9v9 zoned game

Setup

1. Cone two lines across the ground to make three zones: back, middle and forward.
2. Each team puts three players in each zone. Players can't cross a zone line.
3. Start with a ball-up in the centre circle; spares rotate in at every goal.

How it runs

1. Normal AFL rules, except players stay in their zone and pass the ball from zone to zone.
2. Ball must be disposed of in each zone before it goes into the next: no long bombs from the back.
3. Goals 6, behinds 1. After a score, restart with a kick-out.
4. Rotate zones every 5 minutes so everyone plays back, middle and forward.

Coaching points

• Spread in your zone: one high, one deep, one wide, not all on the ball.
• Forwards lead up to the zone line to give the mids a target.
• Look up before disposing: the open player in the next zone, or the switch inside your own.
• When you lose it, the nearest player presses and the other two cover space behind.

Common mistakes

• All three players in a zone chase the ball and leave nobody to kick to.
• Kicking blind into the next zone instead of to a leading player.
• Standing on the zone line instead of moving to make space.