EARLY PRIMARY AGE: 7-8 Activities Kicking: Drop punt SESSION 1 Teaching points for kicking a drop punt 1. Line up the ball with your target. Have your head bent slightly over the ball. Hold the ball over the thigh of the kicking leg. 2. Guide the ball down with one hand. 3. Point your toes at your target – see the ball hit the foot. 4. Follow through straight towards the target.

Session overview

Empty the circle Warm-up 5 Whistle drill Children run within playing fi eld until coach blows the whistle, at which time children must stop, look and listen. The coach then gives the next instruction, eg. children skipping, hopping and walking backwards. Empty the circle Mark out a circle about fi ve metres in diameter and place 10 to 20 footballs inside. Four children stand inside the circle, the rest outside. Those in the circle pick up balls and kick them out as quickly as possible. Children outside retrieve the balls as quickly as possible and place them in the circle again. The game fi nishes when all balls are out of the circle at the one time. Inside and outside children then swap.

Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Skill activity 4 Kick-to-kick with Drop punt and mark Kick to target Handball lanes parent/partner (coach)

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 children 6 children 6 children 6 children CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill game: Continuous footy AFL Auskick grid game 12 children, 2 teams of 6 12 children, 2 teams of 6 The fi rst two children from the kicking team kick the balls • Children to stay in their zones. simultaneously into the fi eld. While the fi elding team retrieves the balls, the two kickers run in a fi gure eight around the markers on • No diving on the ball. their side. Points are scored for every complete fi gure eight. • No bumping or tackling once a child gains possession. Runners are out when the balls are returned to the coach. Other players are to back off , so the child can kick or handball. • Mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. • Try to give all children a kick of the ball.

Refer to full list of AFL Auskick rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

2 12 mins 5 1 2 1 12 mins 6 1 4 2 12 12 12 CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMES AFTER 12 MINUTES

128 AFL Auskick Manual

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 128 23/2/10 4:49:40 PM 06 Section 7(Age 7-8).indd 129 Kick to 3:Kick target (coach) Skill activity Skill activity 1:Kick-to-kick withparent/partner Skill activity the line. childinlinebeforeand tagsthenext returning to theendof child runsto retrieve theball, handballsto thehelpercoach coach. Iftheball iskicked away from thehelpercoach, the in line, whopicksuptheballandkicksitbackto thehelper Helper coach kickstheballalongground to thefi rstchild • • • Teaching points • Step andkicktheball. • Holdtheballinbothhandswithfingersspread evenly alongeachside. Teaching points parent/partner, whocatches theballandkicksitback. parent/partner. Childtakes onestep andkicksto the Child holdstheballwithtwo handsandfaces his/her position. Pick uptheballcleanlywithbothhands. Kicking: Other: Ifyou kickawayOther: from thehelpercoach, inline withthepath Picking up:Body of theballinasemi-crouched side. Step andkicktheball. Kicking: Holdtheballinbothhandswithfingersspread evenly alongeach Drop punt 3 2 8 mins 8 mins 8 8 6 2 runhard to retrieve theball. 1 1 1 2 Activities Activities Skill activity 2:Skill activity Drop puntandmark and right hands. For variations, increase speedand/ordistance anduseleft towards theotherlineandhandballsto thefi rstchildinline. other aboutfi ve metres apart, rstchildtakes ball, runs fi work, children lineupintwo groups ofthree. Facing each Encourage children to usebothhands. Progressing to lane Children beginby handballingwithapartner. 4:Handballlanes Skill activity • ‘Catch’ thefist. • Teaching points • Follow through straight towards thetarget. • Point your toes at thetarget. • Guidetheballdown withonehand. • Move inastraight linetowards thetarget. • Holdtheballinbothhandswithfi ngersspread evenly alongbothsides. Teaching points handballs toinline. thenext a highmark. The childrunsaround thehelpercoach and holds theballhigh,childleapsoff theground to take The childthenfollows theballforward. The helpercoach The childwalks/runs andkickstheballto thehelpercoach. Hittheballwithaclenchedfistofplatform hand. AGE: 7-8 2 2 8 mins 8 mins EARLY PRIMARY 8 8 2 2 AFL AuskickManual 1 1 2 2 1 23/2/10 4:49:42 PM

129 SESSION EARLY PRIMARY AGE: 7-8 Activities Ground skills: Rolling, hitting and dribbling SESSION 2 Teaching points for rolling, hitting and dribbling 1. Keep eyes on the ball at all times. 2. Body in line behind the ball in a semi-crouched position. 3. Extend arms with fi ngers almost touching the ground, palms towards the ball. 4. Pick up the ball by placing fi ngers underneath, with knuckles scraping the grass.

Session overview

CaptionPartner 1pick-up Warm-up 5 Partner pick-up In pairs, fi ve metres apart, child rolls ball to partner, who runs in, picks up the ball and runs around the partner. Swap roles and repeat. Running relays Divide children into four groups. Each group lines up 10 metres from a cone. Caption 02 Running relays 1. Start on knees. On “go”, jump up, run around cone and return. Tag next in line. 2. Start on stomach. On “go”, jump up, run around cone, run backwards back to line. For variation, include other starting positions.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Kick to target (coach) Goalkicking Moving ball pick-up Circle pick-up

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 children 6 children 6 children 6 children CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill game: Eliminator AFL Auskick grid game 12 children, 5 parents 12 children, 2 teams of 6 All children have a ball. Starting in a scattered formation, • Children to stay in their zones. children roll the ball (dribble) close to their body and in control. Five eliminators (parents) are selected. They attempt to tap the • No diving on the ball. balls away from the children. Using rolling skills, peripheral vision • No bumping or tackling once a child gains possession. and body positioning, children protect their ball. Eliminators must Other players are to back off , so the child can kick or handball. not continuously target the same child. Once a ball has been tapped • Mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. away or child goes out of the playing area, he/she must sit on ball • Try to give all children a kick of the ball. for 10 seconds before restarting. Safety: Ensure children are looking forwards and left and right before changing direction. Start with children walking; when confi dent, progress to a jog.

