How to Play Australian Rules Football: A Comprehensive Guide
Australian Rules Football (AFL), often called ‘footy,’ is a uniquely Australian sport known for its high-scoring games, spectacular marks (catches), and fast-paced, free-flowing action. Unlike many other football codes, AFL emphasizes athleticism, skill, and endurance. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to play Australian Rules Football, covering the fundamental rules, skills, strategies, and training tips.
## Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the intricacies of the game, it’s essential to grasp the foundational elements.
### The Field
* **Shape:** The playing field is an oval, unlike the rectangular fields used in soccer or American football. There are no standardized dimensions, but generally, the field ranges from 135-185 meters long and 110-155 meters wide.
* **Goal Posts:** At each end of the oval, there are four posts. The two central, taller posts are the goal posts. The two outer, shorter posts are the behind posts.
* **Marking Squares:** Located approximately 50 meters from each goal line, these squares are largely symbolic now but historically were related to set plays.
* **Center Square:** A square in the middle of the ground used for the start of each quarter and after a goal is scored.
* **Interchange Bench:** Located on the sidelines, this is where players substitute in and out of the game.
### The Ball
The ball is an oval-shaped leather ball, slightly smaller and rounder than an American football.
### Players and Positions
* **Teams:** Each team consists of 18 players on the field at any one time, with four interchange players (substitutes) available. There are no fixed positions in modern AFL as players rotate throughout the game. However, players generally fulfill roles that can be categorized as forwards, midfielders, and defenders.
* **Forwards:** Primarily responsible for scoring goals. Key forwards are strong and tall, able to mark the ball in contested situations. Small forwards are quick and agile, often creating opportunities to score from ground balls.
* **Midfielders:** The engine room of the team, responsible for winning the ball in the midfield and distributing it to the forwards. Ruckmen, centre men, wingmen, and rovers are key midfield positions.
* **Defenders:** Tasked with preventing the opposition from scoring and rebounding the ball back into attack. Full-backs, half-backs, and back pocket players are common defensive positions.
* **Ruckman:** Contests the ball-up or throw-in at stoppages (such as bounces after a mark or free kick, or throw ins after a ball goes out of bounds). They are typically the tallest player on the team and try to tap the ball to a teammate’s advantage.
### Scoring
* **Goal:** A goal is worth 6 points. It is scored when the ball is kicked cleanly between the two goal posts without being touched by another player. The ball must pass completely between the posts to be considered a goal.
* **Behind:** A behind is worth 1 point. It is scored in the following situations:
* When the ball is kicked between a goal post and a behind post.
* When the ball hits a goal post or a behind post and then goes through.
* When the ball is touched (by an opposition player) before going through the goal posts.
* When a player rushes the ball through their own goal posts (deliberately forcing it through).
* **Total Score:** The total score is calculated by adding the number of goals multiplied by 6 to the number of behinds. For example, a score of 10 goals and 8 behinds would be (10 x 6) + 8 = 68 points.
## Key Skills
Mastering the fundamental skills is critical for success in Australian Rules Football. These include kicking, marking, handballing, tackling, and bouncing.
### Kicking
Kicking is the primary method of moving the ball over long distances. There are several types of kicks, each suited for different situations:
* **Drop Punt:** The most common kicking style, used for accuracy and distance. To execute a drop punt:
1. Hold the ball with both hands, pointing downwards.
2. Drop the ball onto your kicking foot, aiming to strike the ball slightly below the midpoint.
3. Swing your leg through, contacting the ball with the top of your foot while pointing your toe downwards. Follow through with your kicking leg.
* **Torpedo Punt (Spiral Punt):** Used for maximum distance, but less accurate than a drop punt. Involves spinning the ball as it is dropped and kicked.
1. Hold the ball at an angle, leaning to one side.
2. Drop the ball, imparting a spiral motion as it falls.
3. Kick the ball with the laces facing upwards, aiming to strike the ball cleanly.
* **Snap Kick:** A quick, instinctive kick used in tight spaces. Usually kicked across the body, using the outside of the foot.
1. Bring the ball across your body.
2. Kick the ball with the outside of your foot, using a short, sharp motion.
* **Checkside Kick:** Used to curve the ball, often around an opponent.
1. Similar to a snap kick, but with more emphasis on the angle of the foot at impact to impart more curve.
**Drills for Kicking:**
* **Target Practice:** Set up targets (e.g., cones, bins) at varying distances and practice kicking towards them.
* **Partner Kicking:** Practice kicking with a partner, focusing on accuracy and distance. Start with short kicks and gradually increase the distance.
* **Kicking on the Run:** Practice kicking while running at different speeds and angles. This simulates game-like conditions.
### Marking
A mark is a clean catch of the ball from a kick of 15 meters or more without it hitting the ground or being touched by another player. A player who takes a mark is entitled to a free kick. Marking is a crucial skill, particularly for forwards and defenders.
