SESSO Kicking: Torpedo and banana · 6 Kicking: Torpedo and banana Session overview Teaching points for kicking (torpedo and banana) xx 1 12 12 mins xx 6 xx 1 xx 4 xx 2 12 Warm-up

MIDDLE PRIMARY AGE: 9-10 Activities

AFL Junior Coaching Manual146

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6 Kicking: Torpedo and banana

Session overview

Teaching points for kicking (torpedo and banana)

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5 Freight trainForm 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.

Freight train

Revision activity

Side step relaySkill activity 1

Team force backSkill activity 2

GoalkickingSkill activity 3

Three-ball ambrose

Skill Game: Sink the shipPlacing the balls inside the circle (on the ship). One child (pirate) stands inside the ship, the remaining children are the sharks. The pirate picks up the balls one at a time and kicks them off the ship using a torpedo. The sharks retrieve the balls as quickly as possible and handballs them back on to the ship. The game finishes when all balls are off the ship at the one time. Children swap around.

Torpedo punt: 1. The ball is held on an angle across the body.2. 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.

3. The ball is guided down with one hand at a slight angle to the ground – and it is angles across the kicking leg.

4. When the foot makes contact with the ball, the ball should spin in a spiral motion.

Banana kick:1. The ball in held like a reverse torpedo punt, with the right

hand forward for a right-foot kick and the opposite for a left-foot kick.

2. The ball is guided down so that it drops at an angle across the boot.

3. The boot makes contact under the right side of the ball, producing a curved spin on the ball.

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

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Grid Game12 children, 2 teams of 6• Children to stay in their zones. • No diving on the ball. • No bumping. Players are able to hold and release on

opposition player in possession. Players once held have 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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CHILDREN ARE TO ROTATE THROUGH THE 4 ACTIVITIES

CHILDREN TO SWAP GAMES AFTER 12 MINUTES

Refer to full list of Junior Rules rules on page 20 of Book 2: Coaching.

Activities MIDDLE PRIMARY AGE: 9-10

AFL Junior Coaching Manual 147

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6Kicking: Torpedo and banana

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

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

Teaching points• As you approach the marker, hold the ball out to the side.• Push hard off the foot planted on the same side as the ball.• Pull the ball back quickly as you move around the marker.• Ensure that you change direction and don’t run in a straight line.

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.

• When the foot makes contact with the ball, the ball should spin in a spiral motion.

Teaching points• Hold the ball like a reverse torpedo punt (Right hand forward for a

right-foot kick and the opposite for a left-foot kick).• Guide the ball down so that it drops at an angle across the boot.• The boot makes contact under the right side of the ball, producing a

curved spin on the ball.

Teaching points• Torpedo – 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.

• Banana – The ball in held like a reverse torpedo punt, with the right hand forward for a right-foot kick and the opposite for a left-foot kick.

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Holding the ball, the first child runs and right side steps around the first marker then left side steps around the second marker. The child continues and runs around the end marker, bounces the ball once and rocket handballs to the next child in line. Variations include relay races.

In teams of three, 15 metres apart, the first child from team A kicks a torpedo directly over the heads of team B. Team B tries to mark the ball. If the ball is kicked over their heads or past them, they must stop it as quickly as possible. Team B must then take 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).

Children stand on a tight angle facing a set of goals. In turn, each child takes a set shot for goal using a banana kick. Children retrieve their ball and return to the end of the line. Once each child has had three kicks, move to opposite side of the goals and repeat.

Children form two groups of three. Each of the six children “tee” off using a torpedo punt towards the “hole” (a circle of approximately 2 metres in diameter). After teeing off, each team selects their 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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7 Ground skills and evasion (dummy)

Session overview

Teaching points for ground skills and evasion (dummy)

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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.

Rob the nest

Revision activity

Team force backSkill activity 1

Skill and evasionSkill activity 2

Ground skillsSkill activity 3

The dummy

Skill Game: EliminatorAll children have a ball. Start in a scattered formation, children roll the ball close to their body and in control. Five eliminators are selected (parents). Eliminators attempt to tap the balls away from the children. Using rolling skills, visual awareness and body, children protect their ball. Eliminators must not continuously target the same child. Once a ball has been tapped away or child goes out of the playing area, child must sit on ball for 10 seconds before restarting. Safety: Ensure children are looking forward and look left and right before changing direction. Start with children walking, when confident progress to jog.