Refer to full list of AFL Auskick rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

12 12 mins 1 2 1 12 mins 6 1 4 2 12 12 12 CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMES AFTER 12 MINUTES

130 AFL Auskick Manual

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 130 23/2/10 4:49:44 PM 06 Section 7(Age 7-8).indd 131 Skill activity 2:Moving ballpick-up Skill activity Kick to Kick target (coach) Revision activity: handballing to thehelpercoach. and thechildpickingupballbouncingitbefore diff erent ways, eg, onitsside, end over end, onanangle. of theline. Variations includehelpercoach rolling theballin coach andruns around him/herbefore returning to theend hands, childpicksuptheball, handballsbackto thehelper Child jogsto meetballrolled by helpercoach. Using two child inlinebefore returning to theendofline. retrieve theball, handballsto thehelpercoach andtagsthenext If theballiskicked away from thehelpercoach, thechildrunsto line, whopicksuptheballandkicksitbackto thehelpercoach. Helper coach kickstheballalongground to thefi rstchildin • Bringballto handballposition. • Pick uptheballcleanlywithbothhands. • arms andhandswithfingersalmosttouchingExtend theground, in line withthepath position. • Body of theballinasemi-crouched • Keep your eyes ontheballat alltimes. Teaching points • • • Teaching points position. Pick uptheballcleanlywithbothhands. Ground skills: palms towards theball. Ifyou kickawayOther: from thehelpercoach, inlinewiththepath Picking up:Body oftheballinasemi-crouched side. Step andkicktheball. Kicking: Holdtheballinbothhandswithfingersspread evenly alongeach 2 2 8 mins 8 mins 8 8 Rolling, hitting anddribbling 2 2 runhard to retrieve theball. 1 1 2 2 Activities Activities Skill activity 1:Goalkicking Skill activity Skill activity 3:Circle pick-up Skill activity waves thefl ags(rotate children). required to bethegoalumpire, whosignalsthescore and Each childretrieves theirball. Achildfrom eachgroup is shoot forgoalfrom various distances and angles. and two ballsforeachgroup. Children take itinturnsto childrenDivide into goals two groups withasetofportable continuing to walk. Variations includejoggingandrunning. they place the ballontheground ballwhile andpickupthenext Children eachholdaballastheywalk inacircle. asignal, On • Follow through withyour kickinglegtowards thetarget. • Runstraight towards thetarget. • Choosetarget behindthegoals. Teaching points • Pick uptheball by placingfingersunderneath it, withknucklesscraping thegrass. • arms withfingersalmosttouchingExtend theground, palmstowards theball. in line withthepath position. • Body of theballinasemi-crouched • Keep your eyes ontheballat alltimes. Teaching points AGE: 7-8 4 8 mins 8 6 EARLY PRIMARY 2 8 mins 8 1 AFL AuskickManual 1 1 1 2 2 sets 2 23/2/10 4:49:45 PM

131 SESSION EARLY PRIMARY AGE: 7-8 Activities Marking: Chest mark SESSION 3 Teaching points for chest marking 1. Keep your eyes on the ball and line up the body with the fl ight of the ball. 2. The fi ngers and hands are extended – palms up. Tuck the elbows in to the side of the body. 3. The ball is taken on the hands and arms and guided to the chest. 4. The ball is hugged tightly to the chest. Note: The chest mark is an eff ective marking style for beginners and if the ball is wet or muddy.

Session overview

ChaosCaption 1 Warm-up 5 Chaos In pairs, one child stands outside the square and the other inside the square with a ball. Children run in diff erent directions and, on the whistle, the inside child fi nds his/her partner. Once together, the children start throwing the ball to each other, Caption 02 catching it on their chest 10 times (fi ve times each). Children sit down when fi nished. Children swap roles and, for variation, are instructed to skip, hop, leap and so on.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Cirlce pick-up Kick and mark Throw and mark Mark and bounce

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 children 6 children 6 children 6 children CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill game: Circle bombardment AFL Auskick grid game 12 children, 2 teams of 6 12 children, 2 teams of 6 A fi ve to 10-metre circle is formed with an object placed in the • Children to stay in their zones. centre as the target. From outside the circle, Team A attempts to hit the target by kicking, while Team B attempts to defend the target. • No diving on the ball. Team A scores points if it hits the target, and loses points if Team B • No bumping or tackling once a child gains possession. marks the ball. Team B may stop the ball by any means, however Other players are to back off , so the child can kick or handball. must roll it back outside the circle. After swapping, the team with • Mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. the most points wins. • Try to give all children a kick of the ball.

