AFL Coaching Manual - Western Bulldogs Football Club

the coach
chapter 4 – the training session
SKILL DRILLS
The selection of drills suitable
for your team requires a great
deal of thought and planning.
Drills should develop the running
and possession skills so important
in football today and at the same
time prepare players for realistic
match conditions.
Skill drills should progress from
simple to complex. When introducing
a skill drill, begin with a basic drill,
gradually building up the degree
of difficulty. Repetition is the key
to learning. As the players become
familiar with the drill and your
expectations, the skill
drill will run efficiently with
maximum involvement.
The following is an example of
a drill that has been developed
from its simplest form into a realistic
skill activity.
Smothering drills
B
A
A
D
C
1. Group smothering
Players B, C and D are positioned one
step away from the point of contact.
Player A kicks the ball. All three
players attempt to smother the ball
as a group.
Players rotate after three attempts.
2. Smother with kicker stationary
Player B stands one pace to the side
of Player A.
As Player A is about to kick, Player B
moves to smother the ball.
Players rotate after five kicks.
A
A
C
B
3. Handball/kick/smother
ppPlayer B handballs 10m to Player A.
ppPlayer A kicks flat out.
ppPlayer C moves in to smother,
timing the action.
ppStart from one step away to moving
three or four paces.
ppRotate positions.
C
Plan ahead
B
Planning is essential before
a training session. Drills must be
developed and built up from the
simple to the complex. Of greater
importance is that drills must
be meaningful and highlight
your game-plan. Weaknesses
can be overcome and a team
plan developed with the correct
selection and execution of skill
drills at training.
B
4. Smother with kicker moving
Player A runs to pick up the ball and kicks
to Player C when level with the marker.
Player B attempts to smother the kick.
Players rotate after five attempts.
54
55