. receive the ball. • Mark the ball is taken at the highest point that you can reach.

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Handball (decision making) SESSION 9

Teaching points for handball (decision making)

1. The ball must rest on the platform hand and be hit • For a right-handed handball, the left foot is forward, with a clenched fist. Players should have their eyes and vice versa for a left-handed handball. on the ball. • Punching arm is also slightly bent. 2. The punching fist is formed by placing the thumb • After contact is made with the ball, the fist remains outside, not inside the fingers. on the platform hand – “catch the fist”. 3. The stance is nearly side on to allow the punching arm to swing through freely. Keep knees slightly bent to maintain balance. Session overview

Handball tag Warm-up 5 Handball tag Select three children as taggers. They try to tag other children by handballing below the waist. Once tagged, the children become scarecrows, standing with their feet apart and arms outstretched. Scarecrows can return to the game only when another child crawls between their legs. Change taggers regularly and involve parents (where possible).

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Mark 1, 2 or 3 Goalkicking Hot peppers Skip on 3 accuracy

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 childrenxx 6 children 6 children 6 children

CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill Game: Kickers and Grid Game handballers 12 children, 2 teams of 6 Children form a kicking and a fielding team. The first kicker • Children to stay in their zones. kicks the ball in to the field (if balls goes wide the kick is taken again) and the entire team runs around the field as • No diving on the ball. a group to the finishing line. The fielders gather the ball • No bumping. Players are able to hold and release on and handball it to each other. When all fielders have touched opposition player in possession. Players once held have the ball they call out “stop”. Each member of the kicking three seconds to dispose of ball. Other players are to back team that reaches the finish line before “stop” is called off, so the child can kick or handball. scores one point. Each member of the kicking team has • A mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. a turn at kicking before the teams swap. • Try to give all children a kick of the ball.

xx xx xx xx

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Handball (decision making)

SESSION 9 Revision activity: Mark 1, 2 or 3 Skill activity 1: Goalkicking accuracy

Set three markers in a triangle (approximately 5 metres apart), Each child has six kicks, three from 15 metres and three from each marker is given a number 1, 2 or 3. Two children stand 20 metres. Five points are awarded for each goal kicked from behind each marker. The helper coach nominates two numbers 15 metres, and 10 points are scored for a goal kicked from (e.g.: 1 and 3) and then throws/kicks the ball in to the centre 20 metres. Children add up their total score out of 45 points. of the triangle for it to be contested by one child from each of Children take it in turns to be the goal umpire. For variation these markers. include set shots, running shots (ball is fed from the helper coach) and from different angles.

Teaching points Teaching points • Get your body in front of your opponent. • Choose target behind the goal. • Keep your eyes on the ball. • Run straight towards the target. • Mark the ball is taken at the highest point that you can reach. • Follow through with your kicking leg towards the target.

1 8 mins 3 1 1 6 8 mins 2 1 2 1 1 8 8

Skill activity 2: Hot peppers Skill activity 3: Skip on 3

In groups of three, two children take turns at handballing to the Children form a large circle with one child in the middle. The child third child, in the hot seat, who handballs back using alternate in the middle runs around the inside of the circle and handballs hands. The aim of the two children handballing is to put time and receives the ball back from each child in turn. Everyone pressure on the receiver (emphasis on quick hands). counts aloud as each handball is made. On the count of three and multiples of three (e.g.: 6, 9, 12) the child in the middle must skip that child and bounce the ball instead. On the count of 12, the child on the inside swapsxx positions.

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Teaching points • Watch the ball in to your hands. Teaching points • Handball back as quickly as possible. • Watch the ball in to your hands. • Be on your toes and alternate your feet when handballing. • Children receiving the ball must call the handballer’s name.

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Body contact skills (hand tackle) SESSION 10

Teaching points for body contact skills (hand tackle)

When teaching children to tackle, begin with the opponent Front – approach the player with arms at waist level. stationary and the tackler walking in. Extend to the tackler and The tackler places their head to one side of the player, with opponent jogging in. A tackle should always be made below the chin tucked in. The player is grabbed on the arms just the shoulders and above the knees. above the elbows. Always watch the opposition players’ hips. Side – approach the player with the ball from the side. Behind – approach the player with the ball from one side, so they The tackler places their head behind the player, with the are not pushed in the back. The head should be placed on one chin tucked in. The player is grabbed with both hands side. The player is grabbed on the arms just above the elbows. between the waist and shoulders.

Session overview

Two hand grasp tug-of-war Warm-up 5 Two hand grasp tug-of-war Partners hold each other at the wrists and with one leg forward. On “go” each child attempts to pull their partner forwards. Single hand tug-of-war Partners face each other with feet apart and holding right Single hand grasp tug-of-war hands. Without moving their feet each tries to unbalance the other by pushing, pulling, bending low etc. Variations include changing hands and swapping partners.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Hot peppers Goal rotation Tackling Tackler

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 childrenxx 6 children 6 children 6 children

CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill Game: British bulldog Grid Game Mark out a reasonably wide rectangle. One child takes up position in the middle (the bulldog). All the remaining 12 children, 2 teams of 6 children line up at one end of the rectangle. On ‘GO’ all • Children to stay in their zones. children run through the middle to reach the other end • No diving on the ball. without being “hand” tackled by the ‘bulldog’. If hand • No bumping. Players are able to hold and release on tackled the children become bulldog tacklers in the middle. opposition player in possession. Players once held have Continue until all children are caught. three seconds to dispose of ball. Other players are to back off, so the child can kick or handball. • A mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. • Try to give all children a kick of the ball.