Refer to full list of AFL Auskick rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

6 12 mins 4 1 2 1 12 mins 6 1 4 2 12 12 12 CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMES AFTER 12 MINUTES

132 AFL Auskick Manual

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 132 23/2/10 4:49:47 PM 06 Section 7(Age 7-8).indd 133 Skill activity 2: ThrowSkill activity andmark continuing to walk. Variations includejoggingandrunning. they place theballsonground ballwhile andpickupthenext Children eachholdaballastheywalk inacircle. asignal, On Circle pick-up Revision activity: fi ve timeseachandthensitdown. Finish withagameof “10 up” –children mustcatch theball sitting andthrowing to chest, shoulders, waist andfeet. throwing andmarkingwhilekneelingorcross-legged a chestmarkandthrows itback. Variations include Child throws theballto partner, whocatches theballusing • The ballishuggedtightly to thechest. • The ballistaken inthehandsandarmsguidedto thechest. • The fingersandhandsare extended–palmsup. Tuck theelbows into theside • Keep your eyes ontheballandlineupbodywith theflight of theball. Teaching points • Pick uptheballby placingfingersunderneath it, withknucklesscraping thegrass. • armswithfingersalmosttouchingExtend theground, palmstowards theball. position. inlinebehindtheballasemi-crouched • Body • Keep eyes ontheballat alltimes. Teaching points of thebody. Marking: 3 Chestmark 6 8 mins 8 8 mins 8 6 1 1 1 1 Activities Activities Kick andmark 1:Kick Skill activity Skill activity 3:Markandbounce Skill activity the endmarker. returning to thebackofline. ChildAreplaces childBat on thechest, runsandhandballsto thehelpercoach before balls to childontheendmarker B. ChildBcatches theball the ballonchest, thenruns, bounces theballandhand- Helper coach handballsto fi rstchildAinline, whocatches coach throws balloutforchildto mark. handballs tochildinline. thenext For progression, helper the helpercoach’s hand),runsaround thehelpercoach and runs in,jumpsandtakes achestmark(takingtheballoutof The helpercoach holdstheballoutto theside. The child Child standsandkicksadrop punt to thehelpercoach. • The ballis huggedtightly to thechest. • The ballistaken onthehandsandarmsguidedto the chest. • The fingersandhandsare extended–palmsup. Tuck theelbows into theside • Keep your eyes ontheballandlineupbodywithflight oftheball. Teaching points • • Point your toes at thetarget –seetheballhitfoot. • Line uptheballwithyour target. Have your headbent slightly over theball. Teaching points of thebody. Hold theballover thethighofkickingleg. Follow through straight towards thetarget. AGE: 7-8 2 2 8 mins EARLY PRIMARY 8 8 mins 8 4 AFL AuskickManual 1 1 1 1

3 23/2/10 4:49:48 PM

133 SESSION EARLY PRIMARY AGE: 7-8 Activities Handballing SESSION 4 Teaching points for handballing 1. The ball must rest on the platform hand and be hit with a clenched fi st. Players should have their eyes on the ball. 2. The punching fi st is formed by placing the thumb outside, not inside, the fi ngers. 3. The stance is nearly side on to allow the punching arm to swing through freely. Keep knees bent to maintain balance. • For a right-handed handball, the left foot is forward, and vice versa for a left-handed handball. • Punching arm is slightly bent. • After contact is made with the ball, the fi st remains on the platform hand – “catch the fi st”.

Session overview

Square chase Warm-up 5 Square chase In a square formation, children line up an equal distance from each other all facing in the one direction. On “go”, the children run around the square in the same direction, trying to tag the child in front of them and avoid being tagged by the child behind. As children are tagged, they drop out of the square, until the activity becomes a dual between the last two.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Mark and bounce Kicking skills with Partner handball Progressive spry parent

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 children 6 children 6 children 6 children CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill game: Handballing versus sprinting AFL Auskick grid game 12 children, 2 teams of 6 12 children, 2 teams of 6 Team A (sprinting team) forms a straight line. Team B (handballing • Children to stay in their zones. team) forms a circle around one of the children, who is the captain. On “go”, the fi rst child from Team A runs around the circle twice • No diving on the ball. while Team B handballs from the captain to each team member, • No bumping or tackling once a child gains possession. counting the number of successful handballs. When the sprinter has Other players are to back off , so the child can kick or handball. completed two circuits, the helper coach calls “stop”. The number • Mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. of handballs is recorded. Once each sprinter has had a turn, teams • Try to give all children a kick of the ball. swap places. The team with the greatest number of handballs at the end is the winner.

Team A Refer to full list of AFL Auskick rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

1 12 mins 1 1 1 1 12 mins 6 1 4 2 12 12 12 CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMES AFTER 12 MINUTES

134 AFL Auskick Manual

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 134 23/2/10 4:49:50 PM Activities AGE: 7-8 EARLY PRIMARY Handballing SESSION 4 Revision activity: Mark and bounce Skill activity 1: Helper coach handballs to fi rst child A in line, who catches Parent and child face each other and complete the the ball on the chest, then runs, bounces the ball and hand- following kicking activities: balls to child on the end marker B. Child B catches the ball 1. Foot fl ip: Put toes up against the underside of the ball on the chest, runs and handballs to the helper coach before and fl ip it up off the ground into the air. returning to the back of the line. Child A replaces child B 2. Step and kick: Stand one step behind the ball. Take one at the end marker. step and kick the ball. Take three steps and kick the ball. 3. Three steps and kick: Walk three steps and kick a drop punt. Mark the ball, take three steps and kick it back. Use alternate feet. 4. Five steps and kick: As before, but walk fi ve steps. Use alternate feet.

Teaching points Teaching points • Keep your eyes on the ball and line up the body with the flight of the ball. • Line up the ball with your target. Have your head bent slightly over the ball. • Fingers and hands are extended – palms up. Tuck the elbows in to the side • Hold the ball over the thigh of the kicking leg. of the body. • Guide the ball down with one hand • Ball is taken in the hands and arms and guided to the chest. • Point your toes at the target – see the ball hit the foot. • Ball is hugged tightly to the chest. • Follow through straight towards the target.