The dummy• As the opponent approaches, shape to handball

or kick in a forward direction. The player must look in that direction so as to give the opponent the impression of handballing or kicking in that direction.

• As the opponent moves to smother the ball, the player draws in the ball and moves around the opponent by pushing hard off the foot planted on the same side as the ball.

• The player is then in the clear and can accelerate away past the opponent. Again, changing direction is important.

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7Ground skills and evasion (dummy)

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

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

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.

• When the foot makes contact with the ball, the ball should spin in a spiral motion.

Teaching points• Keep your eyes on the ball at all times.• Focus on where you will receive the ball.

Teaching points• Keep your eyes on the ball at all times.• Body in line behind the ball in a semi-crouched positioned.• Pick up the ball cleanly with both hands.

Teaching points• Look in the direction that you shape to kick or handpass. • As your opponent moves to smother the ball, draw in the ball and

move around the opponent by pushing hard off the foot on the same side as the ball.

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In teams of three, 15 metres apart, the first child from team A kicks a torpedo directly over the heads of team B. Team B tries to mark the ball. If the ball is kicked over their heads or past them, they must stop it as quickly as possible. Team B must then take 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).

Form a square approximately 10 to 20 metres with one or two players at each marker. Child A runs, bouncing the ball then handballing to child B. Child B kicks to child C, who marks the ball 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.

(a) In pairs approximately 5 metres apart, child A rolls the ball to their partner (child B) who approaches the moving ball, picks it up and handballs it back. Child B then runs backwards to their starting marker keeping their eye on the ball. Repeat five times before swapping.(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.

In pairs, child with the football and their partner move towards each other. The child with the ball pretends to kick or handball however at the last moment, draws the ball close to their body and dummies around their partner, pushing hard off the foot on the same side as the ball.



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8 Contested marking

Teaching points for contested marking

Session overview

Numbers gameWarm-up

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5 Numbers gameChildren 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 and evasionSkill activity 1

Kick to leadSkill activity 2

Contested marksSkill activity 3

Mark 1, 2 or 3

Skill Game: Kick tennisTwo teams stand in squares opposite each other, with a space (the net) of approximately 10 metres between each square. Children kick the ball across/over the net into the opposite square. A point is awarded if the ball hits the ground in the opposing teams square. The kick can not land in the net area or outside the square, if so a point is awarded to the opposing team. Children who have had a kick must handball to other children in their team. The first team to nine points is the winner.

neurtal zone

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goal line

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”.

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8Contested marking

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

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

Teaching points• Keep your eyes on the ball at all times.• Focus on where you will receive the ball.

Teaching points• Be balanced when kicking.• Turn the body in the direction of the kick.• Follow through in the direction of the kick.• Run on after the ball.

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

receive the ball.

Teaching points• Get your body in front of your opponent.• Keep your eyes on the ball. • Mark the ball is taken at the highest point that you can reach.

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Form a square approximately 10 to 20 metres with one or two players at each marker. Child A runs, bouncing the ball then handballing to child B. Child B kicks to child C, who marks the ball 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.

Helper coach rolls or handballs to child A, who kicks the ball well in front of leading child B, who marks the ball. Child B kicks the ball back to the helper coach and children A and B swap lines.

Children form two lines of two approximately 40 metres apart, with a pair standing in the middle. A child from Line 1 runs with a ball and kicks it high to the two players in the middle who contest the mark. The kicker runs on to crumb the ball off hands or receive a handball, then kicks to line 2. Drill starts again, regularly swap players who contest the ball in the centre.

Set three markers in a triangle (approximately 5 metres apart), each marker is given a number 1, 2 or 3. Two children stand behind each marker. The helper coach nominates two numbers (e.g.: 1 and 3) and then throws/kicks the ball in to the centre of the triangle for it to be contested by one child from each of these markers.



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9 Handball (decision making)

Session overview

Teaching points for handball (decision making)

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Revision activity

Mark 1, 2 or 3Skill activity 1

Goalkicking accuracy

Skill activity 2

Hot peppersSkill activity 3

Skip on 3

Skill Game: Kickers and handballersChildren form a kicking and a fielding team. The first kicker 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 a group to the finishing line. The fielders gather the ball and handball it to each other. When all fielders have touched the ball they call out “stop”. Each member of the kicking team that reaches the finish line before “stop” is called scores one point. Each member of the kicking team has a turn at kicking before the teams swap.

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5 Handball tagSelect 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).