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Body contact skills (hand tackle)

SESSION 10 Revision activity: Hot peppers Skill activity 1: Goal rotation

In groups of three, two children take turns at handballing to the In pairs, children set up with their partner on the opposite side third child, in the hot seat, who handballs back using alternate of the goals. Using their partner as a target each child takes hands. The aim of the two children handballing is to put time a set shot for goal (kicking to their partner through the goals). pressure on the receiver (emphasis on quick hands). When both children have had their shot from that point they move to the next point.

Teaching points Teaching points • Watch the ball in to your hands. • Choose target behind the goals (partner). • Handball back as quickly as possible. • Run straight towards the target. • Be on your toes and alternate your feet when handballing. • Follow through with your kicking leg towards the target.

2 8 mins 1 1 3 8 mins 6 1 1 8 8

Skill activity 2: Tackling Skill activity 3: Tackler

A) Front-on Tackle In threes, children are positioned inside a small square. In pairs, children face each other from approximately two metres Two children are ball carriers and the third is the tackler. apart. One child has a ball, the other is the tackler. The child with The tackler perform as many “hold tackles” on the ball the ball remains stationary, the tackler approach the player from carriers (alternately) as possible within a given time period the front and applies a hand tackle on the arms just above the e.g. 30 seconds. Children swap roles after 30 seconds. If the elbows. player is unable to catch the ball carriers make the square smaller. B) Side-on Tackle Children form two lines at right angles, line A (ball carriers) and line B (tacklers). In turn, children in line A walk straight ahead while children in line B walk out and apply a side hand tackle by grabbing thexx ball carrier with both hands between the waist xx and shoulders. After the tackle children swap lines. Variation – children progressxx to a jog. xx

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Teaching points Teaching points • Always watch the ball carrier’s hips. • Always watch the ball carrier’s hips. • Move in close to the ball carrier. • Move in close to the ball carrier. • Grab the ball carrier with both hands (front - on the arms above the • Grab the ball carrier with both hands (front - on the arms above the elbows; side - between the waist and shoulders). elbows; side - between the waist and shoulders). • Ensure head is in a safe position (to the side or back). • Ensure head is in a safe position (to the side or back).

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xxxx xxxx 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 156 Session overview Teaching points forkicking Skill activity 1:Goalkicking(12players) set outatvarious anglesanddistances. Players have anequalnumberof shotsandmove around tothecones Using theirpartnerasatarget, eachplayer takes asetshotfor goal. In pairs, players face theirpartner ontheoppositesideof thegoals. • • • Teaching points • • • Questions SESSION Follow through straight towards thetarget. Point your toesatyour target –watch theballhitfoot. Guide theballdown withonehand. Hold theballover thethighof thekickingleg. Line uptheballwithyour target. Have your headbentslightlyover theball.

Follow through withyour kickinglegtowards thetarget. target). Run straight towards thetarget (square shoulders towards the Choose atarget behindthegoals(partner). your routine? It isimportantfor you tohave aroutine whenkickingfor goal.Whatis Why have we putyour partnerbehindthegoals? What are theimportantaspectsof kickingfor goal? 1 AFL Junior CoachingManual xx xx xx Warm-up the conesasmany timesaspossibleuntilalltheballsare inthehoop. Cones form acircle around theoutsideof team1.Team 2runsaround the hoop. Continueuntilalltheballshave been placedintothehoop. C does thesametoD,DE,EF, FtoGetc.O placedtheballin and handballs toCandreturns totheconeready for thenext ball. cone tocollectthenext ballandrepeats. Meanwhile,player Bruns and runsittowithin5mof player B,handballsandrunsbacktothe Two teamsof 10-12 and15-20 balls.Player Atakes thefirst football Run andretrieve balls the whistle.Players stopimmediatelyandlookat the helpercoach. In pairs, players kicktheballtoeachotheruntilhelpercoach blows Kicking whistledrill Kicking xx xx 6 xx 15 mins 15 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 12 10

1 1-2 • • • • Kicker: Teaching points front andsquare (12players) Skill activity 2:Extension – non-preferred sideandinclude defending players. 2 andrunstotheendof line2.For variation, encourage players touse handball from thereceiving player, handballstothenext player inline a leadingplayer from line2.Thekicker follows thekick,receives a Form two groups of six.The first player from line1kicks theballto • • Questions Run oninthelineof thekick. Aim infront of theleadingplayer. be kicked. Run inthedirection theballisto Be balancedwhenkicking. Where doyou aimtotake theballwhenit isintheair? What istheaimof thisdrill? Run andretrieve balls Kicking whistledrill xx xx xx xx xx 2 15 mins 15 4 • • • Leading player: Mark withthehands. Judge theballinflight. is ready tokick. Hold theleaduntilplayer 1

1-2

Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

Kicking

SESSION 1 Game preparation: Positional play and game sense

Form two teams of 12. The ball starts with the player at the top of the goalsquare (TS). All other players are congregated down the middle corridor with space on the flanks. TS has to make a decision of how to maintain possession of the ball and when to change direction. TS kicks the ball to any player on his/her team with the aim to transfer the ball from one end of the ground to the other and to score a goal. When the ball has gone through the goals, the other team has their turn. For variation, the opposition could begin with token pressure and progress to full contest.

Options: • If TS goes straight down the middle and the team scores a goal, they get six points. • If TS goes to where there are less players (into space where players can lead to) and goes through a gate on either side of the ground, they get a bonus two points. Questions • What option did you take and why (quickest, safest etc)? • How much did getting four bonus points come into your decision making? • Why were bonus points used? • Why should changing direction be considered? (less players around the ball, more space)?

