AFL · Leading & spread · Marking
Lead to the cone
The coach points to a cone, the leader sprints to it and marks a short kick out in front, then joins the back of the line.
Start / 5
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- 3–10
- Age
- U8+
- Area
- 20 × 15 m
- Equipment
- 3 size 3 footballs4 cones
Setup
- Place a start cone with two lead cones 5 m away, one on each side, on an angle back towards the kicker.
- The coach or a kicker stands 15 m away with the balls.
- Leaders line up behind the start cone.
How it runs
- The coach points to one of the lead cones.
- The front leader sprints to that cone with hands out, calling for the ball.
- The coach kicks or handballs to the space just in front of the leader, who marks it.
- The leader handballs it back and jogs to the back of the line; the next player goes.
Coaching points
- Watch the kicker, not the cone, so you lead when they're ready.
- Sprint hard for the first three steps.
- Hands out in front early and mark it at the top of the lead.
- Call "yes!" so the kicker knows you want it.
Common mistakes
- Jogging the lead and getting caught under the ball.
- Turning your back on the kicker while running.
Say it: “Eyes on the kicker, burst, hands out.”
Make it harder
- The coach points late, so the leader must react on the move.
- Add a fake: one step the wrong way, then lead.
Make it easier
- The coach handballs instead of kicking.
- Leader walks to the cone, then turns and marks.
Pairs well with
Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.