2012 Youth Coaching Manual - AFL Community

Chapter 15
Skills Guide
Introduction to skills guide
Fundamental to coaching adolescents in any sport is the need to know about the skills of the game. The following guide
provides coaches with the key points for each of the skills of Australian Football. Although it is recognised that the ability of
the coach to teach the fundamental skills (techniques) of Australian Football is paramount, equally important at the youth
age group is the ability to analyse, correct and remediate common skill errors players have developed over their playing
experiences. Only then will the coach of this age group truly improve the playing ability and enjoyment of the players and
develop them into confident and competent senior players.
When referring to the various skills, coaches should:
• Identify the skill or combination of skills to be taught.
• Note the sequence of teaching points.
• Select only two or three points to start with (refer to Chapter 5, Teaching and Improving Skills)
Use the SPIR method to teach the skill. An essential starting point for this is to provide players with a good visual
demonstration of the skill being taught. This may require selecting a player to perform the demonstration.
Also, when teaching the skills, be aware of how to increase intensity or difficulty. Start with static activity (player handballs
to partner – both stationary). The skill is made more difficult by increasing the pace and reducing the time and space in
which the skill is to be performed (it becomes more game based).
When teaching skills, remember to:
• Start with slow movement (players step towards each other).
• Then move slowly in a confined area (walking and handballing to each other).
• Increase to a jog (remain in pairs).
• Introduce lines of players – lane work (two at each end).
• Increase the pace.
• Have a relay: relays in lines.
Then introduce opposition:
• Have players play keepings off, but not three versus three (this is maximum opposition).
• Start with five keeping the ball off one.
• Then four versus two.
• Only when they are capable, move to three versus three.
Coaches should also be conscious of varying skill levels in the group. In some instances, it might be best to keep the ‘betterskilled’
players together and provide them with activities and teaching points to extend them. However, at other times, it
might be best to pair a better player with a less-skilled player and work at the skill level of the latter. Such peer coaching is a
valid activity for any age group and an effective means of improving skill levels.
Instructional videos (cassette and DVD) are available to assist coaches with skill teaching:
- Great Skills, Great Players
- Contact Skills (Parts 1 and 2)
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