1 25 mins 16 1 1 24 25

Junior Rules Game

• All players must play at least half a game. • Players should stay in position. • All players to experience playing in different positions through regular rotation. • No diving on the ball. • Stealing and smothering are permitted. • The ball must travel 10m for a mark to be awarded. • A player in possession of the ball must bounce it at least once every 15m (maximum of two bounces). • Tackling: - Under-11 – hold-and-release tackle is allowed. - Under-12 – wrap-around tackle is allowed. xx - No player shall be dumped or thrown to the groundxx by any tackler. xx • Bumping is allowed as per the AFL Laws of Australian Football. • No barging or chopping past opponents. • Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted. xx Before you start the game, give players a few minutes to decide Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching. how their team will play the game (eg. go straight down the middle,

xxxx use the space, kick long to the best option, use handball to run the ball etc). At half-time and after the game, ask the players the following questions: • Did we stick to our game-plan? • What do we need to change for the second half/next game? • What is our team doing well? • What do we need to improve on?

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xxxx 3. 2. 1. LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 158 • • • • • the leaderwhopassesthemballusingfollowing methods: A leaderischosenwithagroup setupabout10mbehindamarker. Players runtowards ball Leader alternate handstohandballandatdifferent heights. to move around thesquare untilthewhistlegoes.For variations, changedirection, to players moving around theoutsideof thesquare. Players ontheoutsidecontinue In anarea about10mx10m,players ontheinsideof asquare eachwithaball,handball Around thesquare Warm-up Session overview Teaching points forhandballing Handball around the square (12 Players) Handball around thesquare (12 Skill activity 1: • • • and so forth, moving ontothenext coneeachtime.Variations Player Ahandballstoplayer B,player Bhandballstoplayer C • • Teaching points • • Questions SESSION

The stanceisnearlyside-ontoallow thepunchingarmtoswingthrough freely. Keepkneesslightlybenttomaintainbalance. The punchingfistis formed by placingthethumboutside,notinsidefingers. The ballmustrest ontheplatform handandbehitwithaclenchedfist.Players shouldhave their eyes ontheball. to thebackof theline. The player takes theball,balancesandhandballsitbacktoleaderbefore returning Throwing theballhighintoair. Rolling theballalongground. Kick. Handball. Change thedirection tokriscross (AtoC,BD). Widen thesquare andusealternatehands. Start withoneballandincrease tothree. about 2m. Run andcarrytheballtowards thereceiving player andhandball Watch theballintoyour hands. than oneballwas used? What didyou needtododifferently toreceive theballwhenmore the balleasier? What spindidyou needtoputontheballhelpyour partnercatch 2 xx AFL Junior CoachingManual xx xx xx Handballing xx 10 xx 1

15 mins 15 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 6 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 1 1 Three-man weave (12 Players) Skill activity 2: • • • player E.Player Ewhobeginstheprocess again.Variations his runtoreceive theballinfront of player Abefore handballingitto centre. Onreceiving theball,player Ahandballstoplayer C,whotimes Player Bstartsby handballingtoplayer Awhoisrunningtowards the • • Teaching points • • Questions goals). have tobedoneclose in theplayer withtheballhaving a‘snap’ atgoal(thisactivitywould Have thecoachblow awhistle atrandom stagesof thedrillresulting Use adefender inthemiddleof thedrill. Change thedistancebetween thegroups. about 2m. Run andcarrytheballtowards thereceiving player andhandball Watch theballintoyour hands. Where didyou needtorunreceive the ball? partner catchtheballeasier? put ontheballtohelpyour What spindidyou needto Around the square Leader ball Leader xx xx xx xx xx 1 15 mins

15 6 1 1 Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

Handballing

SESSION 2 Game preparation: Positional play and game sense: Touchball

The aim of this game is for players to move the ball across the field to score a goal by handballing between two markers. Rules • Six players per team. • The ball is turned over if the player in possession is touched with two hands. • Ball is turned over if it hits the ground. • Players can run up to 10m with the ball before having to handball. Variations • Increase/decrease field size and or goal size. • Prescribe number of handballs before scoring. • Hold and release tackle can be introduced. Questions • What is the aim of this game? (Keep possession of the ball and score a goal) • How can your team keep the ball? (Accurate handballing). • How can you get the ball when: • Your team has possession of the ball? (move into space, move into the vision of the player who has the ball) • The opposition has the ball? (man up an opposition player, put pressure on the player with the ball by putting arms up)

1 15 mins 1 1 1 1 12 15

Junior Rules Game

• All players must play at least half a game. • Players should stay in position. • All players to experience playing in different positions through regular rotation. • No diving on the ball. • Stealing and smothering are permitted. • The ball must travel 10m for a mark to be awarded. • A player in possession of the ball must bounce it at least once every 15m (maximum of two bounces). • Tackling: - Under-11 – hold-and-release tackle is allowed. - Under-12 – wrap-around tackle is allowed. xx - No player shall be dumped or thrown to the groundxx by any tackler. xx xx • Bumping is allowed as per the AFL Laws of Australian Football. • No barging or chopping past opponents.

• Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted.xx Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

xxxx Before you start the game, give players a few minutes to decide how their team will play the game (eg. go straight down the middle, use the space, kick long to the best option, use handball to run the ball etc). At half-time and after the game, ask the players the following questions: • Did we stick to our game-plan? • What do we need to change for the second half/next game? • What is our team doing well? • What do we need to improve on?

