Australian Rules Football Tactics Board

Centre Bounce Setup

The centre bounce is AFL's equivalent of a set piece — 36 players position themselves across the oval before the umpire bounces the ball at centre. The four players in the centre square contest the bounce while the remaining 28 position to best receive the cleared ball. Diagram your setup:

• The ruckman's jump target direction (favouring the right or left based on wind and your player's strength)
• The two followers' starting positions and movement path to contest the second ball
• The midfielders' "wings" positions and the half-forward's position as the first receiver out of the stoppage

Forward Structure

The forward fifty is where games are won and lost. Show players the standard forward structure — two key forwards in the forward pockets, one tall centre-forward as the marking target, and two forward flanks creating lead and contest options:

• Lead patterns — the centre-forward's lead away from the ball to create a marking position; the timing of the lead relative to the midfielder's entry into the fifty.
• Second-effort pack position — when the key forward contests a mark they won't win, where they position to receive the spill.
• Goal-square position — the designated player who positions for a snap or a loose ball in the goal square during a pack contest.

Zone Defense

Zone defense in AFL — players covering areas of the ground rather than man-marking opponents — has become increasingly common:

• Spread zone — half-back line and midfielders form a curtain across the centre of the ground; diagram the individual zone responsibilities and the triggers for breaking the zone to chase the ball.
• Forward press — applying zone pressure in the forward fifty to stop the opposition running the ball out of defense; show the triggering moments (when to press vs when to recover).

Kick-In Plays

After a behind is scored, the defending team kicks in from the goal square. The kick-in is a strategic opportunity — the ball can be played to a specific target immediately rather than kicked long into a contest. Diagram the kick-in options: short to the goal square pocket, medium-range to a leading defender, or long to a full-back who has led forward. Show the positioning of the kicking team and how the forward press from the opposition affects the choice.