Kicking in Australian Football A Basic Understanding of Effective Kicking FV recognises the work Dr David Rath and the Australian Institute of Sport and David Alred. Anton Grbac 2005

Workshop Partner Up How much time do you devote to coaching kicking? Do you believe kicking can be improved or is of value? How much do you know about how to teach/correct/remediate kicking? Anton Grbac 2005

Questions to ponder... What action does the non-guiding hand perform in the kicking process? Are the body mechanics different for a distance kick as compared to an accuracy kick? What is the purpose of the support leg in the kicking action? Should you land on your kicking foot or non kicking foot when completing a kick? From which angle(s) could you best analyse mechanical faults compared to accuracy faults Anton Grbac 2005

Introduction KICKING HAS LONG BEEN THE MAINSTAY OF BOTH PERSONAL AND TEAM ORIENTED SKILLS IN AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL INTENT IS TO ASSIST IN: ANALYSIS TEACHING/COACHING Anton Grbac 2005

Some Definitions.. STATIC KICK: KICK EXECUTED WITHOUT EXTERNAL PRESSURE I.E SET SHOT, FREE KICK, AFTER MARK, KICK OUT ETC. DYNAMIC KICK: KICK EXECUTED WITH EXTERNAL PRESSURE I.E ON THE RUN IN GENERAL PLAY Anton Grbac 2005

Elements of an Effective Static Kick Preparation-balance, grip Approach Release Generating foot speed Impact- “the moment of truth” (Follow Through) Anton Grbac 2005

Preparation Grip Purpose is to control the ball during the approach and guide the ball to release point Exact grip is not critical but a comfortable grip within the following range is recommended: Hands holding ball on each side Fingers spread Ball slightly back from vertical Ball should be “cradled” not “gripped” Consider ball size/colour Anton Grbac 2005

Preparation Balance Deep breath in and out – relax! Start with body square to the target Ball slightly favouring kicking leg (optional) Anton Grbac 2005

Approach Purpose is to maintain balance to allow accurate, free leg swing and ensure acceleration into impact Short rhythmical run – find comfortable number of steps-avoid “stutter steps” (ideal range 3 to 9, but not critical) The approach should be as straight as possible- slight curve O.K. when going for distance Side to side ball movement kept to minimum- ball movement forward/ backward O.K. Acceleration evident before “Release” Anton Grbac 2005

Release Purpose is to place the ball in the correct position (drop punt), into the appropriate path on the leg swing Watch the ball throughout Non guiding hand comes off the front of the ball Guiding hand cradles the ball and guides it down to hip level controlling path and ball position Release is subtle and is timed with kicking foot leaving the ground Anton Grbac 2005

Generating Foot Speed Anton Grbac 2005

Generating Foot Speed Non guiding arm circles- up, back and under Preparation to “let it rip!”-Purpose is to prepare for appropriate force in the desired direction and acceleration of the foot through the ball Non guiding arm circles- up, back and under Long last stride – leave the kicking leg behind Back Extension (back arch) Pelvic Rotation Hip Extension (“pull back the trigger”) Anton Grbac 2005

Generating Foot Speed “Letting it rip!”-Purpose is to create acceleration into impact with the ball, generating the appropriate amount of force in the desired direction Curve of back starts to straighten- trunk flexion knees angle remains constant as thigh comes forward- “ kick with the thigh” Thigh slows and knee angle increases rapidly- knee extension “C” Curve vs “J” Curve Non Guiding arm comes through with kicking leg Anton Grbac 2005

Generating Foot Speed Support leg braces and locks into the ground “Locking in”- the Support leg has an important role in bracing to allow the force generated by the body to be transferred to the kicking foot- similar to how the arm stops to “crack a whip” Support leg braces and locks into the ground The heel then rises at point of contact allowing the c.o.g to drive forward with the kicking leg- “like wearing stilettos” Anton Grbac 2005

Impact- “the moment of truth” The purpose of the impact phase is to transfer the appropriate amount of force from the leg to the ball in the desired direction Square ,balanced position Head over support foot Ball contact with foot under knee Stiffen ankle and knee joints at impact Boot laces kick through the bottom rear of ball The foot “pushes” the ball Anton Grbac 2005

(Follow Through) Indicator of acceleration through the ball The purpose of the follow through is a result of actions prior to impact; has no effect on ball ( contact has ended) Indicator of acceleration through the ball Reduce the possibility of injury Assist in the direction of the kick Anton Grbac 2005

Any Question? Anton Grbac 2005