1. The ball must rest on the platform hand and be hit with a clenched fist. Players should have their eyes on the ball.

2. The punching fist is formed by placing the thumb outside, not inside the fingers.

3. The stance is nearly side on to allow the punching arm to swing through freely. Keep knees slightly bent to maintain balance.

• For a right-handed handball, the left foot is forward, and vice versa for a left-handed handball.

• Punching arm is also slightly bent.• After contact is made with the ball, the fist remains

on the platform hand – “catch the fist”.

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9Handball (decision making)

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

Skill activity 1: Goalkicking accuracyRevision activity: Mark 1, 2 or 3

Teaching points• Get your body in front of your opponent.• Keep your eyes on the ball. • Mark the ball is taken at the highest point that you can reach.

Teaching points• Choose target behind the goal.• Run straight towards the target.• Follow through with your kicking leg towards the target.

Teaching points• Watch the ball in to your hands.• Handball back as quickly as possible.• Be on your toes and alternate your feet when handballing.

Teaching points• Watch the ball in to your hands.• Children receiving the ball must call the handballer’s name.

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Set three markers in a triangle (approximately 5 metres apart), each marker is given a number 1, 2 or 3. Two children stand behind each marker. The helper coach nominates two numbers (e.g.: 1 and 3) and then throws/kicks the ball in to the centre of the triangle for it to be contested by one child from each of these markers.

Each child has six kicks, three from 15 metres and three from 20 metres. Five points are awarded for each goal kicked from 15 metres, and 10 points are scored for a goal kicked from 20 metres. Children add up their total score out of 45 points. Children take it in turns to be the goal umpire. For variation include set shots, running shots (ball is fed from the helper coach) and from different angles.

In groups of three, two children take turns at handballing to the third child, in the hot seat, who handballs back using alternate hands. The aim of the two children handballing is to put time pressure on the receiver (emphasis on quick hands).

Children form a large circle with one child in the middle. The child in the middle runs around the inside of the circle and handballs and receives the ball back from each child in turn. Everyone 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 swaps positions.



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10 Body contact skills (hand tackle)

Teaching points for body contact skills (hand tackle)

Session overview

Warm-up

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5 Two hand grasp tug-of-warPartners 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-warPartners face each other with feet apart and holding right hands. Without moving their feet each tries to unbalance the other by pushing, pulling, bending low etc. Variations include changing hands and swapping partners.

Two hand grasp tug-of-war

Single hand grasp tug-of-war

Revision activity

Hot peppersSkill activity 1

Goal rotationSkill activity 2

TacklingSkill activity 3

Tackler

Skill Game: British bulldogMark out a reasonably wide rectangle. One child takes up position in the middle (the bulldog). All the remaining children line up at one end of the rectangle. On ‘GO’ all children run through the middle to reach the other end without being “hand” tackled by the ‘bulldog’. If hand tackled the children become bulldog tacklers in the middle. Continue until all children are caught.

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

Front – approach the player with arms at waist level. The tackler places their head to one side of the player, with the chin tucked in. The player is grabbed on the arms just above the elbows.Side – approach the player with the ball from the side. The tackler places their head behind the player, with the chin tucked in. The player is grabbed with both hands between the waist and shoulders.

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10Body contact skills (hand tackle)

Revision activity: Hot peppers Skill activity 1: Goal rotation

Skill activity 2: Tackling Skill activity 3: Tackler

Teaching points• Watch the ball in to your hands.• Handball back as quickly as possible.• Be on your toes and alternate your feet when handballing.

Teaching points• Choose target behind the goals (partner).• Run straight towards the target.• Follow through with your kicking leg towards the target.

Teaching points• Always watch the ball carrier’s hips.• Move in close to the ball carrier.• Grab the ball carrier with both hands (front - on the arms above the

elbows; side - between the waist and shoulders).• Ensure head is in a safe position (to the side or back).

Teaching points• Always watch the ball carrier’s hips.• Move in close to the ball carrier.• Grab the ball carrier with both hands (front - on the arms above the

elbows; side - between the waist and shoulders).• Ensure head is in a safe position (to the side or back).

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In groups of three, two children take turns at handballing to the third child, in the hot seat, who handballs back using alternate hands. The aim of the two children handballing is to put time pressure on the receiver (emphasis on quick hands).

In pairs, children set up with their partner on the opposite side of the goals. Using their partner as a target each child takes a set shot for goal (kicking to their partner through the goals). When both children have had their shot from that point they move to the next point.

