Match Strategies & Tactics

The following information/strategies/tactics act as a guide and a reminder to how we want to play our football. Most of the information will be discussed at training or in team meetings and a lot of the time, we will play out scenarios at training to demonstrate these strategies/tactics. If you ever have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to come and chat to one of the coaches or to call or email one of us. At all times, it is important that we have a clear understanding of what we want to achieve. These often selfless acts go a long way to winning Football games. As a State 15s group, the main focus points we want to concentrate on are:

Follow the Game Plan

Tackle Hard

NEVER give away 50m penalties.

Chase the Opposition – Never Give Up!

Run Hard to Shepherd!

NEVER argue with the umpires.

Talk, Talk, Talk - Communicate with your team mates at ALL TIMES

Be dangerous.

Team Comes First! The strategies and tactics below has been broken up into different sections. These sections are: Section 1: The three main areas of the field (Forward, Midfield, Defense) Section 2: Stoppages

Section 3: When a behind is scored Section 4: Wet weather football

There will be times at training and during games when we will split up in to our positions and talk as a Line Group. You will have one (or two) coaches with you to discuss tactics or talk about your progress as an individual or group. The Line Coaches for both teams will be announced at training once our final squads are chosen. Please note: This may change throughout the training sessions or at the National Carnival.

Section 1: The three main areas of the field. The following information is some general information on playing in the forward line, midfield or backline. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the information for all three “general” areas of the field as you never know when you will be asked to play in different positions. We try not to pigeonhole players and we want players to be flexible. If you are asked to play in a position that you have never played in before, don’t worry! Listen at training, ask questions and do your best. We have placed you in that position for a reason, so believe in yourself and stay positive. Forward Line Players

The Hot Spot – Ultimately, when moving the ball in to our forward 50 metres, we want to direct the ball straight in front of goal. Keep this space open for our full forward to lead in to. Our smaller forwards then need to get to the contest in case the ball comes to ground.

Create Space – Our main two targets are our Full Forward and our Centre Half Forward, so leave plenty of space for these two players. Try and take your opponent out of their space. Make sure we lead to space and not to the same space as the rest of the forward line.

Front and Centre – Forward Pockets and Half Forwards need to make sure they get front and centre to a contest. Let the taller players contest the mark. Be ready on the ground when the football is not marked. Being front and centre to a contest is the best place to be as more often than not, that is where the ball will end up.

If there is no player leading or no player to kick to, kick the ball long and in front of goals to create pressure on the defence. Kick to the Hot Spot.

LOCK IT IN! All players on the oval have to be part of our defence. This includes our forward line players. Chase, harass, tackle, and create pressure on the opposition when they have the football. Tackles in the forward line are so important!

Play in front of your defender whenever possible.

Keep moving – Make sure that you are always moving so you can keep your defender guessing. A forward that stays still is a defenders dream.

If you get the chance to take a set shot on goal and you are within your kicking distance, be confident and take the shot!

Communicate with your fellow forwards. You are a “team” and you need to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Forward Line structures There are many different structures we will use in our forward line. They each had different rationales and will be used in different situations, depending on the state of the match.

Set Up 1: This is the conventional way to set up a forward line. The Full Forward (FF) is playing from the goal square with the two Forward Pockets (FP) playing on either side of the FF. The Centre Half Forward (CHF) and Half Forward Flanks (HF) are standing on the edge of the centre square. They have the option of charging in to the centre square to create more numbers at the centre bounce or hanging back waiting for the kick to come clear.

FP FP

HF CHF HF

FF

Set Up 2: In this set up, our forward line has formed a straight line down the middle of the ground. Usually our FF and CHF will be taller players so we want them to be our main targets. The other four players (FP, FP, HF, HF) can be moved depending on their height/speed etc. We want to try to get the shorter players of the four to stand with the FF and CHF to “crumb” the ball if it comes to ground.

CHF FP

HF HF

FF FP

Set Up 3: This set up allows us to play with extra midfielders. In the scenario below, we have

both of our HF’s starting on the wing, preparing to play as midfielders which will inevitably

provide more space in our forward line. We may sometimes play only one HF up the ground

and as per other structures, the positions could be adapted to suit our needs at the time.

Again, our key forward are the FF and CHF.

CHF FP

HF HF

FF FP

Midfield Players

Run Hard – Make sure you keep running. If you get tired, we have plenty of options to go through the midfield, so tell the runner, tell the Coach or swap with your designated rotation. We want lots of run and carry from our midfielders.

Push back hard in to our defence to help out.

