AFL · Ground balls · Stoppages & clearances

Ground ball 1v1 contest

Two players race for a rolled ball; the winner gathers it cleanly and handballs out to a target before being tagged.

CP1P2T1T2
Start / 4
Time
12 min
Players
5–12
Age
U11+
Area
25 × 20 m
Equipment
4 size 3 or 4 footballs3 cones

Setup

  1. A coach with the balls stands 15 to 20 m in front of a start cone.
  2. Two players start side by side on the cone.
  3. A target stands 10 m out to each side, one for each player.

How it runs

  1. The coach rolls the ball into the space between the players and calls go.
  2. Both chase; the first to the ball picks it up and handballs to their own target.
  3. The other player pressures from the side and tries to two-hand tag the ball carrier before the handball. No tackling in this version.
  4. Swap sides each go; first to five clean clearances wins.

Coaching points

  • Get low early and attack the ball; don't wait for it to stop.
  • Pick it up with two hands, body between the opponent and the ball.
  • Feet first, head up: never dive in head first.
  • Find the target straight after the pick-up and get the handball out quickly.

Common mistakes

  • Overrunning the ball.
  • One-handed scoops that fumble under pressure.
  • Head down after the pick-up instead of looking for the target.

Say it: “Low, two hands, out to the target.”

Make it harder

  • Roll it shorter so both arrive together.
  • For groups that have done tackling technique, allow a safe tackle around the waist instead of a tag.

Make it easier

  • The pressure player starts 2 m behind.
  • Roll the ball slower and straight.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.