A) Front-on TackleIn pairs, children face each other from approximately two metres apart. One child has a ball, the other is the tackler. The child with the ball remains stationary, the tackler approach the player from the front and applies a hand tackle on the arms just above the elbows.

B) Side-on TackleChildren 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 the ball carrier with both hands between the waist and shoulders. After the tackle children swap lines. Variation – children progress to a jog.

In threes, children are positioned inside a small square. Two children are ball carriers and the third is the tackler. The tackler perform as many “hold tackles” on the ball carriers (alternately) as possible within a given time period e.g. 30 seconds. Children swap roles after 30 seconds. If the player is unable to catch the ball carriers make the square smaller.

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LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12 Activities


1 Kicking

Session overview

CHILDREN TO SWAP SKILL ACTIVITY AFTER 10 MINUTES

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 – watch the ball hit the foot.5. Follow through straight towards the target.

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10 Kicking whistle drillIn pairs, players kick the ball to each other until the helper coach blows the whistle. Players stop immediately and look at the helper coach.Run and retrieve ballsTwo teams of 10-12 and 15-20 balls. Player A takes the first football and runs it to within 5m of player B, handballs and runs back to the cone to collect the next ball and repeats. Meanwhile, player B runs and handballs to C and returns to the cone ready for the next ball. C does the same to D, D to E, E to F, F to G etc. O placed the ball in the hoop. Continue until all the balls have been placed into the hoop. Cones form a circle around the outside of team 1. Team 2 runs around the cones as many times as possible until all the balls are in the hoop.

Kicking whistle drill

Run and retrieve balls

In pairs, players face their partner on the opposite side of the goals. Using their partner as a target, each player takes a set shot for goal. Players have an equal number of shots and move around to the cones set out at various angles and distances.

Skill activity 1: Goalkicking (12 players)

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Questions • What are the important aspects of kicking for goal?• Why have we put your partner behind the goals?• It is important for you to have a routine when kicking for goal. What is

your routine?

Teaching points• Choose a target behind the goals (partner).• Run straight towards the target (square shoulders towards the

target).• Follow through with your kicking leg towards the target.

Form two groups of six. The first player from line 1 kicks the ball to a leading player from line 2. The kicker follows the kick, receives a handball from the receiving player, handballs to the next player in line 2 and runs to the end of line 2. For variation, encourage players to use non-preferred side and include defending players.

Skill activity 2: Extension – front and square (12 players)

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Teaching points

Kicker: • Be balanced when kicking.• Run in the direction the ball is to

be kicked.• Aim in front of the leading player.• Run on in the line of the kick.

Leading player:• Hold the lead until the player

is ready to kick.• Judge the ball in flight.• Mark with the hands.

Teaching points for kicking

Questions• What is the aim of this drill?• Where do you aim to take the ball when it is in the air?

Activities LATE PRIMARY AGE: 11-12

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1Kicking

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• 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

by any tackler.• 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.

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?

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.

Game preparation: Positional play and game sense

Junior Rules Game

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)?

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2 Handballing

Session overview

Teaching points for handballing

1. The ball must rest on the platform hand and be hit with a clenched fist. Players should have their eyes on the ball.2. The punching fist is formed by placing the thumb outside, not inside the fingers.3. The stance is nearly side-on to allow the punching arm to swing through freely. Keep knees slightly bent to maintain balance.

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10 Around the squareIn an area about 10m x 10m, players on the inside of a square each with a ball, handball to players moving around the outside of the square. Players on the outside continue to move around the square until the whistle goes. For variations, change direction, alternate hands to handball and handball at different heights.Leader ballA leader is chosen with a group set up about 10m behind a marker. Players run towards the leader who passes them the ball using the following methods:• Handball.• Kick.• Rolling the ball along the ground.• Throwing the ball high into the air.• The player takes the ball, balances and handballs it back to the leader before returning

to the back of the line.

Around the square

Leader ball

Skill activity 1: Handball around the square (12 Players)Player A handballs to player B, player B handballs to player C and so forth, moving on to the next cone each time. Variations• Start with one ball and increase to three.• Widen the square and use alternate hands. • Change the direction to kris cross (A to C, B to D).

Questions • What spin did you need to put on the ball to help your partner catch

the ball easier?• What did you need to do differently to receive the ball when more

than one ball was used?

Teaching points• Watch the ball in to your hands.• Run and carry the ball towards the receiving player and handball

about 2m.

