Stoppage Stations

Focus

Skills under pressure, Contested ball, Hard Running, Decision Making, Forward line delivery, Goalkicking, Stoppages, Fun.

Skills

GoalKicking, Kicking, Handballing, Tackle, Shepherd, Ruck, Crumb, Mark Contest.

Purpose

Practicing stoppages near goal is invaluable for forwards and defenders alike. This drill simulates stoppages from both ball-up and throw-in situations within scoring range.

Players

10⁺

Ages

13⁺

Balls

1⁺

Cones

Distance (max)

80m

Opp. tops

50%

Visible opposition strip: 50%

Setup
6v6 (can use up to 8v8), use both ends if enough numbers.
Step 1
Choose a spot on the ground within scoring range to take a stoppage. This may be a boundary throw-in or ball-up. Examples of these are (A) to (E) on the diagram.

This is an opportunity for your first ruck and rovers to co-ordinate some set plays.
Step 2
Coach throws the ball (up/in), players compete with the yellow team attempting to score, and the red team attempting to clear the ball beyond the defensive edge of the square.

The yellow team should designate a more central hit zone, whilst pushing to the boundary is safer for defending sides
Step 3
After each contest, score the attacking team as follows.

2 points for a goal

1 point for a shot on goal

-2 points if the defenders clear the ball
Step 4
Once 5 stoppages are completed, call out the team's total score. Rotate players; the next team attempts to beat the winning score.