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

Skill activity 2: Partner handball Skill activity 3: Progressive spry Pairs stand one to two metres apart and handball back and Children form a semi-circle about one to two metres in front forth 20 times each, 10 times with each hand. Once all of the helper coach. Helper coach handballs to the fi rst child children have completed 20 handballs, children walk side by and they swap places. Child in front handballs to next in line side, one to two metres apart, and handball to each other. and the pair swap places. This continues until all children have Change direction so that alternate hands can be used. been out in front. Variations include using alternate hands, Encourage children to progress from a walk to a jog and a run catch and bounce when swapping positions, races against a (if capable). second group and increasing the distance.

Teaching points Teaching points • When handballing, hit the ball with a clenched fist off the platform hand. • When handballing, hit the ball with a clenched fist off the platform hand. • Follow through in the direction of the target (catch your fist). • Follow through in the direction of the target (catch your fist).

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

AFL Auskick Manual 135

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 135 23/2/10 4:49:51 PM 06 Section 7(Age 7-8).indd 136 5 136 SESSION AFL AuskickManual kicking theballandrelay races. personinlineandtheprocesstags thenext isrepeated. Variations include the otherend(child B). ChildBthenreplaces theballbackin middle, the ballfrom themiddle, doesacommando roll andhandballsto thechildat Two teams ofsix,three children at eachend. On “go”, thefi rstchildpicksup 12 children,2teams of6 Pick upandrollrelay Landing andfalling Session overview Session Falling: onhands: Landing bodyinmotorbikewidth apart, position. When leaping(moving landonwholefoot. forward), onfeet:Landing The aimisto absorbtheforces sequentially to cushionthelanding. andteaching children how issueinsports to safety fallwillhelppreventLandings are animportant injuries. Teaching pointsfor landingandfalling Progressive spry EARLYPRIMARY Revision activity four andelbows –children mustformgroups elbows.) offourandconnect Children together. mustformagroup andplace thosebodyparts (Example, The coach callsoutanumberandbodypart. while throwing andcatching theballandhandballingto themselves. Each childhasaballandon “go”, allmove aboutthedesignated area Body parts Warm-up 8 When rolling, keep chintucked into thechestandallow thebodyto roll freely. 6children Helper coach 2 Contact withballsof feet, thenheels;fl ex knees, thenhips. Finish withfeetshoulder 12 mins 5 12 Make withfi contact ngersandpalms, exelbows andshoulders toabsorbtheforce fl

4 AGE: 7-8 Activities CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4ACTIVITIES CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMESAFTER12MINUTES 1 Goalkicking 8 Skill activity 1 Skill activity 6children Helper coach 2 Refer to 2:Coaching. full listofAFLAuskick rulesonpage20ofBook • Try to give allchildren akickoftheball. • Markisawarded irrespective ofdistance travelled. • No bumpingortacklingonce achildgainspossession. • Nodivingontheball. • Children to stay intheirzones. 12 children,2teams of6 AFL Auskickgridgame Other playersOther are to backoff ,sothechildcankickorhandball. Under andover (withroll) 8 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 1 Body parts 6children Helper coach 12 mins 12 6 1 4 8 Skill activity 3 Skill activity Front fall 6children Helper coach 2 12 23/2/10 4:49:53 PM Activities AGE: 7-8 EARLY PRIMARY Landing and falling SESSION 5 Revision activity: Progressive spry Skill activity 2: Goalkicking Children form a semi-circle about one to two metres in front Divide children into two groups with a set of portable goals of the helper coach. Helper coach handballs to the fi rst child and two balls for each group. Children take turns to shoot for and they swap places. Child in front handballs to next in line goal from various distances and angles. Each child retrieves and the pair swap places. This continues until all children have their ball once it has been kicked. A Child from each group been out in front. Variations include using alternate hands, is required to be the goal umpire, who signals the score catch and bounce when swapping positions, races involving and waves the fl ags (rotate children). Extension: Count the parents and increasing the distance. number of goals each child (or group) kicks in an allocated time, for example, two minutes.

Teaching points Teaching points • Choose target behind the goals. • When handballing, hit the ball with a clenched fist off the platform hand. • Run straight towards the target. • Follow through in the direction of the target (catch your fist). • Follow through with your kicking leg towards the target.

2 8 mins 1 1 4 8 mins 2 1 1 2 2 sets 8 8

Skill activity 2: Under and over (with roll) Skill activity 3: Front fall Children form a line about three metres apart with hands 1. Children kneel with arms stretched out (slightly bent) in front at shoulder and feet on the ground, feet apart and hips high. Carrying level. Child slowly falls forward and uses hands and arms to break the fall. Chest should end up flat on the ground with head to one side. Repeat a the ball, the child at the back of the line goes under the fi rst couple of times until children are comfortable with the technique. child, leaps over the next child, completes a commando roll 2. First child does a front fall, bounces up, runs to pick up a ball located halfway and continues this until he/she reaches the front of the line. between each line and handpasses to the child at the other end. Child The ball is then handballed back along the line to the child receiving the handpass runs back towards the other end, bouncing the ball once and placing it back on the ground between the two lines. Variations at the rear of the line. A variation includes forward rolls. include lengthening the distance between the two lines and kicking the ball.

Teaching points • Helper coach should clearly demonstrate the front fall action and spot children if necessary during early attempts. Teaching points • A controlled fall is essential to reduce impact. Ensure you bend your elbows • Commando roll: Keep chin tucked in to chest and body as tightly tucked when you make contact with the ground with your hands to absorb the force. as possible. • Turn your head to the side when you first make contact with the ground.