Do not crowd our forward line. Stay out and build the wall. Remember, the wall is always moving – backwards, forwards, sideways, but always as a group. Communication is the key!

Communicate with your fellow midfielders at all times.

Set the tone of the match at centre bounces. Hit the contests hard. Get your head over the ball. TACKLE HARD!

Be accountable – Team first.

Defenders

Stick to your player – Stand next to them and get contact. Do not stand 5 metres away from them.

Stay goal side of your opponent.

Communicate with other defenders – Make sure all players are manned up. Even if it is not your player, man up on the most dangerous player.

Back yourself and your judgements.

Keep the ball wide and towards the boundary.

Take your longest option when kicking out of defence.

Punch and spoil, towards the boundary if possible.

When opposition have a shot on goal, stand tall on the mark with hands up and lots of talk.

Clog the space – Make sure there is very little (none is best) space for the opposition to work in to.

Stick together and work together!

Communication is the key!

Section 2: Stoppages A stoppage is any situation where a ball up/boundary throw in occurs. It is vital we win the ball from these stoppages as much as possible or at least prevent the opposition from taking the ball away easily. Stoppage tactics differ depending on where on the field the stoppage occurs. Communication between players around a stoppage is the key! When you are around a stoppage, make sure you are always thinking. What does the stoppage look like? Where is the most dangerous spot? Who is “go to” etc…… Stoppage in our Forward Line

Set Up – Full Forward and 1 x Forward Pocket to the goal square. Centre Half Forward to take the ruck contest. 1 x Forward Pocket and 2 x Half Forwards to the stoppage (X=stoppage on diagram below). Midfielders build the wall

Create space in the corridor/middle of the ground. Draw the opposition away from this space. The ruck tap should head to the space ( ) in the corridor/Hot Spot the majority of the time. We want our players to move in to this space.

Make sure we block for each other to get opposition off us.

Get goal side of your opponent and keep the space towards goal clear.

Be on the move at ALL times and communicate at ALL times.

HF

FP X FP

CHF

Wing Wing Rover Ruck Ruck/Rover Centre

FF FP

Stoppages in our Back Line

If our ruckman (who should be pushing back into defence) is against the opposition Centre Half Back, then hopefully our ruckman wins the majority of contests. This leaves our Centre Half Back free to stand in and clog up the space in the corridor or goal side of the contest.

Our ruckman should tap the ball towards the boundaries, away from goal.

All backline players must man up and get on the goal side of their opponents. Communicate with your team mates to make sure all opposition are accounted for.

Midfielders are to create options for our ruckman

Kick the ball long and wide out of defense.

Our half forwards need to push up the ground to provide an option

CHB

HB Ruck Ruck/Rover

HB X BP Rover

Centre Wing

Wing

CHF HF

FB BP

Stoppages in the Midfield

This will depend on which ruckman is winning the tap. Again, communication for each stoppage in VITAL

If we are winning the taps consistently, then we want 1 x sweeper behind our ruckman and 2 x runners on either side of the ruckman, moving towards our forward line

If we are losing the tap consistently, our midfielders must man up and read the opposition ruckman. Whenever someone is manning up, make sure you man up on the most dangerous player or the player who moves in to the most dangerous space.

If the ruck contests are even, then we will play 1 x sweeper, 1 x man up (try and work out who the opposition “go to” player is and man them up.” And 1 x midfield option who our ruckman is trying to get the ball to.

Example of a centre stoppage structure if we are winning the ruck contests

Example of a centre stoppage structure if we are losing the ruck contests

Go to Ruck Go to

Sweeper

Man up

Man Up

Ruck

Sweeper

Example of a centre stoppage structure if the ruck contests are even.

IN ALL STOPPAGES, COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEAM MATES BEFORE EVERY CONTEST.

Man Up Ruck

Go to Sweeper

Section 3: When a Behind is Scored Whether we have just kicked a behind or whether the opposition has kicked a behind, it is important that we have a set up/structure in play that allows us to win the next contest. It is imperative that all players who need to be involved in both periods of play are involved 100%. TEAM FIRST! Kicking out from an Opposition Behind

We will play the “Huddle”. EVERY player (who is supposed to be in the huddle) must be involved in the huddle. If one player stays out of it, then the huddle does not work as effectively. However, one of our Back Pockets can provide a short wide option (BP). Where the huddle should start (approximately) is labelled “X” on the diagram below. This starting position is based on the designated kickers kicking ability (length of kick, penetration etc)

Someone needs to call “break.” Often a designated player who will play regularly in defense or the midfield.

