Mirrored Leading Forward Race

Focus

Skills under pressure, Defensive, Contested ball, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking, Fun.

Skills

GoalKicking, Kicking, Tackle, Handball Quick, Crumb, Mark Contest.

Purpose

This drill focuses on clean delivery, hitting targets up forward and goalkicking in an enjoyable race format. It also highlights the importance of leading forwards not over-running the ball, and kicking goals from set shots.

Players

20⁺

Ages

9⁺

Balls

Cones

Distance (max)

80m

Setup
Form 2 teams, place balls (plus any spares) at each station (A). One team will be using the left side of the ground, the other the right. Players must remain in their half of the ground at all times. Defenders at (E) start a few metres behind (D). To make the drill simpler and safer for juniors, omit station (E).
Step 1
The coach signals the start of the drill, and the race is on for both teams to score a goal before the other. The yellow and red (A)'s run and kick to their respective (B)'s who lead wide.

(A) must follow-up their kick; if (B) fumbles forward they become a handball receive option.
Step 2
(B) then handballs inboard to (C) who steadies and kicks to leading (D) being pursued by defender (E)

The kick should never be over the head of (D). This is an instant turnover.

If the ball bounces before (D) can mark, (D) must trap the ball in front of them
Step 3
If (D) marks, they take a set shot, otherwise a 2-on-1 contest occurs with attackers (C) & (D) trying to score against defender (E).

(C) must follow-up their kick and provide a running option for (D)

If a scrimmage on turnover occurs for one team, the other team continues if their contest is still alive
Step 4
Call out the score and running aggregate after each contest:

Score a goal before the opposition: 1 point

Score AND opposition fail to score: 2 points
Step 5
After each contest, everyone progresses to the next station. Once the field is clear, next (A) restarts.

After being full-forward at (D), this player joins (E) to become a defender in the opposition's half of the ground.

After being a defender at (E), this player returns to their team's half, joining (A) to kick-in

Juniors not using station (E), full-forward (D) joins kick-in (A)
Step 6
Halfway through the allotted time for the exercise, teams swap sides of the ground.