AFL · Marking · Tackling
Marking contest 1v1
A kick into a one-on-one; attacker works for front position, defender spoils or punches.
Start / 4
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- 5–12
- Age
- U12+
- Area
- 30 × 20 m
- Equipment
- 4 footballs2 cones
Setup
- A kicker 25 m out with the balls.
- An attacker and defender start shoulder to shoulder on a cone.
How it runs
- The kicker lobs a high ball to the contest.
- Attacker works to the front; the defender spoils or marks.
- Rotate kicker, attacker, defender.
Coaching points
- Attacker: hold your ground with the hips, then go at the ball.
- Defender: eyes on the ball, punch through the fist.
- Both: jump off one foot and protect the drop zone.
Common mistakes
- Watching the player instead of the ball.
- Attacker drifting under the ball instead of holding front position.
Say it: “Front position, eyes on the ball.”
Make it harder
- Kick lower and flatter so it arrives faster.
- Add a third player for a 2v1.
Make it easier
- Kick higher to give time.
- Defender stays passive for the first few.
Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.