* **Technique:**
1. Position yourself in front of the ball’s trajectory.
2. Extend your arms and reach for the ball.
3. Secure the ball with both hands, ensuring a clean catch.
4. Bring the ball into your body to protect it from opponents.
* **Contested Mark:** A mark taken when players are competing for the ball. This requires strength, timing, and courage.
1. Jump high to gain an advantage over your opponent.
2. Use your body to shield the ball.
3. Secure the ball firmly with both hands.
**Drills for Marking:**
* **High Marking:** Practice marking high balls, focusing on timing and jumping technique.
* **Contested Marking:** Practice marking with a partner, simulating contested situations.
* **Leading and Marking:** Practice leading towards a kick and marking the ball on the run.
### Handballing
A handball is a method of passing the ball by striking it with a clenched fist. It is typically used for short passes and quick ball movement.
* **Technique:**
1. Hold the ball in one hand, slightly in front of your body.
2. Clench your other hand into a fist.
3. Strike the ball with your clenched fist, using a punching motion.
4. Follow through with your arm.
* **Accuracy:** Aim to handball the ball to a teammate’s chest or in front of them, allowing them to run onto the ball.
**Drills for Handballing:**
* **Partner Handballing:** Practice handballing with a partner, focusing on accuracy and speed.
* **Handballing on the Run:** Practice handballing while running, maintaining control and accuracy.
* **Handballing Under Pressure:** Practice handballing with a defender applying pressure, simulating game-like conditions.
### Tackling
Tackling is the act of bringing an opponent to the ground by holding them below the shoulders and preventing them from disposing of the ball legally. A legal tackle must be below the shoulders and above the knees. High tackles (above the shoulders) and tackles below the knees are illegal and result in a free kick to the tackled player.
* **Technique:**
1. Approach the opponent with controlled speed.
2. Wrap your arms around their body below the shoulders.
3. Bring them to the ground safely, avoiding high contact or dangerous tackles.
* **Shepherding:** A legal block to protect a teammate with the ball.
**Drills for Tackling:**
* **Tackling Technique:** Practice the correct tackling technique with a partner, focusing on safety and control.
* **Tackling Drills:** Practice tackling drills that simulate game-like scenarios.
* **Shepherding Practice:** Work on legally impeding opponents to protect teammates.
### Bouncing
A player must bounce or touch the ball on the ground at least once every 15 meters while running with it. This rule prevents players from running unimpeded for long distances.
* **Technique:**
1. Hold the ball in one hand.
2. Drop the ball towards the ground.
3. As the ball bounces up, tap it back down with your hand.
4. Maintain control of the ball while running.
* **Alternating Hands:** Practice bouncing the ball with both hands to improve your agility and adaptability.
**Drills for Bouncing:**
* **Bouncing on the Run:** Practice bouncing the ball while running at different speeds and angles.
* **Agility Drills:** Incorporate bouncing into agility drills to improve your ball control and coordination.
## Game Strategies and Tactics
Beyond individual skills, understanding team strategies and tactics is crucial for success.
### Team Structure and Positioning
While there are no fixed positions in modern AFL, teams generally employ a structure that includes forwards, midfielders, and defenders. The specific roles and responsibilities of each player will vary depending on the team’s game plan.
* **Forwards:** Typically positioned inside the forward 50-meter arc, their primary objective is to score goals. They need to be strong in the air, quick on the ground, and accurate with their kicks.
* **Midfielders:** Operate in the center of the ground, contesting stoppages, winning clearances, and linking the defense to the attack. They require high endurance, strong tackling skills, and excellent decision-making.
* **Defenders:** Positioned in the defensive half of the ground, their main task is to prevent the opposition from scoring and rebound the ball back into attack. They need to be strong in the air, good tacklers, and excellent readers of the play.
* **Ruckmen:** Key players who contest the ball-ups at centre bounces and around the ground at stoppages. They are usually tall and athletic, and need to be able to jump high and tap the ball to the advantage of their teammates.
### Key Strategies
* **Contested Ball:** Winning the contested ball (the ball that is loose and being competed for by multiple players) is crucial for gaining possession and momentum. This requires strength, aggression, and excellent tackling skills.
* **Clearances:** Winning clearances (the ball leaving a stoppage situation, such as a ball-up or throw-in) is essential for launching attacks. This involves ruckmen tapping the ball to midfielders, who then distribute it to the forwards.
* **Forward Pressure:** Applying pressure on the opposition defenders in their defensive 50-meter arc can force turnovers and create scoring opportunities. This requires quick tackling, aggressive chasing, and smart positioning.
* **Rebound 50s:** Rebounding the ball out of the defensive 50-meter arc is crucial for preventing the opposition from scoring. This involves strong marking, accurate kicking, and smart decision-making.
* **Transition:** Transitioning quickly from defense to attack (and vice versa) is essential for capitalizing on turnovers and creating scoring opportunities. This requires high endurance, quick thinking, and accurate ball movement.
* **Zone Defence:** A defensive strategy where players defend specific areas of the ground rather than directly marking opponents. This can be effective in preventing the opposition from moving the ball freely and creating scoring opportunities.