Player B starts by handballing to player A who is running towards the centre. On receiving the ball, player A handballs to player C, who times his run to receive the ball in front of player A before handballing it to player E. Player E who begins the process again. Variations• Change the distance between the groups.• Use a defender in the middle of the drill.• Have the coach blow a whistle at random stages of the drill resulting

in the player with the ball having a ‘snap’ at goal (this activity would have to be done close to goals).

Skill activity 2: Three-man weave (12 Players)

Questions • What spin did you need to

put on the ball to help your partner catch the ball easier?

• Where did you need to run to receive the ball?

Teaching points• Watch the ball into your hands.• Run and carry the ball towards the receiving player and handball

about 2m.

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Handballing 2

Junior Rules Game

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Game preparation: Positional play and game sense: TouchballThe 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)

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• 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




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3 Marking

Session overview

Teaching points for markingMarking (hand)• Fingers outstretched pointing towards the ball. Thumbs are

positioned behind the ball.• Arms must be extended – “long arms”.• The ball is firmly gripped with the fingers.• Watch the ball as it leaves the player’s boot or hands.

Marking (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 firmly gripped with the fingers.

Warm-up

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10 Leader ballA leader is chosen with a group set up about 10m behind a marker. Players run towards the leader who passes them the ball using the following methods:• Handball.• Kick.• Rolling the ball along the ground.• Throwing the ball high into the air.The player takes the ball, balances and handballs it back to the leader before returning to the back of the line.Piggy in the middleIn groups of three, players form a line about 10m apart.Player A throws the ball high into the air to player B who is running towards player A, player B marks and handballs back. Player B turns around, runs towards player C, marks and handballs back. This process continues for about 30 seconds before players swap positions.

In pairs, players kick the ball to each other gradually increasing the intensity and distance of the kick. Players should “track” the ball by watching the ball from the kicker’s foot in to their hands. Extension activity: Once players are 20m apart, the kicker should attempt to put the ball in the air for their partner to mark overhead.

Skill activity 1: Partner kicking and marking (12 players)

Extention activity questions• How can you adjust your kick

to make sure the ball goes in the air?

• How do you adjust your marking to mark the ball over your head?

• Where do you aim to take (mark) the ball?

Teaching pointsMarking – refer to main lesson teaching points.Kicking – be balanced when kicking (Take at least three to five steps before kicking)• Run in the direction the ball

is to be kicked.• Aim to kick in front of the

leading player

Questions What did you need to do to make sure the ball was received by your partner accurately?What part of the ball do you need to watch to the track the ball?

Skill activity 2: Stand the mark (12 players)Player A kicks to a marking contest between players B and C. Players B and C aim to mark the ball overhead at its highest point. When the ball is marked, the opposing player stands the mark, while the player who has taken the mark pushes back off the mark before kicking back to player A. If the ball is not marked, the player who gains possession when the ball hits the ground pushes back off the mark. Players swap roles after each contest.

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Leader ball

Piggy in the middle

Teaching points (pushing back off the mark).• Push back quickly.• Keep facing the play.• Push back far enough to kick over the mark or to safely play on.

Questions• Why is it important to push back off the mark?



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3Marking

Junior Rules Game

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Game preparation: Positional play and game sense

Questions• Why is handball used in some cases instead of a kick?• Why was the ball handballed into the middle of the ground?

Teaching points• Marking: lead towards the ball.• 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.

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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.




– 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


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4 Picking up

Session overview

Teaching points for picking up

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10 GatheringTwo players (or player with a parent) roll a ball to each other starting with short distances and gradually increasing. Aim for 10 successful gathers. For variation, players kick the ball along the ground at increasing speeds.RelaysFour groups of six players line up with a ball. Out and back relays including:• Straight running.• Rolling the ball along the ground to an end marker.• Skipping, hopping, running backwards or sideways.• Handballing the ball in the air to themselves as they run.• Bouncing the ball.• Any combination of the above.Questions• Why do you think we use a “dynamic warm-up” compared to a jog/stretch type

warm-up?• Why do we have skill work in the warm-up?

Skill activity 1: Quick thinking (12 players)The coach rolls the ball to player A, who gathers. Player A runs and carries the ball while deciding whether to kick it to either player B or C. This decision is based on avoiding player D, who is acting as a defender. Players follow their kick and take turn at being the leading and defending player.

Teaching points • Keep your head over the ball when gathering it from the coach. • Look up to analyse which player is in the best position to mark the

ball in relation to the defending player.

