Direct to Marking Targets

Focus

Front & Square, Run & Carry, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking, Gameplan/Strategy.

Skills

GoalKicking, Kick Long, Shepherd, Handball Quick, Crumb, Mark Contest.

Purpose

Strong marking players should be supported by kicking long to them so they can contest 1-on-1. Every time a ball is handballed or kicked short, this give the defense time to close down the space up forward. This drill features long and direct kicks to targets, and creating run past these players to continue moving the ball on quickly.

Players

24⁺

Ages

15⁺

Balls

4⁺

Cones

Distance (max)

160m

Setup
Select 2 ruckman for station (B), 4 marking forwards - 2 for station (D) and 2 for station (J), and 2 tall backs for station (G)
Step 1
Simulating a kick-in, (A) kicks from the goalsquare to leading (B)

(B) will be one of 2 assigned ruckman
Step 2
(B) marks and handballs to (C), who was positioned front and square before running past at pace
Step 3
(C) runs, bouncing if required, before steadying and kicking long to (D)

(D) will be 2 of 4 assigned marking forwards
Step 4
(D) marks and handballs to (E), who runs, steadies and kicks the goal

(E) should be positioned front and square, and run past (D) at pace

Useful to have an assistant collecting balls behind the goals
Step 5
Once the ball leaves (E)'s boot, (F) simulates a kick-in from the goalsquare to leading (G)

(G) will be one of 2 assigned tall backs
Step 6
(B) marks and handballs boundary-side to (H), who was positioned front and square before running past at pace
Step 7
(H) runs, bouncing if required, before steadying and kicking long to (J)

(J) will be 2 of 4 assigned marking forwards
Step 8
(J) marks and handballs infield to (K), who kicks short to leading (L)

If (L) marks, take a set shot, otherwise take a snap shot.
Step 9
Designated marking players return to their station, other players skip the stations these players occupy