Defensive One-step Kick

Focus

Skills under pressure, Defensive, Front & Square.

Skills

Handball Quick.

Purpose

Although keeping possession is preferred, occasionally the last man in defence is left little choice but to throw the ball on the boot to relieve the pressure. This drill allows players to work on kicking accurately off one step under pressure from an attacker.

Groups of

Ages

11⁺

Balls/grp

Cones

Distance (max)

40m

Setup
Groups of 4 each take a ball and 4 cones. Stations (A) and (B) are 40m apart. Station (C) is about 25m from (B), station (D) is about 10m behind (C).
Step 1
(A) kicks high to (B), who knocks the ball down towards (C), simulating a ball being spoiled from a marking contest.
Step 2
(C) runs in and crumbs, with (D) applying token pressure (bumping or jostling fairly, but no tackling).
Step 3
(B) moves into a position away front and square to (C), but preferable away from (D). This will often involve backpedalling a couple of steps to get out of the danger zone. (C) handballs to (B).

(D) continues applying pressure, this time running towards (B).
Step 4
(B) quickly looks afield and sees (A) who may move left or right to make the kick easier, and with one step, kicks high over (D) to (B).

(D) tries to effect a smother.

(B) may baulk around (D) if they are too close and have committed to the smother.
Step 5
Rotate players after each turn.