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How to play the positions
The following represents some key points to remember when
your coach has decided to put you in a certain position. In todays style
of football the focus is generally on being able to handle being moved
to any position (albeit the Ruck might be difficult if you're 5 foot tall!!)
This is called being a 'utility'. While each position has a brief explanation
of positional play, you can check out further below, the generic
stuff of positional groups that is important for all players to know.
Ruck
Take the ball-ups at the centre, throw-ins or around the
ground with the intent of hitting the ball to a teammate or forward of
the ruck contest.
Work in with the other on-ballers and coordinate where you want them to
be. It's important you have them where you believe you will be able to
hit the ball.
Move quickly into the backline to assist your defenders. Generally positioning
yourself between Centre Half Back and Full Back.
Get to front position on all occasions to take marks. Get in front position
to take throw-ins to maximise opportunity to direct the ball.
For opposition kick-ins, make sure you have picked up your opponent so
they do not get the easy mark or possession.
Rucks do NOT go too far into the forward line. Form the wall across the
Centre/Centre Half Forward area. You must coordinate with the other onballers
this practise and discipline yourself to stick to it.
Other skills of a Ruckman include, handball preciseness, shepherding,
concentration (and stamina) to keep moving and the ability to take up
positions in spaces to block off oposition thrusts (this is esentially
another type of reading the play). Essential for budding Ruckmen is in
timing the 'spring' where you jump for the taps and hit-outs as well as
the necessity to be able to protect yourself from opponents in mid-air
clashes. Thighs, groins and ribs have been known to cop a hiding if not
protected well.
Ruck Rover
Stand on the attacking side of centre bounces (where your
Ruck is likely to hit the ball forward).
Be aggressive to the ball at ALL bounces and throw-ins - if you don't
get it then make sure the opposition is put under pressure.
Drop back quickly into the backline to help out these guys. You need to
be alert to plugging gaps so the opposition forwards do not get easy space
to run into.
You must be strong and able to run hard and for sustained periods as you
are also a 'link' player. This means you are likley to begin a play from
the backline and follow up on that play by providing another option as
the ball travels down the field.
You are also generally 'loose' in the backline to give another option
to your teammates.
In being loose you are also needed to put pressure on opposition forwards
who get free of their player.
You might have to take the odd throw-in or bounce/ball-up.
You set the tone for showing the others about running football as well
as how to burrow in and get the ball out of packs.
Like the Ruck, you do not go past the 'wall' but if an opportunity arises
to run into a space in the forward line then do it BUT get back out quickly
if the ball is not passed to you.
In getting into the forward line on rare oportunities, the Ruck Rover
must also convert so he as to be an accurate kick and on both feet..
An absolute necessary skill of a Ruck Rover is in reading the play and
how to stay kick behind play or anticipate where the ball is likley to
go.
Rover
Stand to the side of the Ruck at centre bounces (where
yourRuck is likely to tap the ball if hitting it forward is not an option).
Be aggressive to the ball at ALL bounces and throw-ins - if you don't
get it then make sure the opposition is put under pressure.
Drop back quickly into the backline to help out these guys. You need to
be alert to plugging gaps so the opposition forwards do not get easy space
to run into.
Good Rovers are like an engine room of the team. They must have strength,
stamina, speed (over a short distance) and display a bit of cheekiness
that gets the opposition upset. It goes without saying that Rovers are
also small in height, large in stature, big in heart and abundant in guts
& determination.
Rovers generate drive and motivates scoring opportunities by getting in,
around and under the packs to get the hard ball. They feed off the ruck
work of teir Ruckmen but are also required to 'shark' the taps of the
opposition if possible.
Other attributes of Rovers are elusiveness, courage, balance, timing and
an ability to read the game well. Rovers who have good ball skills but
cannot read the play (can't get into the thick of the action) are ineffective.
You operate all around the ground without restriction of the need to man
up on an opposition player so your effectiveness is in winning posessions
and distributing the ball correctly and accurately to teammates.
Good Rovers have a well developed sense of evading tackles and being able
to 'ride'the bumps.
They can also apply effective tackles when necessary.
Rovers like all on-ballers must be proficient using both sides of the
body as they invariably need this in spinning out of packs or dodging
and weaving about in general play.
Another, often overlooked, skill of Rovers is in using their gobs to be
continually in the ear of opposition players trying to put them off or
in the ear of their own teammates in trying to keep them motivated.
Finally, a Rover does not need to have slim, sleek lines of a wippet but
must be organised 'up top' in the head to position himself about the field.