Questions • Which option did you choose and why? • Why did you follow your kick?

The coach rolls the ball to player A, who is running towards the goals. Player A collects the ball and kicks (at least 15m) to player B, who is leading towards the goals from the half-forward flank position. Player B takes the mark and then rolls the ball to player C, who collects it and kicks it back to the coach. Players rotate to the next point.

Teaching points• Stay low and follow the ball when gathering.• Kick the ball out in front of player B leading towards the goals.

Questions• Why is it important to stay low when gathering the ball?• Why does player A kick the ball out in front of Player B?

Skill activity 2: Forward switch kick (12 players)

1. Keep your eyes on the ball and line up your body with the flight of the ball.2. Chest mark: Ball is taken on the hands and arms and hugged to the chest.3. Hand mark: Arms extended and fingers outstretched towards the ball. Grip the ball firmly

with the fingers.4. Lead (run) towards the child kicking the ball when they are ready to kick.

Gathering

Relays

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4Picking up

Junior Rules Game

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Game preparation: Positional play and game sense: Reading the playThe 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?

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5 Evasion

Session overview

Teaching points for evasion

Warm-up

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10 Lane relays (dynamic warm-up)Players run and bounce the ball to the other end, hand-passing to the next person in line until everyone has had a turn. Variations• Run handballing the ball in the air.• Roll the ball in front.• Run flicking heels to backside.• Run backwards.• Run dodging side-to-side.• Run forwards with a few short sprints.• Run handballing in pairs.

Lane relays

Skill activity 1: Evasion (12 players)Player A rolls the ball to player B, who gathers it. Player B must then get to the line 10m in front by evading player A. Player A can hand tackle player B to stop them from getting to the line.

Questions • What was the best way to evade player A?

Teaching points • Player with the ball pushes hard off the foot planted on the same

side as the ball.• Player A should watch the hips of player B to know which way they

will try and evade.

With the ball, player A runs towards the defender (D) in square one. Player A holds the ball out to one side, pushes hard off the foot planted on the same side of the ball and handballs to player B. Player B repeats in the next square before handballing back to player A in the third square, who repeats.

Skill activity 2: Evasion square (12 players)

Questions • Why do you hold the ball out to one side?

Teaching points• Player with the ball pushes hard off the foot planted on the same

side as the ball.• It is important to be balanced before handballing to your partner.

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1. Watch your opponent closely.2. Hold the ball out to the side as the opponent approaches.3. Push hard off the foot planted on the same side as the ball.4. Pull the ball back quickly as you move around your opponent.5. Ensure that you change direction and don’t run in a straight line.



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5Evasion

Junior Rules Game

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Game preparation: Positional play and game sense – handball tag

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?

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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.





by any tackler.• 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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6 Defensive skills

Session overview

Teaching points for defensive skills

Warm-up

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10 Jog, bump and rollIn pairs, players numbered 1 and 2 jog around a playing field side by side. The coach calls out a number and that player bumps into their partner who then does a side shoulder roll before getting back to their feet.Triangle handballChildren line up behind markers set out in a triangle position. Player A handballs to player B who then handballs to player C and so forth. After handballing, the player must run behind and put their arms out to shepherd the player who has received the ball before moving to the next marker. For variation, increase the number of balls, the distance, kick the ball and introduce opposition at key points.

Bumping: Using a tackle bag, players walk in and try the skill of bumping. As confidence improves, the speed and force of the bump can be increased. Tackling: Using a tackle bag, players walk in and try the skill of tackling. As confidence improves, the speed and force of the tackle can be increased. Other elements such as gathering a ball or repeated tackles can be introduced to this activity.Shepherding: In groups of three, nominate two against one. Two work together with one player shepherding and the other trying to evade a tackler. This is done for about 30 seconds before players swap roles.

Questions• Why is it important to bump, tackle and shepherd using the correct

technique?

Players on opposing teams set up in a square about 10m x 10m. The aim is for the team with the ball to control possession inside the square by selecting the right option and handballing. The opposition team attempts to tackle and dispossess the team in possession and after two minutes, the teams swap roles. Count the number of consecutive handballs.

Skill activity 2: 6 versus 6 (12 players)Skill activity 1: Checking skills (12 players)

Teaching points• Focus on isolating an open player.• Don’t rush when in possession and wait for the best option.

Questions• What did you have to do to ensure there was an open player?

