Drill library
AFL drills
50 free AFL drills, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier. Pick a skill or filter by age, level and squad size.
50 drills
GameDecision-making9v9 zoned gameA 9v9 game with the ground split into back, middle and forward zones, three players a side in each, so everyone learns to hold their position.25 min · 14–22 players · U12+
Fitness & agilityGameBounce and run relayTeams race to a far cone and back carrying the ball, bouncing it at the halfway cone, then handball to the next runner.10 min · 6–16 players · U7+
Stoppages & clearancesRuck workCentre bounce clearances 6v6A ruck, three mids and two wingers a side contest a centre ball-up and try to win a clean clearance to the wing.20 min · 12–16 players · U13+
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+
Ground ballsGoal kickingCrumbing off packs inside 50Long balls into a two-player pack inside 50 with crumbers at the fall; the smalls read the spill, gather cleanly at speed and snap a goal under pressure.18 min · 6–12 players · U16+
Spoiling & defendingPressure & smothersDefensive zone: setting the wallFive defenders set a wall across the ground in front of the ball, slide with it as it moves and look for the intercept mark.20 min · 10–16 players · U14+
KickingDrop punt to a partnerPartners kick drop punts back and forth, stepping further apart after every five clean marks.10 min · 2–20 players · U7+
HandballLeading & spreadEnd-to-end handball chainGroups of three move the ball the length of a lane with handballs, switching sides each pass.12 min · 6–18 players · U10+
GameLeading & spreadForward 50 entriesMidfielders kick inside 50 to leading forwards against defenders; score on a mark or goal.20 min · 8–14 players · U12+
Pressure & smothersTacklingForward pressure trapForwards and two mids work together to chase, corral and tackle so the opposition can't rebound out of their defensive 50.15 min · 10–16 players · U14+
Leading & spreadKickingForward structure and leading patternsFive forwards against five defenders hold a set structure of two deep, two high and a small, and time first and second leads into the hole.20 min · 11–16 players · U16+
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+
Goal kickingGoal kicking around the arcPlayers take turns kicking at goal from cones set in an arc, moving one cone round after each round of kicks.12 min · 3–10 players · U8+
Ground ballsStoppages & clearancesGround ball 1v1 contestTwo players race for a rolled ball; the winner gathers it cleanly and handballs out to a target before being tagged.12 min · 5–12 players · U11+
Ground ballsHandballGround ball getsPlayers attack a rolling ball, pick it up cleanly and handball to a target.10 min · 4–12 players · U8+
HandballHandball at targetsPairs take turns handballing at a hoop or bin target, then swap so everyone handballs and fetches.10 min · 4–16 players · U5+
HandballShepherdingHandball receive and runThree attackers beat two defenders down a channel: handball to a runner coming past, shepherd the chaser and keep the ball moving forward.12 min · 5–15 players · U12+
HandballWarm-upHandball squareFour players handball around a square, following their pass to the next cone.8 min · 4–12 players · U8+
HandballDecision-makingHandball under pressure 3v1Three attackers keep the ball by handball in a small square while one defender closes in and tries to touch it.12 min · 4–12 players · U10+
KickingLeading & spreadHit the lead on the runA runner takes a handball and kicks on the run to a forward leading hard, with a defender trailing the lead.15 min · 4–12 players · U12+
Warm-upFitness & agilityInjury-prevention warm-upA 15-minute structured warm-up: running drills, strength and balance, landing and cutting, then faster running, done before every session.15 min · 4–30 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+