8 mins 2 1 1 2 8 mins 4 1 2 8 8

AFL Auskick Manual 137

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 137 23/2/10 4:49:54 PM EARLY PRIMARY AGE: 7-8 Activities Kicking: Distance and accuracy SESSION 6 Teaching points for kicking 1. Line up the ball with your target. Have your head bent slightly over the ball. 2. Hold the ball over the thigh of the kicking leg. 3. Guide the ball down with one hand. 4. Point your toes at your target – see the ball hit the foot. 5. Follow through straight towards the target.

Session overview

Footy circus Warm-up 5 Footy circus Children practise a number of ball-handling skills including: • Tap ball along the ground, around feet in a fi gure eight. Change pace. • Pass ball in a fi gure eight around and through your legs. • Handball above your head and catch the ball. Kick above your head and mark the ball. • Sit on the ground, toss ball in the air, get up quickly and catch the ball. Try chest marks, overhead marks and jumping for a high mark. • More diffi cult: Place ball between feet, toss it up with your feet and catch it in front and behind. • Invent and demonstrate your own tricks.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Front fall Set goal shots Mark and goal kick Force them back

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 children 6 children 6 children 6 children CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill Game: Hit the target AFL Auskick grid game 12 children, 2 teams of 6 12 children, 2 teams of 6 In teams, children try to hit a single portable goalpost. Two points are scored for a direct hit, one point is scored for • Children to stay in their zones. a bounced hit. Once ball is kicked, child retrieves the ball and • No diving on the ball. handballs to the next person in line. Team with the most points • No bumping or tackling once a child gains possession. wins. Vary the position the team is to kick from. Other players are to back off , so the child can kick or handball. • Mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. • Try to give all children a kick of the ball.

Refer to full list of AFL Auskick rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

6 12 mins 2 1 1 1 12 mins 6 1 4 2 12 12 12 CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMES AFTER 12 MINUTES

138 AFL Auskick Manual

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 138 23/2/10 4:49:57 PM Activities AGE: 7-8 EARLY PRIMARY Kicking: Distance and accuracy SESSION 6 Revision activity: Front fall Skill activity 1: Set goal shots 1. Children kneel with arms stretched out (slightly bent) in front at shoulder Helper coach places eight markers at varying distances and level. Child slowly falls forward and uses hands and arms to break the fall. angles from the goalposts. Children take shots form each Chest should end up flat on the ground with head to one side. Repeat a couple of times until children are comfortable with the technique. marker, one at a time, and count their successful shots. 2. First child does a front fall, bounces up, runs to pick up a ball located halfway Each child retrieves his/her own ball and, after taking all between each line and handpasses to the child at the other end. Child shots, has a turn at goal umpiring before returning to the receiving the handpass runs back towards the other end, bouncing the ball end of the line. For variation, allocate a set marker to each once and placing it back on the ground between the two lines. Variations include lengthening the distance between the two lines and kicking the ball. child and have the group kick on the “play on” command.

Teaching points • Helper coach should clearly demonstrate the front fall action and spot children if necessary during early attempts. • A controlled fall is essential to reduce impact. Ensure you bend your elbows Teaching points when you make contact with the ground with your hands to absorb the force • Choose target behind the goals. through your body. • Run straight towards the target. • Turn your head to the side when you first make contact with the ground. • Follow through with your kicking leg towards the target.

4 8 mins 4 1 1 6 8 mins 8 1 1 8 8

Skill activity 2: Mark and goal kick Skill activity 3: Force them back Children form pairs in front of goals (5-10 metres). In pairs, 10 metres apart, fi rst child with ball tries to kick The helper coach kicks to one pair at a time and the children directly over partner’s head. Partner tries to mark the ball. try to mark the ball. If the mark is taken, the child has a set If the ball goes over the head or past him/her, he/she must shot for goal. If the ball goes to ground, children try to gain stop it as quickly as possible. Partner must then take the possession and take a quick shot for goal. return kick from where ball was marked or stopped. The aim is to force the partner over a back boundary/marker (for example, 20-30 metres behind).

Teaching points Teaching points • Choose target behind the goals. • Run straight towards partner. • Run straight towards the target. • Aim to kick as far and as straight as possible. • Follow through with your kicking leg to the target. • Strong follow-through with your kicking leg.

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

AFL Auskick Manual 139

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 139 23/2/10 4:49:59 PM EARLY PRIMARY AGE: 7-8 Activities Ground skills: Ball moving away and bouncing SESSION 7 Teaching points for ball moving away and bouncing 1. Keep eyes on the ball at all times. 2. Body in line behind the ball in a semi-crouched position. 3. Extend arms with fi ngers almost touching the ground, palms towards the ball. 4. Pick up the ball by placing fi ngers underneath, with knuckles scraping the grass.

Session overview

First to the ball Warm-up 5 First to the ball In pairs, children form two circles (an outer and an inner). The children in the inside circle stand with legs apart. A ball is placed in the centre of the inner circle. The outside children run around until the whistle sounds. They continue running to their partner, pass through their partner’s legs and attempt to get the ball.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Force them back Hit on and pick up Pass the guard with Bouncing the ball relay parents

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 children 6 children 6 children 6 children CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill game: Ball scramble AFL Auskick grid game 12 children, 4 teams of 3 12 children, 2 teams of 6 Using an area about one-third the size of a basketball court, • Children to stay in their zones. children form four teams of three, with a team in each corner. Hoops are placed in each corner and one in the centre with six • No diving on the ball. balls in it. One child from each team runs to collect and place a • No bumping or tackling once a child gains possession. ball in his/her team’s hoop. Only one ball can be carried at a time, Other players are to back off , so the child can kick or handball. but it may be taken from the centre hoop or from another team’s • Mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. hoop. The winning team is the one with most balls in their hoop • Try to give all children a kick of the ball. at the fi nish.