Centre
Stand to the back of the Ruck at centre bounces (where
your Ruck is likely to tap the ball if hitting it forward is not an option
to the Ruck Rover or Rover; or in other cases, as a defensive option should
the opposition Ruck win the bounce and propel it forward).
Be aggressive to the ball at ALL bounces and throw-ins - if you don't
get it then make sure the opposition is put under pressure.
Drop back quickly into the backline to help out these guys. You need to
be alert to plugging gaps so the opposition forwards do not get easy space
to run into.
Centremen need to be both sides of the body players as they are essentially
the guys who provide a significant amount of drive for their team. It
is an interesting position that all teams seem to traditionally play 'wide'
of each other and it is not uncommon for the two centremen of a game being
given the votes as the best on the ground for their efforts (i.e. 3, 2,
or 1 votes given by umpires). Therefore the role of the centreman is quite
important although the two might seem to negate each other.
Attributes of centremen include courage and strength, guts and determination,
excellent hand/eye coordination and an ability to not only read the play
but direct it. Thus a strong attribute of a centreman is in being able
to communicate well to teammates, especially over the entirety of the
game.
Centreman generally have a licence to go anywere, like other on-ballers,
but must do their share of the hard work in defence as well as trying
to get the odd goal or two. They must also be terriers in the centre bounces
to get the ball moving forward and around the ground they must also be
aware of where teammates are to move the ball on quickly (or direct teammates
as to players in better positions).
While capable of generating attacking moves themselves, Centremen need
to able to run off teammates to keep the possesions moving quickly into
the forward line. Thus they they also need to be 'finishers' too.
Full Forward
Focal point in a team's effort to kick goals. This person
generally represents the most talented in terms of marking in packs or
in one-on-one contests. The most effective in kicking for being accurate,
consistent and penetrative. The most opportunistic in terms of making
goals out of nothing.
Full Forwards, while generally tall and strong also require speed to make
quick leads into space away from the goals, and agility to be able to
pounce on the loose ball and turn and snap for goal.
To play in this position also requires good body skills to be able to
manouvere to front positions or pivot off lines in trying to get a break
on an opponent of that crucial one or two metres. In the one-on-one contests
an ability to jostle with an opponent at precisely the right moment so
the umpire considers it within the rules is important in maximising the
opportunity to mark the ball. If unable to mark then being able to recover
the ball quicker than the opponent is the next skill.
Full Forwards tend to make leads from the goal square and time this for
when the ball is being delivered into the forward line. Thus it's important
they have good communication skills to ensure the upfield players know
where they're heading. Full Forwards must also be able to get back to
the goal square quickly from unsuccessful leads in case another opportunity
arises to contest the ball.
Obviously goal shooting is fundamental to a Full Forward
for a person who cannot master this requirement might as well be somewhere
else.
Forward Pocket
Traditionally the position occupied by a resting Ruck
and/or Rover. However, in todays football it is becoming a specialist
position to back up the Full Forward. The term 'Goal Sneek' is used for
these players as their role is to feed off the 'crumbs' of other players
i.e. the Full Forward or Centre Half Forward.
Crumbing is essentially contesting the ball as it comes off the hands
or is spoiled by opponents. The goal sneek is there to be at the foot
of these spoils to then get a quick kick in and hopefully make it a goal.
If the Full Forward leads out then one of the Forward Pockets must float
into the goal square and present himself there in case the ball is kicked
forward so he can contest it. The other Forward Pocket would 'go' with
the Full Forward and try to help him if he misses the mark or it is spoiled.
Other times the Forward Pocket may act as a 'dummy' runner for leads to
try and upset the opposition backline to get them to follow him thus 'opening'
up the main forward area.
Coaches tend to use this position depending on the type of opposition
they are likely to meet.
Centre Half Forward
Tagged as the hardest position to play in the game. The
player in this position generally is required to do a mountain of work
as the link between the players moving the ball from the backline of the
field into scoring opportunities.
This person is normally seen as the focal point to kick to for players
as they come out of the backline and wish to straighten up towards the
goals. The Centre Half Forward positions himself to take marks in and
around the Centre/Centre Half Forward area and as much as possible presents
himself on all contests for those in the backline to aim for. If a Centre
Half Forward is being beaten then the side is looking down the barrel
as far as winning the game is concerned.
It is generally this position that helps in keeping the ball in the forward
line for if he cannot mark the ball then his Half Forward Flankers feed
off him.