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xxxx • • • • Marking (hand) LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 160 about 30secondsbefore players swap positions. towards player C,marks andhandballsback.Thisprocess continuesfor player A,player Bmarks andhandballsback.Player Bturnsaround, runs Player Athrows theballhighintoairtoplayer Bwhoisrunningtowards In groups of three, players form alineabout10mapart. Piggy inthemiddle before returning totheback of theline. The player takes theball,balancesandhandballsitbacktoleader • • • • following methods: Players run towards theleaderwhopassesthemballusing A leaderischosenwithagroup setupabout10mbehindamarker. ball Leader Warm-up Session overview Teaching points formarking Watch theballasitleaves theplayer’s bootorhands. The ballisfirmlygrippedwiththefingers. Arms mustbeextended –“longarms”. positioned behindtheball. Fingers outstretched pointingtowards theball.Thumbsare Partner kickingandmarking(12players) Skill activity 1: the ballinairfor theirpartnertomarkoverhead. activity: Onceplayers are 20mapart,thekicker shouldattempttoput watching theballfrom thekicker’s foot intotheirhands.Extension intensity anddistanceof thekick.Players should“track” theballby In pairs, players kicktheballtoeachothergradually increasing the • • to five stepsbefore kicking) kicking (Take at leastthree Kicking –bebalancedwhen teaching points. Marking –refer tomainlesson Teaching points • • • Extention activity questions SESSION

Throwing theballhighintoair. Rolling theballalongground. Kick. Handball. leading player Aim tokickinfront of the is tobekicked. Run inthedirection theball (mark) theball? Where doyou aimtotake your head? marking tomarktheballover How doyou adjustyour the air? to make sure theballgoesin How canyou adjustyour kick 3 xx AFL Junior CoachingManual xx xx xx Marking xx 10 xx 2

15 mins

CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 4 to watch tothetrack theball? What partof theballdoyou need partner accurately? sure theballwas received by your What didyou needtodomake Questions CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 1 1 • • • Marking (overhead mark) Piggy inthemiddle ball Leader – “Longarms”. Itshouldbefirmlygrippedwiththefingers. The ballismetslightlyinfront of theheadwitharmsextended W position. Fingers outstretched andthumbsalmosttogether– maximum height. Jump off onefoot andswingtheotherkneeuptogain Stand themark(12players) Skill activity 2: roles after eachcontest. when theballhitsground pushesbackoff themark.Players swap to player A.Iftheballisnotmarked, theplayer whogainspossession who hastaken themarkpushesbackoff themarkbefore kickingback ball ismarked, theopposingplayer standsthemark,whileplayer B andCaimtomarktheballoverhead atitshighestpoint.Whenthe Player Akicks toamarkingcontestbetween players BandC.Players • Questions • • • Teaching backoffthemark). points (pushing Why isitimportanttopushbackoff themark? Push backfar enough tokickover themarkortosafely play on. Keep facing the play. Push backquickly. xx xx xx xx xx 2 15 mins

15 4 1 1 Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

Marking

SESSION 3 Game preparation: Positional play and game sense

The ball begins in the goalsquare at each end of the ground. The ball is kicked by player A to a stationary target (player B) in the back pocket. Player B runs and carries the ball up the wing, kicking to player C, who marks and handballs to player D. Player D runs and carries before kicking to player E, who handballs to player F, who runs and kicks a goal. This process is then repeated at the other end of the ground.

Questions Teaching points • Why is handball used in some cases instead of a kick? • Marking: lead towards the ball. • Why was the ball handballed into the middle of the ground? • Kicking: keep body in line with your target. • Handballing: carry the ball to your target and handball about 2m. • Goalkicking: pick out a target behind the goals to help you aim.

1-2 25 mins 10 1 1 25

Junior Rules Game

• All players must play at least half a game. • Players should stay in position. • All players to experience playing in different positions through regular rotation. • No diving on the ball. • Stealing and smothering are permitted. • The ball must travel 10m for a mark to be awarded. • A player in possession of the ball must bounce it at least once every 15m (maximum of two bounces). • Tackling: – Under-11 – hold-and-release tackle is allowed. – Under-12 – wrap-around tackle is allowed. – No player shall be dumped or thrown to the groundxx by any tackler. xx • Bumping is allowed as per the AFL Laws of Australian Football. • No barging or chopping past opponents.

• Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted. xx Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

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xxxx LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 162 • • Questions • • • • • • Four groups of sixplayers lineupwithaball.Outandbackrelays including: Relays the ground atincreasing speeds. gradually increasing. Aimfor 10successful gathers. For variation, players kicktheballalong Two players (orplayer withaparent) roll aballtoeachotherstartingwithshortdistancesand Gathering Warm-up Session overview Teaching points forpickingup Quick thinking(12players) Skill activity 1: and defending player. defender. Players follow theirkickandtake turnatbeingtheleading or C.Thisdecisionisbasedonavoiding player D,whoisactingasa carries theballwhiledecidingwhethertokickiteitherplayer B The coachrolls theballtoplayer A,whogathers. Player Arunsand • • Questions • • Teaching points 4. 3. 2. 1.

SESSION Why dow warm-up? Why d Any combinationof theabove. Bouncing theball. Handballing theballinairtothemselves asthey run. Skipping, hopping,runningbackwards orsideways. Rolling theballalongground toanendmarker. Straight running. Why didyou follow your kick? Which optiondidyou choose andwhy? ball inrelation tothedefending player. Look uptoanalyse whichplayer isinthebestpositiontomark Keep your headover theballwhengatheringitfrom thecoach. 4 Lead (run)towards thechildkickingballwhenthey are ready tokick. with thefingers. Hand mark:Armsextended andfingers outstretched towards theball.Gripballfirmly Chest mark:Ballistaken onthehandsandarmshuggedtochest. Keepyour eyes ontheballandlineupyour bodywiththeflight of theball. xx AFL Junior CoachingManual o you thinkwe usea“dynamic warm-up” compared toajog/stretch type e have skillwork inthewarm-up? xx xx xx Picking up xx 10 xx 2

15 mins

15 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 4 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 1 1 Forward switch kick(12 players) Skill activity 2: kicks itbacktothecoach.Players rotate tothenext point. B takes themarkandthenrolls theballtoplayer C,whocollectsitand leading towards thegoalsfrom thehalf-forward flankposition.Player Player Acollectstheballandkicks (atleast15m)toplayer B,whois The coachrolls theballtoplayer A,whoisrunningtowards thegoals. • • Questions • • Teaching points Why doesplayer Akicktheballoutinfront of Player B? Why isitimportanttostay low when gatheringtheball? Kick theballoutinfront of player Bleadingtowards thegoals. Stay low andfollow theballwhengathering. xx xx xx Relays Gathering xx xx 2 15 mins

15 4 1 1 Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

Picking up

SESSION 4 Game preparation: Positional play and game sense: Reading the play

The coach kicks the ball to players D and E, who contest a mark at the centre half- forward position. Players A, B and C are positioned about 20m in front of the contest and aim to time their run and gather the loose ball. The player who gathers then has a shot at goal.

