AFL · Warm-up · Kicking · Marking

Kick and mark warm-up lines

Two lines face each other; the front player kicks to the other line and follows their kick to the back of it.

A1A2A3B1B2B3
Start / 4
Time
8 min
Players
6–12
Age
U8+
Area
20 × 10 m
Equipment
2 size 3 footballs2 cones

Setup

  1. Put two cones 12 m apart and split the group into two lines, one behind each cone.
  2. The front player in one line has the ball.
  3. Start with handballs at 5 m for a minute to get warm.

How it runs

  1. The front player kicks a drop punt to the front player in the other line.
  2. They jog after their kick, wide of the lines, to the back of the other line.
  3. The receiver marks, kicks back the other way and follows their kick.
  4. Every two minutes, change it up: other foot, then step back to 15 m.

Coaching points

  • Kick to the receiver's chest so they can mark it out in front.
  • Receiver steps up with hands out to meet the ball.
  • Keep the jog easy at first, then build the pace.

Common mistakes

  • Running straight down the middle into the path of the ball.
  • Standing flat-footed to mark instead of stepping to the ball.

Say it: “Kick to the chest, follow your kick.”

Make it harder

  • Add a second ball at the other line, so two kicks are in the air.
  • Receiver must take the mark on the lead, two steps forward.

Make it easier

  • Handball only, at 5 m.
  • Receiver can catch it on the bounce.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.