Playing a Position

The U11's has started to introduce players to holding specific positions on the ground. Over the season we will continue to rotate players over the entire ground but players will stay in the same line for up to three games in a row. In this way we hope to introduce the players to the skills and playing style required to play in different positions and give them a chance to reinforce that knowledge. As a quick guide to help everyone better understand the different positions on the ground here is a summary of the positions and our expectations for their role within the team -

Full Back The main aim of the full back is to stop the full-forward from marking the ball and scoring. They are also the instigator into attacking movements from the back up the pitch, getting the ball away as quickly as possible. Defensive kicks, including kick-ins after a point, should be directed to the pockets, away from the oppositions hot-spot. When the opposition has the ball nearby act as a 'goal keeper' (like in soccer) and defend close to the goal line to stop the ball bouncing through or get a hand on kicks that drop short. The Full-Back should not move up the ground at all, try to stay within a quick sprint of the goal-square.
Back Pocket The back pocket is an area on the field deep in the defense, and the players based here are recognised by their hardness, and need to have good spoiling skills. Back pockets support the Full Back in clearing the ball through the pockets, keeping the ball out of the oppositions hot-spot. In contested situations try to work the ball towards the goal arc (50m line in AFL) and the boundaries. Back Pockets should not move up the ground further than the half-back line and ensure they are in a position to quickly support the Full Back should the ball arrive.
Half-Back Line Half-backs come one-on-one against the half forwards and try to keep them out of the game. They also assist the back line in clearing the ball and can be a target to 'switch play' back to the center after clearing through the pocket. Members of the half-back line should not move up the ground further than the center of the ground.
Midfield In the midfield there is the centre and two wingmen. The centre sits behind the ruckman at bounces and looks to get the ball if the opposition ruckman wins the tap. In our team we consider the center to be 'on the ball' rather than part of the mid-field. The two wingmen, who are on the left and right side need to have more stamina, running up and down the flanks and providing 'play switching' options for their team mates. The wingers can move anywhere on the ground up to the forward arc and should try to provide an option in space rather than always contest around the ball. When the team is defending then the wingers should provide support to the Back and Half Back line to clear the ball through the pockets and flanks.
Half-Forward Line The centre half-forward needs to have good marking skills, strength, stamina. Members of the half-forward line should not move down the ground further than half-back. Standing just wide of the centre half-forward, the half-forward flank normally advance the ball along the flanks and always look to move the ball into our 'hot-spot'.
Forward Line The main target for the ball when attacking, and must be strong at one-on-one contests. While they do not run as much as their midfielders, full forwards need to be strong in wrestling off opponents. The forward pocket is often thought of as a second full forward, or is a player who is fast and agile and can kick well while running. The Foward line should be always moving when the ball comes forward, crossing through the 'hot-spot' like basketballers through the key. Getting the ball in the 'hot-spot' gives you the best chance to score. Contesting ball ups is performed by one of the forwards when the ball is inside the forward arc, the on-ballers stay outside the arc to help create a wall keeping the ball in our forward area.
On Ballers There are three different on ball roles; the ruck, rover and the ruck-rover. They are called ‘on the ball’ because they follow the ball around the ground rather than staying in a certain area on the field. The ruck contests with the opposing ruck at centre-bounces at the start of every quarter and after each goal and are therefore quite tall. The ruck-rover remains below the flight of the ball when the ruck flicks the ball down, and are therefore slightly shorter. The rover receives the ball from the ruck or the ruck-rover, completing the clearance. Ball ups are performed by one of the forwards when the ball is inside the forward arc, the onballers stay outside the arc to help create a wall keeping the ball in our forward area.