The Centre Half Forward should be tall and strong with an athletic ability
to run quickly but prop and turn on a 10 cent piece. He also needs to
be competent on both sides of the body and be accurate in front of goal.
There's nothing like having a Centre Half Forward in your team that can
out mark the opposition, is quick and can kick goals.
The Centre Half Forward is also the 'General' for that end of the ground
and is accountable for ensuring that his teammates around him are where
they should be. His leadership and on field conduct is important. He cannot
be seen as a showoff, hungry, selfish, arrogant and lazy to his teammates.
Therefore he must also be able to communicate well and concentrate well
enough on the game to know how it is panning out, where he must present
himself and marshall his forwards into positions that will benefit the
team. He must be a good thinker out on the field not only in his positioning
but to also demonstrate the little things that inspire others, such as
hitting the ball on, tackling like a demon, shepherding, spoiling opposition,
supporting teammates in contests and standing up for his teammates when
a scuffle blows up.
Half Forward Flank
While sometimes called the 'Football Graveyard' this area
still requires players with exceptional talent.
To play this position the flanker must have possibly the most astute judgement
of any player as they are required to stay out wide, leave the forward
line open and create gaps but also be able to swoop back in to feed off
or crumb the ball from packs or contests where the Centre Half Forward
of Full Forward has been involved.
At centre Bounces, the flanker must decide to either angle his run in
to contest the ball or start from around the wing area to be able to run
onto the ball.
Usually flankers have an uncanny knack to be able to swing back inboard
which catches opponents out so it's normal to see a left and right footed
flanker playing on the side where they would swing back inboard on their
natural foot.
Flankers are often considered as receivers for not getting in and earning
the hard ball which is generally more the result of being opportunists
and having to stay out wide, but still, they must be pretty good finishers
and attributes of knowing where the goals are in any circumstance is essential.
While kicking goals is their purpose, other essential traits that a good
flanker can display is in disciplining themselves to do the hard work
of defence. Tackling and aggression to the ball to put pressure on the
opposition backline is necessary to ensure the ball does not leave freely
from the forward line. The backline teammates of flankers who see these
guys doing this sort of hard work are encouraged because their own hard
work is being reciprocated and they have more time to form a strong defence
because the ball is not coming out of the forward line as fast.
Flankers in todays style of football are not expected to stay on the one
side of the ground either. They are required to be able to move totally
around on the forward line to keep their opponents guessing but also present
themselves as options for teammates further up the ground where the Centre
Half Forward or Full Forward is covered.
Flankers should treat the forward area much like the key
in basketball. Imagine a zone area coming out from the goal square extending
to the 50 metre line of about 20 metres wide. They then treat this as
a no-go/no-stay area where they zip in and out of it, criss-crossing back
and forth. Flankers are also very much aware of space and the ability
of being able to find it or run into it to present themselves as an option.
Wing
Wingers have an unenviable job or responsibility to be
able to become defencers and/or forwards/attackers at the drop of a hat.
They generally have the greatest area to weave their magic in as the ball
comes out of the backline and flows around the boundary.
They are also generally the fastest players in the side being required
to get into the backline quickly and assist teammates but also needed
to back up teammates if a break out of the backline is made and options
are sought to move the ball into the forward line.
Wingers cannot afford to be lazy players. If their opponent is allowed
to run unimpeded into their forward line then they (the winger) is not
doing his job. They have to be very good at also anticipating when to
defend (which means deciding to go back and assist) because it is quite
often that all backline players get dragged away from the goals to a particular
side of the ground thus leaving the goals undefended. On the other side
Wingers must determine when to move into the forward line which might
mean thier player doesn't go with them. If a turnover occurs, the Winger
is stranded.
Wingers, being required to exert an influence on the game through their
speed should always be trying to run past for handballs or looking for
a space to present themselves as an option. However, if not forthcoming
they should get back to their opponent as fast as possible.
Centre Half Back
While the Centre Half Forward position is seen as the
hardest, then the Centre Half Back is probably the most vital. It is from
here that the springboard of attack is usually generated and a game of
football with an attacking Centre Half Back is a pretty sight.
Generally a tall, robust and strong player to match the opposing Centre
Half Back, he also needs the attributes of agression, toughness and discipline.
Agression to attack the ball regardless of who is in the way makes him
seem a straight ahead style of player. Toughness to take the bumps and
grind of the packs and contests but also able to dish it out on opposing
players. Discipline to not get entangled in situations that involve giving
away free kicks that forwards often bait backline players into making
but ensuring he gives close attention and niggle to his opponent and do
the little things that will upset or frustrate him.
