Playing Our Great Game

There is a method.

 

The game of AFL demands much from its players. Skills, athleticism, courage, clear thinking and determination. We all have different views on the key ingredients in the game. It may be kicking, tactics, tackling , speed or hardness. Generally our opinions and thoughts when we watch footy being played will be determined by our core values on what the game is about.

 

Our eyes and minds will be drawn to what we most value in the game. For me the critical piece to understand the game is that footy is a ground ball outnumber game.

 

There are a large number of players on the field, the ball can bounce anywhere and there is a high level of contact. As such the ball is consistently on the ground and in dispute.

Acknowledging this, ask yourself what can increase a team's chances of winning the ball.

 

A lifetime in the game has shown me that outnumbering the opposition in the contest area and high quality ground ball skills and disposal mechanisms invariably wins games.

One on one contests are difficult to win, outnumbered contests are almost impossible to win but outnumbering the opposition and working together can make the game so much easier to play.

 

I heard a coach refer to the importance of the 'tumbling ball’ in the middle off the ground. Win it and it goes your teams way, lose it and you are defending. He also said the team that wins more of these generally wins the game. He was right. It stands to reason that the team that has more numbers around the ball and has good method in place has greater chance of winning the ball.

 

Hence the term groundball outnumber game.

 

Can this concept be learnt by players of all ages? The answer is yes.I have seen experienced AFL players add it to their games with great success. AFL coaches adopt it their coaching. Cooper (12) and Damo (15) stand in front of a smart board and explain positioning and decisions around the contest area to other participants in a footy holiday program.

 

They were teaching their young friends. Sunny (9) move bean bags around in front of 30 junior coaches and confidently explain how to control a contest area with numbers and then open the ground up to move the ball into attacking space. They couldn’t believe their eyes. I watch many training sessions of all ages and see players standing on cones waiting for the ball to be delivered to them I see drills where players run from cone to cone and have decisions made for them.

 

When to kick, who to handball to and where to run. Yet on game day they are expected to win the ball, know how to help the team move the ball and then defend the ground. Its what the game demands from its participants. Junior games in particular are often long contests after long contests.

 

The ball is invariably on the ground and the game often is controlled by the strong, skilful and confident. Players lacking presence, size and belief are left to shepherd more proficient teammates carrying the ball or simply spectate. Neither situation is good for the development of players as team sport and teamwork are about everyone contributing and helping one another.

 

The questions for clubs and coaches is...Does your training look like a game? Does your training prepare your players to play the game? Are your players learning how to play the game? Does your training develop creative decision making and problem solving ? Is your training centred around encouragement and respect?

 

All players want to participate, contribute, develop competency and belong. This is particularly important for young players. There is a method to playing our great game and it can foster greater participation and belonging if taught well, practiced and reinforced.

 

I am often asked - How do I get closer to the ball? When and where do I run to win the ball? What do I do if one of my teammates has the ball? How do I get in the game? What do I do when the ball leaves my area?

 

The further a player is away from the ball the more difficult the decisions. When a player is close to the ball the decision is much easier, take possession or tackle.

 

My response is to have them look at the game from the contest area out.

 

Look at the ball and the numbers around it.

 

If the ball is in dispute go over and win the ball or help create an outnumber.

If we are going to win ball or we are outnumbering hold and wait on the outside to receive or run to create attacking space and options.

 

If we are going to lose the ball locate opponents and shut down options.

 

If I am more than 1 kick away from the ball I am either attacking or defending based on what happens at the contest.

 

These decisions can be learnt and mastered if the training environment is right. For many years I have seen players of all ages and abilities develop their ability to see the game and make quicker decisions through game related training in small sided games and drills.

 

The best coaches keep the method simple, the language remains constant and they are always supportive and encouraging.they are there for their players. The great Norm Smith a six time premiership coach named as coach of the century had one main philosophy.

 

Wherever the ball goes we will have more numbers. We work together and support each other. This built great camaraderie and unity in his teams, they played for each other and were there for each other.

 

The great players are blessed with athletic strengths and great hand eye coordination. They also make decisions quicker than most, they seem to see the game unfolding early.

 

They have a method.

 

Corey Enright from humble beginnings developed into one of the best players of the modern era basing his game on a simple formula.His opponent was always his starting point, he looked at the ball and if he saw his team was going to win the ball he attacked. If he wasn't sure he stayed with his opponent.

 

If his opponent could win the ball he defended him. If his opponent drifted out of play and couldn’t influence the game he would go where the ball was going and play.

He was happy to do the simple things well every week. He was always coachable and team focussed and became a superstar doing it.

 

There is a method to everything in life. Football is no different.