Teaching points • Time your run and get front and centre to the contest. • Watch the flight of the ball kicked from the coach. Questions • Why should you stagger your approach to the contest? • Why do you stay low when gathering the ball? • Why do you run front and centre?

1 15 mins 2 1 1 15

Junior Rules Game

• All players must play at least half a game. • Players should stay in position. • All players to experience playing in different positions through regular rotation. • No diving on the ball. • Stealing and smothering are permitted. • The ball must travel 10m for a mark to be awarded. • A player in possession of the ball must bounce it at least once every 15m (maximum of two bounces). • Tackling: - Under-11 – hold-and-release tackle is allowed. - Under-12 – wrap-around tackle is allowed. - No player shall be dumped or thrown to the ground xx by any tackler. xx • Bumping is allowed as per the AFL Laws of Australian Football. • No barging or chopping past opponents.

• Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted. xx Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

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xxxx 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 164 Session overview Teaching points forevasion Evasion (12players) Skill activity 1: tackle player Btostopthemfrom gettingtotheline. get totheline10minfront by evading player A.Player Acan hand Player Arolls theballtoplayer B,whogathers it.Player Bmustthen • • Teaching points • Questions SESSION

Ensure thatyou changedirection anddon’truninastraight line. Pull theballbackquicklyasyou move around your opponent. Push hard off thefoot plantedonthesamesideasball. Hold theballouttosideasopponentapproaches. Watch your opponentclosely. will tryandevade. Player Ashouldwatch the hipsof player Btoknow whichway they side as theball. Player withtheballpusheshard off thefoot plantedonthesame What was thebestway toevade player A? 5 AFL Junior CoachingManual xx xx xx Evasion xx xx 1 • • • • • • • Variations has had a turn. hand-passing tothenext person inlineuntileveryone Players runandbounce the balltootherend, Lane relays (dynamicwarm-up) Warm-up Run handballinginpairs. Run forwards withafew shortsprints. Run dodgingside-to-side. Run backwards. Run flickingheelstobackside. Roll theballinfront. Run handballingtheballinair. 15 mins

15 xx CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 4

CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 10 1

(12 players) Skill activity 2:Evasion square the third square, whorepeats. B repeats inthenext square before handballingbackto player Ain planted onthesamesideof theballandhandballstoplayer B.Player Player Aholdstheballouttooneside,pusheshard off thefoot With theball,player Arunstowards thedefender (D)insquare one. • • Teaching points • Questions It isimportanttobebalancedbefore handballing toyour partner. side as theball. Player withtheballpusheshard off thefoot plantedon the same Why doyou holdtheballouttooneside? Lane relays xx xx xx xx xx 1 15 mins 15 10 1 1

Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

Evasion

SESSION 5 Game preparation: Positional play and game sense – handball tag

All players begin inside the marked area. Players A, B and C must ‘tag’ the other players by handballing the ball within the square and touching them with the ball. The ‘tagging’ players can only run when they do not have the ball and must therefore attempt to corner the free players. Once a player is tagged, they join the ‘tagging’ team. This continues until all players are tagged.

Teaching points • Free players must use their evading skills to keep clear of tagging players. • Tagging players must concentrate on hitting their target when handballing and move the ball quickly. Questions • How did you evade the tagging players?

1 15 mins 4 1 1-2 12 15

Junior Rules Game

• Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted. xx Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching

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xxxx LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 166 distance, kicktheballandintroduce opposition atkey points. ball before moving tothenext marker. For variation, increase thenumberof balls,the must runbehindandputtheirarmsouttoshepherd theplayer whohasreceived the player Bwhothenhandballstoplayer Candsoforth. After handballing,theplayer Children lineupbehindmarkers setoutinatriangleposition.Player Ahandballs to Triangle handball shoulder roll before gettingbacktotheirfeet. calls outanumberandthatplayer bumpsintotheirpartnerwhothendoesaside In pairs, players numbered 1and2jogaround aplaying fieldside by side.The coach Jog, bumpandroll Warm-up Session overview places theirheadbehindtheplayer, withthechintucked in.The Side –approach theplayer withtheballfrom theside.Thetackler The player isgrabbed onthearmsjustabove theelbows. places theirheadtoonesideof theplayer, withthechintucked in. Front player isgrabbed onthearmsjustabove theelbows. not pushedintheback.Theheadshouldbeplacedononeside. Behind –approach theplayer withtheballfrom oneside,sothey are Tackling Teaching points fordefensive skills Skill activity 1:Checkingskills(12players) tackler. Thisisdonefor about30secondsbefore players swap roles. together withoneplayer shepherding andtheothertryingtoevade a Shepherding: Ingroups of three, nominatetwo againstone.Two work tackles canbeintroduced tothisactivity. can beincreased. Otherelementssuchasgatheringaballorrepeated tackling. Asconfidence improves, thespeedand force of thetackle Tackling: Usingatacklebag,players walk inandtrytheskillof can beincreased. bumping. Asconfidence improves, thespeedand force of thebump Bumping: Usingatacklebag,players walk inandtrytheskillof • Questions SESSION

technique? Why isitimportanttobump,tackleandshepherd usingthecorrect 6 xx AFL Junior CoachingManual – approach theplayer witharmsatwaist level. Thetackler xx xx xx Defensive skills xx 10 xx 6

