AFL drills
AFL marking drills
10 free AFL drills for marking, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier.
10 drills
MarkingChest marks from a throwA partner throws the ball gently at the chest and the marker catches it with hands first, then hugs it in.8 min · 2–20 players · U5+
MarkingSpoiling & defendingContested marking in packsHigh balls into a 2v2 pack with a crumber each side; forwards mark at the highest point, defenders spoil to safety and crumbers read the fall.20 min · 7–14 players · U16+
GameLeading & spreadForward 50 entriesMidfielders kick inside 50 to leading forwards against defenders; score on a mark or goal.20 min · 8–14 players · U12+
MarkingSpoiling & defendingFull-forward vs full-backA key forward leads and contests against a key defender inside 50 while a feeder kicks from the arc; marks and spoils both score.15 min · 5–10 players · U13+
Warm-upKickingKick and mark warm-up linesTwo lines face each other; the front player kicks to the other line and follows their kick to the back of it.8 min · 6–12 players · U8+
KickingLeading & spreadKick to a leadA forward leads at the right moment and the kicker hits them on the chest.15 min · 6–14 players · U11+
Leading & spreadMarkingLead to the coneThe 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.10 min · 3–10 players · U8+
MarkingTacklingMarking contest 1v1A kick into a one-on-one; attacker works for front position, defender spoils or punches.12 min · 5–12 players · U12+
MarkingOverhead marks in pairsPartners kick high balls to each other and practise taking the mark overhead, hands in a W, at the top of the jump.12 min · 2–20 players · U11+
Spoiling & defendingMarkingSpoil or mark 1v1A defender follows a leading forward and has to decide: mark the kick if they can get there first, or spoil it from behind.12 min · 4–10 players · U12+