As the key backline player he sets the agenda on how the others will support
him and provides the leadership for them to follow his example. Things
like punching from behind to spoil marks, strong tackling, hard shepherds
and running hard into packs to take marks.
Key to this position is the understanding of the Half Back Flankers to
the Centre Half Back as he in his role of spoiler and frustrater relies
on them to either crumb off him or keep their opponents out of the action
for him to win the one-on-one contests.
As well as the defensive aspects, the Centre Half Back must be a penetrating
kick into the forward line and be able to feed the ball out to teammates
with well timed passes.
Often you will see enterprising Centre Half Backs running down into the
forward line to throw their opponent off and take him out of the play.
However, if the ball is turned over they must be able to get back quickly
or ensure another player has picked up their man.
Half Back Flank
Back Flankers of today are where two of the six best players
should be. Basically the six best are across the back line and the centre.
Traditionally the Half Back Flanker was a solid player who's main role
was to nullify the Half Forward Flanker but as the game has got quicker,
the role has changed where the Half Back Flanker now provides or generates
a fair amount of ball into the forward line.
You will expect to see these players now starting a movement by feeding
off the contests/packs and putting the ball out to a teammate then running
on and trying to get the ball back or moving into a space. Not only is
this player still required to be tough and aggressive but more mobile
and extremely effective with disposals.
Judgement in determining when to leave his opponent or stay is always
on the mind of a Half Back Flanker as the risk is in the ball bouncing
awkwardly etc. However, in this position it is a gamble worth the effort.
Nothing frustrates a Half Forward Flanker more than a close checking opponent
who is there in defence making the job of the Half Forward Flanker hard
but also able to disappear from him when necessary to attack the ball
or help his teammates move it downfield which makes the Half Forward look
like he is lazy.
Key skills of Half Back Flankers are strong tackling, good speed to match
the forwards, awareness of teammates for when distributing the ball -especially
in tight situations and a combination of guts and determination for the
hard stuff and a touch of finesse for setting up the attacks.
They must also be able to work in well with the other backline players,
especially the Centre Half Back as well as the centreline players.
Some Back Flankers play their opponents close all the time while others
tend to allow them some freedom and concentrate on other better players
in the opposition forward line. This situation requires the Back Flanker
to be experienced and know his opponent well enough to do this.
Full Back
Regarded as key players with an often underrated role.
Where Full Forwards must be quick of the mark, then Full Backs need to
be quicker to make up the time and gap that a Full Forward might establish
in making a lead.
Full Backs must be physically strong to take on Full Forwards but also
to contest marks in packs where several players might be involved. In
most cases it is to be able to provide a spoiling role i.e. punch the
ball through the goals.
Full Backs must be good kicks themselves for bringing the ball back into
play after a point is scored is the most important kick from the re-start.
Judgement is an unsung attribute of the really good Full Backs as it determines
when to leave an opponent to attack the ball or stay back on the player
and try and nullify him that way. The instinctiveness of this is to attack
so controlling this is in itself a difficult feat. There will be times
where the Full Back will try to create attacking moves by running past
teammates further up-field to get the ball which is good initiative and
praised by coaches but the risk is if a turnover occurs and the Full Forward
is left unmarked.
Legal manoeuvering of the body to 'out-position' the opponent is also
another essential skill.
Kicking in also requires some education as there are some do's and don'ts
to this. Being aware of the better marks in your team as well as the better
marks in the opposition ensures you don't kick to the wrong places. Also
when kicking in with or against a wind also requires thought. Kicking
to yourself and running the ball back into play from the 10 metre square
also requires some thought - which side are you running on, will you have
to duck back etc.
Part of the role of being in the backline, Full Backs
generally have to put up with opponents scoring several goals which makes
them look like they have not done a good job. A Full Back could have the
measure of an opponent for three and a half quarters and then lapse to
let the opponent in for three or four quick goals or have 20 kicks to
the opponents 5 but if the opponents 5 kicks are goals then the Full Back
has had a bad day.
Back Pocket
Backs up the Full Back and tries to nullify his opponent
from being an effective crumber or opportunistic goal kicker.
If the Full Back leaves the goal square to stay with his opponent, one
of the Back Pockets should cover the square for the chance of a miskick
or somehow the ball lobs in that area.
You need to work in well with the other backline players and be just as
aggressive and attacking, as good sides take the optimistic approach that
everything forward of the backline goal-line (or the oppossitions goal
area) is the attacking part of the ground.