Refer to full list of AFL Auskick rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

12 12 mins 5 1 1 1 12 mins 6 1 4 2 12 12 12 CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMES AFTER 12 MINUTES

140 AFL Auskick Manual

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 140 23/2/10 4:50:01 PM 06 Section 7(Age 7-8).indd 141 Skill activity 2: Skill activity Pass theguard withparents • Strong follow-through withyour kickingleg. • Aimto kickasfarandstraight aspossible. • Runstraight towards partner. Teaching points (for example, 20-30metres behind). The aimisto over force abackboundary/marker thepartner return kickfrom where ballwas marked orstopped. stop itasquicklypossible. Partner mustthentake the If theballgoesover theheadorpasthim/her, he/shemust overdirectly partner’s head. Partner triesto marktheball. In pairs, 10metres fi apart, rstchildwithballtries to kick Force themback Revision activity: instead ofrolling oraddanadditionalball. passes theguards. Vary thegameby usinghandballto hittheground ball pasttheguards inthecentre. point One isscored eachtimetheball the middle. The otherteam mansbothendsandattempts to roll the about thesize oneteam ofanetballcourt, linesupacross ofone-third Team ofequalnumbers, includingchildren andparents. Using aspace • When rolling theball, bendyour kneesto getdown low andfollow through • Pick upthebottom halfoftheballby placingfingersunderit, withknuckles armswithfingersalmosttouching• Extend theground, palmstowards theball. position. in line behindtheballinasemi-crouched • Body • Keep eyes ontheball at alltimes. Teaching points with your arm andbody(like tenpin bowling). Ground skills: scraping thegrass. (minimum of2parents required) 1 3 8 mins 8 mins 8 8 Ballmoving away andbouncing 12 4 1 1 2 1 Activities Activities Skill activity 1:Hitonandpickuprelay Skill activity Bouncing theball 3:Bouncing Skill activity • Pick uptheballby placingfingersunderneath it,• withknucklesscraping thegrass. armswithfingersalmosttouching• Extend theground, palmstowards theball. position. inlinebehindtheballasemi-crouched • Body • Keep eyes ontheballat alltimes. Teaching points races againsttheclock. handballed tochild. thenext For variation, introduce and runnerpassthemarker, ballispicked upand ball ontheground andhitstowards marker. When bothball and amarker inthemiddle. On “go”, fi rstchildplaces the In relay formation, place halftheplayers at eitherend • The ballisbounced farenoughinfront sothat itwillbounce into thechild’s • The ballstrikes theground at anangleofabout45degrees. • The ballispusheddown withonehand. • The ballisheldslightly ontop by thebouncinghand. Teaching points Repeat asrelay races. andhandballingtoinline. thenext to thestart tojogging andbouncingtheballtwice amarker, returning includeschildrenstanding andwalking. activity Extension in front ofthemandthencatch theball. Progress to Each childhasaball. Children kneel, bounce ballonground hands ashe/sherunsforward. AGE: 7-8 1 6 8 mins 8 mins EARLY PRIMARY 8 8 3 4 AFL AuskickManual 1 1 2 1 7 23/2/10 4:50:03 PM

141 SESSION EARLY PRIMARY AGE: 7-8 Activities Marking SESSION 8 Teaching points for marking 1. Keep your eyes on the ball and line up the body with the fl ight of the ball. Hand mark: • The fi ngers should be outstretched, pointing towards the ball. The thumbs are positioned behind the ball. • The arms must be extended – “long arms”. • The ball is fi rmly gripped with the fi ngers. Overhead mark: • Jump off one foot and swing the other knee up to gain maximum height. • Fingers outstretched and thumbs almost together – W position. • The ball is met slightly in front of the head with arms extended – “long arms”. It should be fi rmly gripped in the fi ngers. Session overview

Protect your mate Warm-up 5 Protect your mate Three children join hands and form a triangle. A fourth child has to try to tag a nominated child who is part of the triangle. All three children in the triangle twist and turn and use their bodies to protect the nominated child. Players are to take turns – about 30 seconds each.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Bouncing the ball Hit the target Overhead mark Hand mark

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 children 6 children 6 children 6 children CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill game (12 mins): Boundary ball AFL Auskick grid game 12 children, 2 teams of 6 12 children, 2 teams of 6 Children make two lines fi ve to 10 metres apart, according to ability. • Children to stay in their zones. Each child in the kicking team takes a kick from behind the kick-off line. A point is scored if the ball lands beyond the other team’s line. • No diving on the ball. The defenders attempt to mark the ball and, if a mark is taken, • No bumping or tackling once a child gains possession. no points are scored. Teams swap roles. The team with the most Other players are to back off , so the child can kick or handball. points is the winner. Children can also umpire the game. • Mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. • Try to give all children a kick of the ball.