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Jog, bump and roll

Triangle handball

TacklingBehind – approach the player with the ball from one side, so they are not pushed in the back. The head should be placed on one side. The player is grabbed on the arms just above the elbows.Front – approach the player with arms at waist level. The tackler places their head to one side of the player, with the chin tucked in. The player is grabbed on the arms just above the elbows.Side – approach the player with the ball from the side. The tackler places their head behind the player, with the chin tucked in. The

player is grabbed with both hands between the waist and shoulders.Bumping – Arms should be bent and elbows tucked into the side. Make contact with the shoulder and arm while pushing from the foot furthest from opponent. It is important that the player keeps their feet on the ground.Shepherding – With arms outstretched, the player moves their body in front of a defending player so that they cannot reach their teammate.



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6Defensive skills

Junior Rules Game

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Game preparation: Positional play and game sense – handball game

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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)






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7 Kicking to position

Session overview

Warm-up

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10 Off the fencePlayer A runs towards the kicker and marks in their hands, handballs back to the kicker and returns to the end of the line. Once the kicker has kicked to every player in their group twice, a new kicker is used. For variation: Increase the distance and kick with alternate feet.Partner kicking – one ball between two. Players start by kicking in pairs over short distances while stationary. After a while, gradually increase the distance with players leading on a slight angle to meet the ball.

Player A starts with the ball and kicks to player B, who has led at a 45 degree angle away from the centre square. Player B then kicks to a leading player C and so forth as the drill continues. Players go to where they kick the ball.

Variations• Use more than one football.• Do the drill in pairs with one player

marking the ball and then handballing to the partner who kicks.

• Put some defenders in the play so the leading player must adjust and lead to an appropriate position.

Teaching points• Face your target front on and steady before you kick.• Aim to put the ball out in front of the leading player so they can run

on to it.• Run and carry the ball so you can kick the distance to the leading

player.

Questions• What do you need to do to your kicks to make sure they get to the

leading player on the run?• What do you need to do as a leading player to time your run to make

sure you lead correctly?

Skill Activity 1: Centre square (12 players)

Player A kicks the ball to a leading player B, who handballs to player C (front and centre). Player C then kicks to a leading player D, who handballs to a running front-and-square player E. Player E then carries the ball and kicks to player F who is leading from full-forward. Player F then kicks a goal from either a set shot or on the run (determined by whether they mark the ball) before the activity starts again up the other side of the ground.

Skill activity 2: Front and square and kick on the lead (12)

Teaching points• It is important the front-and-centre player does not get past

the marking contest.• The marking player should lead into space to mark the ball.

Questions• What did you need to do to get the ball when running past for

a handball?• How did you need to time your lead to get the ball where you

wanted it?

Teaching points for kicking to position

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 – watch the ball hit the foot.5. Follow through straight towards the target.

Off the fence

Partner kicking – one ball between two.

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7Kicking to position

Junior Rules Game

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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.

Skill Game: Centre square game

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.

Questions1. 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?

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Goalkicking 8

Warm-up

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10 On the whistle three man weavePlayer B starts by handballing to player A, who is running towards the centre. On receiving the ball, player A handballs to player C, who times his run to receive the ball in front of player A before handballing it to player E, who begins the process again. When the coach blows the whistle, the player with possession has a shot at goal.Activities can be based on whether the goal is kicked or not. e.g – 5 push/sit-ups for a miss.

In pairs, players face their partner on the opposite side of the goals. Using their partner as a target, each player takes a set shot for goal. Players have equal number of shots and move around to the cones set out a various angles and distances.

Skill activity 1: Goalkicking (12 players)

Teaching points• Choose a target behind the goals (partner).• Run straight towards the target (square shoulders towards the


Questions • What are the important aspects of kicking for goal?• Why have we put your partner behind the goals?• It is important for you to have a routine when kicking for goal.

What is your routine?

Skill activity 2: Star goalkicking (12 players)The ball starts in the goalsquare with player A kicking it to player B, who is in a stationary position. Player B then kicks it to player C, who is leading towards him/her. Player C in turn kicks to player D. The ball is finally kicked to player E, who leads up the middle of the ground and then kicks for goal.

Teaching points• Choose a target behind the goals when running in.• Run straight towards the target (square shoulders towards the


Questions • What are the important aspects of kicking for goal?• It is important for you to have a routine when kicking for goal. What is

your routine?