15 mins 15 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 6 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 1 1

teammate. body infront of adefending player sothatthey cannotreach their Shepherding –Witharmsoutstretched, theplayer moves their feet ontheground. furthest from opponent.Itisimportantthattheplayer keeps their Make contactwiththeshoulderandarmwhilepushingfrom thefoot Bumping –Armsshouldbebentandelbows tucked intotheside. player isgrabbed withbothhandsbetween thewaist andshoulders. Skill activity 2:6versus 6(12players) of consecutive handballs. and after two minutes,theteamsswap roles. Countthenumber team attemptstotackleanddispossesstheinpossession square by selectingtherightoptionandhandballing.Theopposition The aim isfor theteamwithballtocontrol possessioninsidethe Players onopposingteamssetupinasquare about10mx10m. • Questions • • Teaching points What didyou have todoensure there was anopenplayer? Don’t rushwheninpossessionandwait for thebestoption. Focus onisolatinganopenplayer. Triangle handball Jog, bumpandroll xx xx xx xx xx 1 15 mins 15 6 3 1 Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

Defensive skills

SESSION 6 Game preparation: Positional play and game sense – handball game

The aim of this game is for players to move the ball across the field to score a goal by handballing between two markers (goals). Rules • Six players per team. • The ball is turned over if the player in possession is tackled and cannot dispose of the ball correctly. • Bumping and shepherding is encouraged to make space for teammates. • Ball is turned over if it hits the ground. • Players can run up to 10m with the ball before having to handball.

Variations • Increase/decrease field size and/or goal size. • Prescribe number of handballs before scoring. Questions • What is the aim of this game? (Keep possession of the ball and score a goal) • How can your team keep the ball? (Accurate handballing) • How can you get the ball when: - Your team has possession of the ball? (move into space, move into the vision of the player who has the ball)

1 25 mins 15 1 1 25

Junior Rules Game

• All players must play at least half a game. • Players should stay in position. • All players to experience playing in different positions through regular rotation. • No diving on the ball. • Stealing and smothering are permitted. • The ball must travel 10m for a mark to be awarded. • A player in possession of the ball must bounce it at least once every 15m (maximum of two bounces). • Tackling: - Under-11 – hold-and-release tackle is allowed. - Under-12 – wrap-around tackle is allowed. - No player shall be dumped or thrown to the ground xx by any tackler. xx • Bumping is allowed as per the AFL Laws of Australian Football. • No barging or chopping past opponents.

• Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted. xx Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

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xxxx 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 168 gradually increase thedistancewithplayers leadingonaslightangletomeettheball. Players startby kickinginpairs over shortdistanceswhilestationary. After awhile, Partner kicking–oneballbetween two. kick with alternatefeet. in their group twice,anew kicker isused.For variation: Increase thedistanceand kicker andreturns totheendof theline.Oncekicker haskicked toevery player Player Arunstowards thekicker andmarks intheirhands,handballsbacktothe Off thefence Warm-up Session overview Teaching points forkickingto position Centre square (12players) Skill Activity 1: • • Questions • • • Teaching points • • • Variations the ball. continues. Players gotowhere they kick leading player Candsoforth asthedrill centre square. Player Bthenkicks toa a 45 degree angleaway from the Player Astartswiththeballandkicks toplayer B,whohasledat SESSION

Follow through straight towards thetarget. Point your toesatyour target –watch theballhitfoot. Guide theballdown withonehand. Hold theballover thethighof thekickingleg. Line uptheballwithyour target. Have your headbentslightlyover theball. sure you leadcorrectly? What doyou needtodo asaleadingplayer totimeyour runtomake leading player ontherun? What doyou needtodoyour kicks tomake sure they gettothe player. Run andcarrytheballsoyou cankickthedistancetoleading on toit. Aim toputtheballoutinfront of theleadingplayer sothey canrun Face your target front onandsteadybefore you kick. an appropriate position. leading player mustadjustandleadto Put somedefenders intheplay sothe the partnerwhokicks. marking theballandthenhandballingto Do thedrillinpairs withoneplayer Use more thanonefootball. 7 xx AFL Junior CoachingManual xx xx xx Kicking to position xx 10 xx 2

15 mins

15 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 4 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 1 1 Front andsquare andkickonthelead(12) Skill activity 2: other sideof theground. by whetherthey marktheball) before theactivitystartsagainup F thenkicks agoalfrom eitherasetshotorontherun(determined the ballandkicks toplayer Fwhoisleadingfrom full-forward. Player handballs toarunningfront-and-square player E.Player Ethencarries C (front andcentre). Player Cthenkicks toaleadingplayer D,who Player Akicks theballtoaleadingplayer B,whohandballstoplayer • • Questions • • Teaching points wanted it? How did you needtotimeyour lead togettheballwhere you a handball? What didyou needtodogettheballwhenrunningpastfor The markingplayer shouldleadintospacetomarktheball. the marking contest. It isimportantthefront-and-centre player doesnotgetpast Off thefence Partner kicking–oneballbetween two. xx xx xx xx xx 2 15 mins

15 4 1 1 Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

Kicking to position

SESSION 7 Skill Game: Centre square game

Two teams are opposed to each other in one half of the ground, with one team attacking and the other defending. The aim of the game is for the attacking team to get the ball out of the centre square and into their forward line to score a goal. Team 1 has five turns at attacking before swapping with Team 2. Players are instructed to develop their own midfield set-up to determine what works best. The game begins with a ruck contest and ends when either a goal is scored or the defensive team wins possession of the ball. Repeat the game by asking teams to experiment with their set-ups and using different variations.