Refer to full list of AFL Auskick rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

6 12 mins 4 1 2 1 12 mins 6 1 4 2 12 12 12 CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMES AFTER 12 MINUTES

142 AFL Auskick Manual

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 142 23/2/10 4:50:04 PM 06 Section 7(Age 7-8).indd 143 Skill activity 2:Overheadmark Skill activity • The ballisbounced farenoughinfront sothat itwillbounce into thechild’s • The ballstrikes theground at anangleofabout45degrees. • The ballispusheddown withonehand. • The ballisheldslightly ontop by thebouncinghand. Teaching points Repeat asrelay races. andhandballingtoinline. thenext to thestart tojogging andbouncingtheballtwice amarker, returning includeschildrenstanding andwalking. activity Extension ground infront ofthemandthencatch theball. Progress to Each childhasaball. Children kneel, bounce ballon Bouncing theball Bouncing Revision activity: the ballbefore handballingbackto thehelpercoach. his/her head. Childrunsaround themarker andbounces the balluphigh.First childrunsoutto markballabove Helper coach standsbesidethelineofchildren andthrows • Ball shouldbefirmlygripped inthefingers.• Ball • The ballismetslightly infront oftheheadwitharmsextended– “long arms”. • Fingers outstretched andthumbsalmosttogether – W position. • Jumpoffonefootandswingtheotherkneeupto gainmaximumheight. • Keep your eyes ontheballandlineupbodywithflight oftheball. Teaching points hands ashe/sherunsforward. Marking 2 6 8 mins 8 8 mins 8 2 1 1 2 2 Activities Activities Skill activity 1:Skill activity Hitthetarget and goesto theendofline. goes around thecone, handballsbackto thehelpercoach at aboutchestheight, continues running, bounces theball, Child runsandtakes theballoutofhelpercoach’s hands Helper coach holdstheballoutto thesideofbody. 3:Handmark Skill activity • Follow through straight towards thetarget. • Point your toes at your target –seetheballhitfoot. • Guidetheballdown withonehand. • Line uptheballwithyour target. Have your headbent slightly over theball. Teaching points team isto kickfrom. most points wins. For variation, alter theposition handballs topersoninline. thenext The team withthe one point forabounced hit. Childretrieves theballand goalpost. portable Two points are scored hit, foradirect In teams, children kicktheballandaimto hitasingle • Ball isfirmlygrippedwith thefingers.• Ball • Armsmustbeextended– “long arms”. • Fingers shouldbeoutstretched, pointing towards theball. Thumbs are • Keep your eyes ontheballandlineupbodywith theflight oftheball. Teaching points positioned behindtheball. Hold theballover thethighofkickingleg. AGE: 7-8 2 2 8 mins 8 mins EARLY PRIMARY 8 8 2 4 AFL AuskickManual 1 1 2 1 8 23/2/10 4:50:06 PM

143 SESSION 06 Section 7(Age 7-8).indd 144 9 144 SESSION AFL AuskickManual include apoint scored ifthe ‘inside’ team catches theball. minutes. The team that scores themostpoints wins. Variations it is ‘dead’ andmay bepicked up. Teams changepositionsafter two team scores apoint. After theballhitsachildorleaves thearea, the circle, rocket handballat thoseinside. Ifachildishit, theoutside Mark outacircle aboutseven metres indiameter. Children outside dodgeball Circle game(12mins): Skill Handball: Session overview Session 6. After ismadewiththeball, contact thefi st remains ontheplatform hand– “catch the st”. fi 5. Punching armisslightly bent. 4. For aright-handed handball, andvice theleftfootisforward versa foraleft-handedhandball. 3. The stance isnearlysideonto allow thepunchingarmto swingthrough freely. Keep kneesbent to maintain balance. 2. The punchingfi stisformed by placingthethumboutside, notinside, the ngers. fi 1. The ballmustrest ontheplatform handandbehitwithaclenchedfi st.Beginning players shouldhave theireyes ontheball. Teaching pointsfor rocket handball Overhead mark EARLYPRIMARY Revision activity 8 6children Helper coach between islands. island at onetime. Variations: getchildren to hop, skipandjump if theyare onanisland. Amaximumofthree children canbeon an children runningbetween theislands. Children cannotbetagged taggers (children and/orparents) attempt to tag, by handballing, Islands (markers) are setupinadesignated area. Four to fi ve Island tag Warm-up 6 Rocket 12 mins 12 5

AGE: 7-8 Activities CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4ACTIVITIES 1 Standing themark Standing CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMESAFTER12MINUTES 8 2 Skill activity 1 Skill activity 6children Helper coach Refer to 2:Coaching. full listofAFLAuskick rulesonpage20ofBook • Try to give allchildren akickoftheball. • Markisawarded irrespective ofdistance travelled. • No bumpingortacklingonce achildgainspossession. • Nodivingontheball. • Children to stay intheirzones. 12 children,2teams of6 AFL Auskickgridgame Other playersOther are to backoff ,sothechildcankickorhandball. Rocket handball Caption 02 Island tag 8 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 1 6children Helper coach 12 mins 12 6 1 Triangle handball 4 8 Skill activity 3 Skill activity 6children Helper coach 2 12 23/2/10 4:50:07 PM 06 Section 7(Age 7-8).indd 145 • After ismadewiththeball, contact thefistremains on theplatform hand • Punching armisslightly bent. • For aright-handed handball, andvice theleftfootisforward versa for Teaching points 2:Rocket handball Skill activity shouldbefirmlygrippedinthefingers.• Ball • The ballismetslightly infront oftheheadwitharmsextended– “long arms”. • Fingers outstretched andthumbsalmosttogether – W position. • Jumpoffonefootandswingtheotherkneeupto gainmaximumheight. • Keep your eyes ontheballandlineupbodywithflight oftheball. Teaching points Overheadmark Revision activity: runs androcket handballsto aleadplayer from line2. hands. Inlanes, 5to 10metres achildfrom apart, line1 The ballmustspinbackwards andbetaken inpartners’ of oneandthree metres usingbothleftandright hands. In pairs, children rocket practise handballsfrom distances the ballbefore handballingbackto thehelpercoach. his/her head. Childrunsaround themarker andbounces the balluphigh.First childrunsoutto markballabove Helper coach standsbesidethelineofchildren andthrows – “catch thefist”. a left-handedhandball. Handball: Line 1 3 1 Rocket 8 mins 8 mins 8 8 6 2 1 1 Line 2 1 1 Activities Activities Skill activity 1:Standingthemark Skill activity Skill activity 3:Trianglehandball Skill activity • Give yourself room to cleartheplayer standing onthemark. • Push backquickly from themark. Kicking frombehindthemark: • Keep your eyes ontheplayer kickingtheball. whereStand directly theballwas marked withyour• armsraised above your head onthemark: Standing Teaching points kicks backto thehelpercoach. marked theball. ChildAgoesbackbehindthemarkand raised above his/herhead, at thepositionwhere childA helper coach. ChildBthenstandsonthemarkwitharms In pairs, childAleadsandmarkstheballkicked by the • After ismadewiththeball, contact thefistremains on theplatform hand • Punching armisslightly bent. • For aright-handed handball, andvice theleftfootisforward versa for Teaching points handballing andchangingthesize ofthetriangle. and usingtheopposite hand, bouncingtheballbefore the endofthat line. Variations includechangingdirection rocket handballtomarker thechildonnext andjoins In turn,childreceives thehandball, runsanddelivers a Form atrianglewithtwo children oneachmarker. – “catch thefist”. a left-handedhandball. AGE: 7-8 1 3 8 mins 8 mins EARLY PRIMARY 8 8 6 3 AFL AuskickManual 1 1 B A 1 1 B 9 23/2/10 4:50:09 PM

