On Kicking, Marking and Tackling

ON KICKING

1. The only good kick (or handball) is the one that gets to where you wanted it to in the manner you wanted it to. Naturally, kicking & Handballing are BIG things.
2. When about to have a set-shot for goal, never go back with your back to the goal. You just never know what more advantageous opportunity may offer itself.
3. Note: Goalkicking is a BIG thing.
4. When you have a Set-kick on one side of the oval, run back at an angle which opens the goal up more or gets you closer to the goal-to-goal line.
5. On any kick, where you have the time widen your vision (nearly 180 degrees)
6. Never kick from CHB into the centre unless your target is well clear or we clearly outnumber them
7. Remember, you are never quite as good with your non-preferred as your preferred foot. So when you have time, get onto the best foot, but quickly.
8. Goal-kicking is a BIG thing, but remember the best kick to use for goal-kicking is the one you are best at over long distance.

ON MARKING

1. When marking, don’t forget the value of thumb placement.
2. When marking, always try to take the ball with outstretched hands (although of course circumstances may dictate otherwise).
3. When Marking always endeavour to have the arms fairly straight and certainly the wrists too.
4. When Practicing High Marking, don’t forget to practice form either side, the front & the back, each time practicing the relevant recovery, e.g. if teammate marks, recover instantly to basketball guard him, etc.
5. Don’t look at the umpire when guarding the mark.
6. Always try to mark the middle of the ball.
7.  Never use one hand if you can use two
8. Don’t forget blocking can be done in pack marking situations without givingaway a free kick. Bee careful. It’s a skill. Don’t telegraph your action to the umpire. Keep cool with eyes on the ball.

ON TACKLING

1. Tackling is also a BIG subject, but remember commitment to the tackle is much more important than size and strength – even technique (providing such technique is within the laws of the game of course).
2. A bump is limited in value. Must be used wisely. Remember one can easily dodge the 18” of body a bumper shows you, but it’s more difficult to evade 5 feet of tackling arms.