Variations • Move the initial scrimmage to a boundary throw in or a mark at half-back. Teaching points • Forwards should keep the forward line as open as possible so that they can lead to space. • Midfielders should follow the ball into the forward line to get any balls that hit the ground. Questions 1. How did you get the ball out of the centre square best? 2. If our ruckman wins most of the tap outs, where should we stand to best take the ball away? 3. If our ruckman loses most of the tap outs, where should we stand to best take the ball away? 4. If neither ruckman is dominant, where should we stand to best take the ball away? 5. What role can players outside the square play?

1 15 mins 1 1-2 24 15

Junior Rules Game

• All players must play at least half a game. • Players should stay in position. • All players to experience playing in different positions through regular rotation. • No diving on the ball. • Stealing and smothering are permitted. • The ball must travel 10m for a mark to be awarded. • A player in possession of the ball must bounce it at least once every 15m (maximum of two bounces). • Tackling: - Under-11 – hold-and-release tackle is allowed. - Under-12 – wrap-around tackle is allowed. xx - No player shall be dumped or thrown to the groundxx by any tackler. xx • Bumping is allowed as per the AFL Laws of Australian Football. • No barging or chopping past opponents. • Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted. Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

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xxxx 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 170 for a miss. Activities canbebasedonwhetherthegoaliskicked ornot.e.g–5push/sit-ups has a shot atgoal. process again. Whenthecoachblows thewhistle,player with possession the ball infront of player Abefore handballingittoplayer E,whobeginsthe On receiving theball,player Ahandballstoplayer C,whotimeshisruntoreceive Player Bstartsby handballingtoplayer A,whoisrunningtowards thecentre. On thewhistlethree manweave Warm-up Session overview Teaching points forgoalkicking Goalkicking (12players) Skill activity 1: set outavarious anglesanddistances. Players have equalnumberof shotsandmove around tothe cones Using theirpartnerasatarget, eachplayer takes asetshotfor goal. In pairs, players face theirpartner ontheoppositesideof thegoals. • • • Questions • • • Teaching points SESSION

Follow through straight towards thetarget. Point your toesatyour target –watch theballhitfoot. Guide theballdown withonehand. Hold theballover thethighof thekickingleg. slightly over theball. Line uptheballwithyour target. Have your headbent What isyour routine? It isimportantfor you tohave aroutine whenkickingfor goal. Why have we putyour partnerbehindthegoals? What are theimportantaspectsof kickingfor goal? Follow through withyour kickinglegtowards thetarget. target). Run straight towards thetarget (square shoulders towards the Choose atarget behindthegoals(partner). 8 xx AFL Junior CoachingManual xx xx xx Goalkicking xx 10 xx 6

15 mins

15 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 6 1 1

• • • • • • After you have looked atthetarget, focus eyes ontheball. Have asetroutine of numberof stepstaken. Kick through theball. Run straight atthetarget. umpire isagoodtarget). Pick somethingoutbehindthegoalstoaimat(thegoal Shoulders square tothetarget. Star goalkicking(12players) Skill activity 2: ground andthenkicks for goal. The ballisfinallykicked toplayer E,wholeadsupthemiddle of the who isleadingtowards him/her. Player Cinturnkicks toplayer D. B, whoisinastationaryposition.Player Bthenkicks ittoplayer C, The ballstartsinthegoalsquare withplayer Akickingittoplayer • • Questions • • • Teaching points your routine? It isimportantfor you tohave aroutine whenkickingfor goal. What is What are theimportantaspectsof kickingfor goal? Follow through withyour kickinglegtowards thetarget. target). Run straight towards thetarget (square shoulders towards the Choose atarget behindthegoalswhenrunning in. On thewhistlethree manweave xx xx xx xx xx 3 15 mins

15 5 1 1 Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

Goalkicking

SESSION 8

Game preparation: Positional play and game sense – V kicking

Rules • 12 players per team (four in each zone). • Start the game with a ball up. • There must be three passes before you can shoot at goal. • Players must stay in their zones. • Shot must be taken inside the ‘V’ Variations • After playing this game using the ‘V’, remove it and discuss what changes to the game occur.

Questions • Why did we limit you to shoot from inside the ‘V’? • What can you do as a defender to limit the opposition’s scoring opportunities? • What can you do as a forward to have the best chance of scoring a goal? • What can you do as a forward to stop overcrowding inside the ‘V’?

1 15 mins 8 1 1 12 15

Junior Rules Game

• Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted. xx Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

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xxxx LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 172 players swap positions. C, marks andhandballsback.Thisprocess continuesfor about 30secondsbefore A. Player Bmarks andhandballsback.Player Bturnsaround, runstowards player Player Athrows theballhighintoairtoplayer B,whoisrunningtowards player In groups of three, players form alineabout10mapart. Piggy inthemiddle returning tothebackof theline. The player takes theball,balancesandhandballsitbacktoleaderbefore • • • • towards theleader, whopassesthemtheballusingfollowing methods: A leaderischosenwithagroup setupabout10mbehindamarker. Players run ball Leader Warm-up Session overview 4. 3. 2. 1. Teaching points forkickingIn • • • Questions • • • • • Teaching points Skill activity 1:Lanework (12players) as thegroup becomesmore competentatkickingontherun. and kicks tothenext leadingplayer. Gradually increase thedistance In groups of 3-5players, kicktoaleadingplayer, who marks theball SESSION

Throwing theballhighintoair. Rolling theballalongground. Kick. Handball. To receive theballfrom thekicker, where doyou needtomove? mark it? Where doyou have toaimplacetheballsoleadingplayer can How doeskickingontherundiffer from stationarykicking? Follow through straight towards thetarget. Point your toesatyour target –watch theballhitfoot. Guide theballdown withonehand. Hold theballover thethighof thekickingleg. over the ball. Line uptheballwithyour target. Have your headbentslightly 9 Follow through straight towards thetarget. Point your toesatyour target –watch theballhitfoot. Hold theballover thethighof thekickingleg. Line uptheballwithyour target. Have your headbentslightlyover theball. xx AFL Junior CoachingManual xx xx xx Kicking in xx 10 xx 2

