Community | Full Ground ball movement with switch

DESCRIPTION

Full Ground Ball Movement with Switch of PlayObjective: To develop efficient full-ground ball movement, emphasize kicking to a target's advantage, promote aggressive movement off the mark, and encourage quick, decisive play in the attacking half with a switch of play option. Setup: Players: Minimum 12-15 players (can be adapted for more or less). Equipment: 2 footballs, cones to mark zones/positions. Field: Full AFL oval or a large marked-out area simulating one. Drill Flow: Starting Position: One player (P1) starts with the ball on the defensive 50 (full back position). Other players are positioned acroos the ground on cones as displyed Phase 1: Defensive 50 Build-Up P1 receives the ball on a lead. Then pushes back hard as through they have taken a defensive mark. Switches ball out of defense to back pocket Teaching Point: Kicking to Position: Emphasize P1 kicking to the advantage of P2/P3 – short 25-30 meter kick. The kick should be sharp and get to the target quickly. Phase 2: Midfield Transition & Switch of Play Option The player who received the ball looks to move the ball quickly to a leading option, leading from the wing to half back.The leading receiver will handaball to a player front and square moving towards the middle of the ground. Once the player receives the handball they will hit up a shoirt 20-25 metre kick to the centre of the ground. Teaching Point: Push Back Hard Off the Mark: Quick ball movement off the mark (explode away from where they kicked from) to create separation from an imaginary opponent. This creates dynamic movement and options. Switch of Play: The leading receiver will handaball to a player front and square moving towards the middle of the ground. If the direct option up the middle is blocked or pressured, the player with the ball (P2) can look to kick across the ground to the opposite wing (where another support player could be positioned or a new player rotates into space). This teaches vision and adapting to defensive pressure. Phase 3: Forward Half Wheel & Go Once the ball enters the forward 50 (e.g., P6 receives the ball from P4), the focus shifts to aggressive, attacking movement. Teaching Point: Wheel and Go in the Forward Half: The player with the ball (P6) should look to quickly turn, survey their options (leading targets, goal, or another handball/kick option), and dispose of the ball with aggression. Forward targets (P7, and now P6's previous teammates who have transitioned forward) should be making leading runs towards goal or to space. This phase emphasizes decisive action – taking a shot for goal, hitting a leading forward, or maintaining possession with purpose. Avoid stagnation. Players should "wheel" (turn or pivot) and "go" (dispose of the ball quickly and accurately). Continuation: The ball continues to move towards the goal, culminating in a shot on goal or a mark inside 50. After the shot, the ball is recycled back to the starting point on the opposite defensive 50, and the drill continues in the other direction. Players rotate through positions after each sequence (e.g., P1 becomes P2, P2 becomes P4, etc.). Coaching Points & Cues: Communication is Key: Encourage loud, clear calls for the ball, leading calls, and warnings about pressure. Decision Making: Constantly ask players "What are your options?" before they receive the ball. Body Position: Players should always be presenting to receive the ball, and getting their body in a strong position to dispose of it quickly. Weight of Kick: Emphasize appropriate weight on the kick – not too short, not too long, allowing the receiver to take it cleanly. Eyes Up: Encourage players to look up before receiving the ball and after disposing of it to identify their next target or movement. Overlap Runs: Promote players running past the ball carrier to offer another option. Maintain Flow: The drill should be continuous with minimal stoppages. Coaches should provide feedback on the run. Variations & Progressions: Add Defenders: Introduce passive or active defenders to increase pressure and simulate game conditions. Time Limit: Challenge players to move the ball from end to end within a set time. Specific Disposal Types: Mandate certain disposals (e.g., "must handball here," "must kick long"). Score Targets: Award points for successful sequences, marks inside 50, or goals. Numbered Players: Assign numbers to players and call out the next number to receive the ball to control flow. This drill, when executed with a focus on the teaching points, will significantly improve a team's ability to move the ball effectively from defence to attack with purpose and adaptability.

COACHING POINTS

Kicking to position Push back hard off the mark Wheel and go in the forward half

This practice has no coaching points

PROGRESSION

This practice has no progressions