DRILL
Defensive and Infield Switches
  • Purpose
    In the instance where opposition players have dropped a kick behind play, it's best to avoid kicking to this contest and instead switching sideways, creating space for players to lead into. This drill practices two switches - a long, wide switch in defense to create space, and a central switch to open up a forward's leading area.
  • Focus
    Front & Square, Forward line delivery, Gameplan/Strategy
  • Skills
    Kicking, Handballing
  • 20+
    Players

  • 15+
    Ages

  • 3
    Balls

  • 8
    Cones

  • 160
    Distance

  • 0
    Opp Strip

  • (A) switches by playing-on across the goalface and kicking to (B) who is stationary on the cone
  • (B) marks and takes-off running hard before steadying and kicking to leading (C)
  • After marking, (C) backpedals and looks to kick further afield to forward (E), but sees coach (L) standing in the hole and obstructing the lead. Instead, (C) switches centrally with a low-trajectory kick to stationary (D)
    Important this kick is accurate and doesn't 'hang' - a turnover from a spoil could be critical
  • (D) marks, steals a few yards, steadies and kicks to (E) who has lead from full-forward to the open-side
  • (E) marks, backpedals then plays-on sideways before feeding a long handball to (F)
  • (F) looks ahead to see coach (L) in the way, but hearing (G) call from the opposite pocket, switches with a long kick that (G) can to run onto without breaking stride
  • (G) gathers, runs and kicks to wide-leading (H), who marks and gives a quick handball to (J) running past having made front and square position
  • (J) runs, bounces, steadies then kicks long to stationary (A), who backpedals after taking a defensive mark

Gather Give Bump

GROUPS OF
AGES 13+

Kick & Follow-up Hands

PLAYERS 16+
AGES 11+

Help After Poor Disposal

PLAYERS 20+
AGES 13+