Once the huddle is broken, lead strong and fast towards the boundary and provide a long, wide option for the kicker.

Our main targets are our Ruckman and our Centre Half Back. Our smaller players need to get to these two players feet to create a contest if the ball hits the ground.

Do not stop leading. Keep providing an option until the kick in has happened.

The Designated Kicker should not be rushed into kicking the ball. The kick in also needs to be boundary side of the leading player so they can run on to it.

Long and wide is the best option.

Once the kick in has occurred, get numbers to the ball/contest.

Whichever side the initial kick goes to will dictate which side of the oval we will move the ball up the ground on. Think about the wind when kicking in.

BP

X

Designated Kicker

The Designated Kicker It is important that we have picked a designated kicker who is known by all players. We will also have 1 or 2 back-ups who can do the job if the designated kicker is off the ground, injured or playing in a different position and cannot get to the kick in. The designated kicker will be selected on their kicking ability, however it is important that they have good decision making skills and are calm under pressure. The Designated Kicker should start towards the back of the goal square and to the left (right footer) or right (left footer) to give themselves plenty of room as well as the ability to kick 180 degrees and to change their mind at anytime. Below is an example of the kick in position for a right footer.

X

We score a behind – The opposition kicks in. We have two options – Man on Man or Zone Man on Man – Every WA Player finds an opposition player and stays with them. Communicate with your team mates so all Opposition payers are manned up. Man up the most dangerous players, not necessarily “your” player. Zone Defence – We have two options for our zone and will practice both of them. The first one outlined is a 3, 4, 5 Zone. The Set Up is follows:

FP FF FP

HF Ruck Rover Rover HF

W CHF Centre Ruck W

All other players are to man up on their direct opposition

Remember, you are manning space, not a direct player

Get your hands up and voice loud. Be dangerous.

Once the kick in has occurred, get numbers to the contest – Do not stay in position, flat footed

Lock the ball in to our forward line – Chase, Harass, Tackle!

Communicate with your team mates!

The second one outlined is a 3, 4, 4, 1 Zone. The Set Up is follows:

FP FF FP

HF Rover Ruck Rover HF

W CHF Ruck W

Centre

All other players are to man up on their direct opposition

Remember, you are manning space, not a direct player

Get your hands up and voice loud. Be dangerous.

Once the kick in has occurred, get numbers to the contest – Do not stay in position, flat footed

Lock the ball in to our forward line – Chase, Harass, Tackle!

Communicate with your team mates!

Section 4: Weather Conditions The 2017 National Carnival is taking place in Perth as a Home Championship in late July. Here is a snapshot of the weather conditions in Perth during July 2016.

Statistics Perth

Average Minimum Temperature 7.5 degrees

Average Maximum Temperature 18.7 degrees

Monthly Rainfall 139.6mm

Days of Rain in July 12 of 31 days

Weather in Perth can fluctuate and move from quite cold (especially in the mornings) to warm. We can also get a lot of rain on some occasions, but go days without rain. Game time can also effect the conditions we will play in. Whether warm, cold, rainy or windy, there are some things that are important to know. Hydration and recovery are always vital and making sure that you listen to your coaches, especially listening to our strength and conditioning coach before and after games is very important. There is information on hydration and nutrition on our website. Make sure you have a read and follow these instructions from now on. Grounds in Perth are normally bigger, firmer and dryer that on the East Coast and this can be positive for a fast moving game with plenty of run. This suits our game style and it means we are going to have to concentrate on getting as fit as possible to make sure we can run the ball and move the ball as quickly as we would like to.

Fitness is a key to winning games at a National Carnival!

Fitness does not start at the National Carnival. You have to be getting as fit as you

can NOW!

While there may be a chance that we play ZERO games in rainy conditions, it is still important to think about it in the lead up to the Carnival. Often we do not get to play or train in wet weather and wet weather can cause game plans to change as it is hard to implement certain styles in wet weather. Below are some guidelines about how to play good football in the wet.

Play in front – The ball is wet and heavy and won’t travel as far. Also, as in dry weather football, the umpire will reward the player in front.

Limit Handball – The ball is slippery and much harder to handle. The game is played closer in, often with more pressure and very stop/start. A kick gets the ball moving forward. Too many handballs in wet weather can cause a turnover.

Be desperate – Put your body in to every contest. Get your body behind the ball. It may sting, but pain is temporary and will not linger when there is a contest to win.

Be ready for a tough physical and mental encounter.

Go back to basics – Don’t try and get fancy. Do the basics well.