On the whistle three man weave

Teaching points for goalkicking

Session overview

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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 – watch the ball hit the foot.5. Follow through straight towards the target.

• Shoulders square to the target.• Pick something out behind the goals to aim at (the goal

umpire is a good target).• Run straight at the target.• Kick through the ball.• Have a set routine of number of steps taken.• After you have looked at the target, focus eyes on the ball.



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Goalkicking 8Game preparation: Positional play and game sense – V kickingRules• 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’?

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9 Kicking in

Warm-up

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10 Leader ballA leader is chosen with a group set up about 10m behind a marker. Players run towards the leader, who passes them the ball using the following methods:• Handball.• Kick.• Rolling the ball along the ground.• Throwing the ball high into the air.The player takes the ball, balances and handballs it back to the leader before returning to the back of the line.Piggy in the middleIn groups of three, players form a line about 10m apart.Player A throws the ball high into the air to player B, who is running towards player A. Player B marks and handballs back. Player B turns around, runs towards player C, marks and handballs back. This process continues for about 30 seconds before players swap positions.

Leader ball

Piggy in the middle

Teaching points for kicking In

In groups of 3-5 players, kick to a leading player, who marks the ball and kicks to the next leading player. Gradually increase the distance as the group becomes more competent at kicking on the run.

Skill activity 1: Lane work (12 players) Skill Activity 2: Kicking In (12 players) Players are stationed in pairs on markers at five points (B, C, D, E and F). One player is a leading player, while the other defends. Player A kicks the ball out from full-back and decides which is the best option. The aim is to kick the ball to a teammate who is in a position to mark it. Players can rotate positions and roles throughout the activity.

Teaching points• Lead to space

and, if not used the first time, lead again.

• Kick the ball in front of the leading players so they can run on to it.

Questions• What worked and

what didn’t work?

Teaching points• 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.• Guide the ball down with one hand.• Point your toes at your target – watch the ball hit the foot.• Follow through straight towards the target.

Questions• How does kicking on the run differ from stationary kicking?• Where do you have to aim to place the ball so the leading player can

mark it?• To receive the ball from the kicker, where do you need to move?

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. Point your toes at your target – watch the ball hit the foot.4. Follow through straight towards the target.

Session overview

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9Kicking in

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.

Preparation game: Kick-in game

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?

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10The aim of this session is to have players implement all the skills covered so far in a game.

Warm-up

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10 Each player has a ball and, in groups of 15-10, are spread between the cones. Players run and bounce the ball to the other end and wait until the coach tells them to go again. Variations• Run handballing the ball in the air.• Roll the ball in front.• Run flicking heels to backside.• Run backwards.• Run dodging side-to-side.• Run forwards with a few short sprints.• Run handballing in pairs.

Lane relays

• Players on opposing teams set up in a square about 150m x 150m. One team has six players whereas the other only has five. The aim is for the team with the ball to control possession inside the square by selecting the right option and executing the skill by hand or foot. If the team with six players can control the ball for three minutes, then teams swap roles and the other team then has the extra player.

Skill activity 2: 5 versus 6 (11 players)

Teaching points• Focus on isolating an open player and correctly executing the kick

before defenders can attempt to spoil.• Don’t rush when in possession and wait for the best option.

General skills and game play

Skill activity 1: Rucks and rovers (12 players)1. In pairs, one child throws the fooball up high and their partner taps

it back to them. Change.2. In pairs, the coach throws the football high. One child taps the ball

down with two hands to the partner, who gathers and returns back to the coach. Partners swap roles.

3. In pairs, the coach throws the ball up. One child palms the ball backward to call from partner. Points given for successful passing.

4. In teams of one ruck, one rover. The coach throws the ball up and teams compete to get the ball. Points scored for successful execution of skills.

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Teaching points• Keep eyes on the ball, leap off on one foot, using arms and other leg

to gain lift.• Arm swings forward, ball is hit with open palm and fingers pointing

at target.• Turn body sideways to protect yourself. Hit ball at highest point of jump.

Teaching points for general skills and game play

Session overview

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General skills and game play

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’.

Preparation game: Gridiron football

Teaching points• Players need to determine effective positioning themselves.

- 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?

Questions• What was the most effective method of scoring?

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Documents

SESSO Kicking: Torpedo and banana · 6 Kicking: Torpedo and banana Session overview Teaching points for kicking (torpedo and banana) xx 1 12 12 mins xx 6 xx 1 xx 4 xx 2 12 Warm-up