15 mins 15 CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 4 1 1 Skill Activity 2:KickingIn (12players) Players canrotate positionsandroles throughout theactivity. The aimistokicktheballateammatewhoinpositionmarkit. kicks theballoutfrom full-backanddecideswhichisthebestoption. F). Oneplayer isaleadingplayer, whiletheotherdefends. Player A Players are stationedinpairs onmarkers atfive points(B,C,D,Eand • Questions • • Teaching points what didn’twork? What worked and on toit. so they canrun leading players in front of the Kick theball again. the first time,lead and, ifnotused Lead tospace xx Piggy inthemiddle Leader ball Leader xx xx xx xx xx 3 15 mins 15 6 1 1 12 Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

Kicking in

SESSION 9 Preparation game: Kick-in game

The aim of the game is for the team kicking out to get the ball across the halfway line using a number of scenarios. Kick-in teaching points/tactics. Huddle: The kicking team huddles just on the 50m mark in the centre of the ground with players running to space. Blocking: Players try to create space on one side of the ground by putting blocks on the opposition. 3-4-5 Defence: The team without the ball sets up with 3 players along a line about 20m out from goal, 4 players about 40m out and 5 players about 60m out. Man-on-man defence: The defenders follow their opponent wherever they go.

Questions • What were your options to maintain possession? • When would you use a “zone” defence and when would you use a “man-to-man” defence?

1 15 mins 1 1 12 15

Junior Rules Game

• All players must play at least half a game. • Players should stay in position. • All players to experience playing in different positions through regular rotation. • No diving on the ball. • Stealing and smothering are permitted. • The ball must travel 10m for a mark to be awarded. • A player in possession of the ball must bounce it at least once every 15m (maximum of two bounces). • Tackling: - Under-11 – hold-and-release tackle is allowed. - Under-12 – wrap-around tackle is allowed. xx - No player shall be dumped or thrown to the groundxx by any tackler. xx • Bumping is allowed as per the AFL Laws of Australian Football. • No barging or chopping past opponents. • Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted. Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

1 30 mins 4 1 1-2 24 2 30

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xxxx LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities 174

Session overview Teaching points forgeneral skillsandgameplay Skill activity 1:Rucksandrovers (12players) 4. 3. 2. 1. • • • Teaching points

The aimof thissessionistohave players implementalltheskillscovered sofar inagame. SESSION 10 Turn bodysideways toprotect yourself. Hitball at highestpointof jump. at target. Arm swingsforward, ball ishitwithopenpalmandfingers pointing to gainlift. Keep eyes ontheball,leapoff ononefoot, usingarmsandotherleg execution of skills. and teamscompetetogettheball.Pointsscored for successful In teamsof oneruck,rover. Thecoachthrows theballup backward tocallfrom partner. Pointsgiven for successful passing. In pairs, thecoachthrows the ballup.Onechildpalmsthe to the coach.Partners swap roles. down withtwo handstothepartner, whogathers andreturns back In pairs, thecoachthrows the football high.Onechildtapstheball it back tothem.Change. In pairs, onechildthrows the fooball uphighandtheirpartnertaps AFL Junior CoachingManual xx xx General skillsandgameplay xx xx 6 • • • • • • • Variations other endandwait untilthecoachtellsthemtogoagain. between thecones.Players runandbouncetheballto Each player hasaballand,ingroups of 15-10, are spread Warm-up Run handballinginpairs. Run forwards withafew shortsprints. Run dodgingside-to-side. Run backwards. Run flickingheelstobackside. Roll theballinfront. Run handballingtheballinair. 15 mins 15 xx CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES AFTER ACTIVITY SWAP SKILL TO CHILDREN 1 10 2

Skill activity 2:5versus 6(11players) • • • Teaching points teams swap roles andtheotherteamthenhasextra player. the teamwithsixplayers cancontrol theballfor three minutes,then selecting therightoptionandexecuting theskillby handorfoot. If for theteamwithballtocontrol possessioninsidethesquare by One teamhassixplayers whereas theotheronlyhasfive. Theaimis Players onopposingteamssetupinasquare about150mx150m. Don’t rushwheninpossessionand wait for thebest option. before defenders canattempttospoil. Focus on isolatinganopenplayer andcorrectly executing thekick Lane relays xx xx xx xx xx 1 15 mins 15 4 1 1 Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

General skills and game play

SESSION 10 Preparation game: Gridiron football

Two teams of 10 start the game in a line-out position in the middle of the field. The aim is for both teams to score a goal by having a player take a mark in the attacking ‘in-zone’.

Teaching points Questions • Players need to determine effective positioning themselves. • What was the most effective method of scoring? - Do they defend the opposition in-zone or zone off? - Do they set up with a forward in their in-zone? - Should players man up?

1 15 mins 12 1 1 1 12 15

Junior Rules Game

• All players must play at least half a game. • Players should stay in position. • All players to experience playing in different positions through regular rotation. • No diving on the ball. • Stealing and smothering are permitted. • The ball must travel 10m for a mark to be awarded. • A player in possession of the ball must bounce it at least once every 15m (maximum of two bounces). • Tackling: - Under-11 – hold-and-release tackle is allowed. - Under-12 – wrap-around tackle is allowed. xx - No player shall be dumped or thrown to the groundxx by any tackler. xx xx • Bumping is allowed as per the AFL Laws of Australian Football. • No barging or chopping past opponents.

• Shepherding within 5m of the ball is permitted.xx Refer to a full list of Junior Rules Rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

1 30 mins 4 1 1-2 24 2 30

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