Chip Infield to Open Up Space

Focus

Decision Making, Run & Carry, Forward line delivery, Gameplan/Strategy.

Skills

GoalKicking, Kicking.

Purpose

Inside 50-s from the boundary don't allow forwards much space to lead into. This drill practices a kick into the space on the flank, then a chip infield to open up much more leading space.

Players

22⁺

Ages

6⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

160m

Opp. tops

Visible opposition strip: 6

Setup
The same activity will occur on 2 sides of the oval, however forward-entry players swap sides of the ground after their turn. Choose 12 players (6 forwards, 6 defenders) to be in front of goal up each end, although only half of these (3 forwards, 3 defenders) compete each turn, the others sit out.
Step 1
Coach starts by feeding a ball into (A) who marks and backpedals
Step 2
(A) sees (B) make a lead from the center into the forward flank and finds them with a kick.
Step 3
(B) also backpedals and simulates seeing a crowded pocket ahead, so decides to look infield where (A) made a second effort by sprinting to become an option.
Step 4
(B) chips infield to (A) who quickly backpedals and has virtually 3/4 of the inside-5o space to kick into

(B)'s kick is important as a turnover would be costly
Step 5
Three forwards make leads into this space, each with a defender. (A) kicks to the best option, defenders spoil if they can.

Consider that the player leading to the open side option will probably be hardest to defend and will likely have the easiest shot on goall
Step 6
After the ball is delivered to the forwards, (A) and (B) run to the other side of the ground to line up at station (D).
Step 7
Forwards and defenders at (C) rotate with the second group.