145 SESSION A EARLY PRIMARY AGE: 7-8 Activities Being fi rst to the ball SESSION 10 Teaching points for being fi rst to the ball 1. Start in front of your opponent 2. Watch the ball closely 3. Be quick off the mark (when the ball is in your area) 4. Keep your body in line with the ball 5. Stay on your feet

Session overview

Loose caboose Warm-up 5 Loose caboose Trains are formed by three players holding on to the hips of the child in front of them. Two children are chosen as ‘loose cabooses’. Loose cabooses try to attach themselves to the end of the train. When attached the ‘engine’ (front child) drops away and becomes Caption 02 the new loose caboose.

Revision activity Skill activity 1 Skill activity 2 Skill activity 3 Triangle handball Empty the circle First to the ball Hoppo boppo

8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 8 Helper coach 6 children 6 children 6 children 6 children CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

Skill Game: Tom Tiddler AFL Auskick grid game 2 groups of 6 children 12 children, 2 teams of 6 A fi ve-metre diameter circle contains 10-20 balls. Two children are • Children to stay in their zones. placed in the circle as guards, the remaining patrol the outside. • No diving on the ball. The ‘robbers’ must attempt to steal the footballs from inside the circle. The guards attempt to protect the balls and tag as many • No bumping or tackling once a child gains possession. robbers as possible. Any robbers caught remain and help inside Other players are to back off , so the child can kick or handball. the circle. • Mark is awarded irrespective of distance travelled. • Try to give all children a kick of the ball.

Refer to full list of AFL Auskick rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

10-20 12 mins 8 1 1 2 1 12 mins 6 1 4 2 12 12 12 CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMES AFTER 12 MINUTES

146 AFL Auskick Manual

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 146 23/2/10 4:50:10 PM Activities AGE: 7-8 EARLY PRIMARY Being fi rst to the ball SESSION 10 Revision activity: Triangle handball Skill activity 1: Empty the circle Form a triangle with two children on each marker. Mark out a circle with a diameter of approximately fi ve metres, In turn, child receives the handball, runs and delivers a placing the balls inside the circle. One child stands inside the rocket handball to the child on the next marker and joins the circle, the rest outside. The child in the circle picks up the balls end of that line. Variations include changing direction and one at a time and kicks them out as far as possible. Children using the opposite hand, bouncing the ball before hand- outside retrieve the balls as quickly as possible and handballs balling and changing the size of the triangle. them back inside the circle. The game fi nishes when all balls are out of the circle at the one time. Children swap around.

Teaching points Teaching points • For a right-handed handball, the left foot is forward and vice versa for a • Line up the ball with your target. Have your head bent slightly over the ball. left-handed handball. Hold the ball over the thigh of the kicking leg. • Punching arm is slightly bent. • Guide the ball down with one hand. • After contact is made with the ball, the fist remains on the platform hand • Point your toes at your target – see the ball hit the foot. – “catch the fist”. • Follow through straight towards the target.

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

Skill activity 2: First to the ball Skill activity 3: Hoppo boppo In pairs, children line up behind a boundary marker. Hopping on one leg, children try to unbalance each other The helper coach rolls out the ball to the fi rst pair who run to by bumping with the side of their body. When the foot pick up the ball and handball it back to the helper coach. hits the ground the children rejoin the game on the other First child to touch the ball is allowed to pick it up without foot. Variations include children counting the number interference. Progress to throwing up the ball between the of successful unbalances they create in one minute and pair who compete for an overhead mark. If a mark is taken, children holding a ball. the ball is handballed back to the helper coach. If the ball hits the ground, the fi rst to the ball picks it up and handballs back to the helper coach.

Teaching points • Be first to the ball. • Watch the ball closely. Teaching points • Quick off the mark (when the ball is in your area). • Keep arms tucked in at your side at all times. • Keep your body in line with the ball. • Watch the side (target area) of the child you are trying to unbalance. • Stay on your feet. • Use small hops to make you more balanced.

1 8 mins 1 1 1 6 8 mins 1 1 8 8

AFL Auskick Manual 147

06 Section 7 (Age 7-8).indd 147 23/2/10 4:50:12 PM