Concentration and discipline is a strong trait of the Back Pocket as they
are required to wear their opponents (stick close to them) all day while
playing the percentages in regard to options i.e. not trying to be clever
and taking any unnecessary risks.
They must be effective tacklers and if possible be bruising in them as
well so opposing forwards get to know what to expect.
A fundamental skill of the Back Pocket is in smothering as it is here
that games can be won or lost. An effective smother can mean a score does
not get registered or at least only a point is scored.
For those Back Pockets who think that getting a lot of possessions is
important then the opposite is generally more true. Those that can nullify
a good Forward Pocket who is considered dangerous are doing the team things
just as effectively as the Centreman who might get 30 possessions.
Interchange/Reserves
They need to be focussed as at any time could be brought
back into the game. In some respects they have just as important a job.
Generally when they come on they are required to slot straight in so it
is important that in the time they are on the bench they keep an eye on
the game.
It is also an opportunity to sit with the other players and discuss apsects
of the game - how their team is going, the players who are standing out
and how the oposition is doing by looking for their tactics and better
players.
The interchange is also a time if you've been benched to reflect on why
you are off. Listen to what the coach may have said as to why and go over
in your mind as to how, when you are back on the field that you will improve.
Generic to all positions
The following are things that all players should be encouraged
to build into their game:
- Responsibility for one man each - it doesn't matter
if your man has nicked off, grab the nearest guy and communicate to
your teammates to shuffle along so every one has a man. Simple situations
that are unacceptable where loose men exist are for kick-ins where forward
players and on-ballers allow the oppostion to contest marks un-manned.
- Play in front at all times. The temptation to take
speccies or wait for the lucky bounce over the head is simply undisciplined.
- Run in numbers to contests so that teammates always
have support.
- If you run off on a particular foot then stay on it
and deliver. If you suddenly duck back the other way you throw your
teammates up the field out because they now have to stop and go back
the other way.
- In defence, keep your man to the boundary.
- In attack, play in front and try for the inside. As
a forward you're required to run around so do it. It might make your
opponent give up on you.
- Work on the second, third and fourth phase work of
contests. This is essentially not stopping until the ball is out of
the immediate vicinity. The next action post this is to get back on
your man as quickly as possible if you're a backman or anticipate where
the ball is likley to go so move to a position and wait.
- Stand on the mark when an opponent gets a free kick
or takes a mark. Put your arms completely up in the air and watch to
see if he will try and dodge around you when he takes the kick.
- Never turn your back on the play after receiving a
mark or free kick. Run backwards off the mark so you can keep your eyes
firmly on what is going on up the field. Use your 180 degree ability
to scan the field if necessary so you are only looking at opportunities
to move the ball sideways or forward.
- Only one up in marking contests and the others to crumb.
- Non Forwards to form a wall when the ball is in the
forward line. This makes it difficult for the opposition to kick it
out of the backline and get away easy.
- No lazy kicking the ball off the ground from packs
or contests. Bend over and pick the ball up or move it by getting down
to it and handballing to a teammate.
- If your opponent runs down the ground to get into the
play then go with him. Make sure you are with him though so he doesn't
get an easy posession because you decided not to follow.
- Work on getting the kick in as your first option
- Do not try to run around opposition players if you
can give the ball to a teammate first.
- Watch the hips of opponents when making a tackle.
- Go long into the forward line.
- If you have time to size up a scoring shot then do
it. Do not just blaze away.
- Always put yourself under pressure by assuming that
you are not clear and that if you do not move quickly you will be tackled.
Thus sprint hard every time you get the ball or be quick in the mind
to unload the ball to a teammate.
- Keep chasing, even if tired.
- Make sure you can win the loose balls by being in a
better position than your opponent.
- If you do make a mistake, try to ensure the opposition
do not capitalise on it by trying just as hard to rectify that mistake.
- Keep telling yourself you can do it, don't let others
tell you you can't.
- Know your opposition by studying them on the field
or by keeping an eye on them in the times you have played previously.
By compiling a 'mental' dossier of them you can play them with a little
bit more understanding. For instance, knowing which foot they prefer
to kick on, if they like to get the easy kicks, will they try and run
around players, they don't like being tackled hard; and that they are
quick or can run around so someone has to keep an eye on them.
- If you see your teammate going for a run to try and
create an attacking opportunity while your team has possession and you
are behind him, then move up on his opponent (if the opponent doesn't
follow) so if a turnover occurs then he is not loose.
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Junior AFC