### Game Plans and Tactics
A team’s game plan will typically involve a combination of strategies and tactics designed to exploit the opposition’s weaknesses and maximize their own strengths. Some common tactics include:
* **Switching Play:** Moving the ball quickly from one side of the ground to the other to create space and open up scoring opportunities.
* **Leading Patterns:** Forwards running into space to receive a pass from a teammate.
* **Crumbing:** Picking up the ball at ground level after a marking contest or a kick has fallen short.
* **Creating Overlaps:** Using handballing and running to create more players in one area of the ground than the opposition, leading to easy possessions.
* **Spoiling:** Intentionally knocking the ball away from an opponent in a marking contest.
## Training and Conditioning
To excel in Australian Rules Football, a comprehensive training and conditioning program is essential. This should include a combination of skills training, strength and conditioning, and tactical development.
### Skills Training
* **Kicking Drills:** Regularly practice kicking drills to improve accuracy, distance, and technique.
* **Marking Drills:** Practice marking drills to improve timing, jumping, and hand-eye coordination.
* **Handballing Drills:** Practice handballing drills to improve accuracy, speed, and control.
* **Tackling Drills:** Practice tackling drills to improve technique, strength, and safety.
* **Bouncing Drills:** Practice bouncing drills to improve ball control and agility.
### Strength and Conditioning
* **Cardiovascular Training:** AFL requires high levels of endurance. Include running, swimming, and cycling in your training program.
* **Strength Training:** Focus on building strength in your legs, core, and upper body. Include exercises such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups.
* **Agility Training:** Improve your agility and footwork with drills such as cone drills, shuttle runs, and ladder drills.
* **Flexibility Training:** Stretching and flexibility exercises can help prevent injuries and improve performance.
### Tactical Development
* **Game Simulation:** Participate in game simulation drills to improve your decision-making and tactical awareness.
* **Video Analysis:** Watch videos of AFL games to learn from the best players and teams.
* **Team Meetings:** Attend team meetings to discuss game plans, strategies, and tactics.
### Sample Training Week
This is just a sample; adapt it to your own needs and abilities. Always consult with a coach or trainer before starting a new training program.
* **Monday:** Strength Training (Legs and Core) + Light Skills (Kicking and Handballing)
* **Tuesday:** High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) + Agility Drills
* **Wednesday:** Skills Training (Marking, Tackling, Bouncing) + Video Analysis
* **Thursday:** Strength Training (Upper Body and Core) + Light Cardio
* **Friday:** Rest or Active Recovery (Light Jogging, Stretching)
* **Saturday:** Game or Game Simulation
* **Sunday:** Rest
## Rules and Regulations
AFL has a comprehensive set of rules and regulations that govern all aspects of the game. Understanding these rules is essential for players, coaches, and fans. Some of the key rules include:
* **Marking:** As previously mentioned, a clean catch of the ball from a kick of 15 meters or more entitles the player to a free kick.
* **Holding the Ball:** A player who is tackled while in possession of the ball must dispose of it immediately. Failure to do so will result in a holding the ball free kick to the tackler.
* **High Tackle:** Tackling an opponent above the shoulders is illegal and results in a free kick to the tackled player.
* **Below the Knees:** Tackling an opponent below the knees is illegal and results in a free kick to the tackled player.
* **Push in the Back:** Pushing an opponent in the back while contesting the ball is illegal and results in a free kick.
* **Rucking Rules:** Specific rules govern the ruck contest at ball-ups and throw-ins, including restrictions on third-up players and illegal contact.
* **Protected Area:** A 5-meter protected area exists around the player with the ball after a mark or free kick. Opponents cannot enter this area until the player disposes of the ball.
* **Deliberate Out of Bounds:** A free kick is awarded against a player who deliberately kicks or handballs the ball out of bounds.
## Equipment
The essential equipment for playing Australian Rules Football includes:
* **Football:** A regulation AFL football is required for training and games.
* **Boots:** Football boots with studs or cleats provide traction on the field.
* **Mouthguard:** A mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth and jaw.
* **Protective Gear:** Optional protective gear may include padded shorts, shoulder pads, and helmets.
## Finding a Club
To start playing Australian Rules Football, the best way is to join a local club. Most communities have AFL clubs catering to different age groups and skill levels. You can find a club by:
* **Searching Online:** Use online search engines to find AFL clubs in your area.
* **Contacting Your Local AFL Association:** Your local AFL association can provide information on clubs in your region.
* **Asking Friends or Family:** Ask friends or family members who play AFL for recommendations.
## Conclusion
Australian Rules Football is a challenging and rewarding sport that requires a combination of skill, athleticism, and tactical awareness. By mastering the fundamental skills, understanding the game’s strategies, and committing to a comprehensive training program, you can improve your game and enjoy the many benefits of playing this uniquely Australian sport. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s always something new to learn and improve upon. So grab a ball, find a club, and start your journey in the world of Australian Rules Football!