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COACHINGLESSON PLANLESSON PLAN

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The ‘Hawks Cup’ is an Inter School competition format for Junior (years 9/10) and Senior (year 11,12 &13) students based on fundamental movement and ball skills for boys and girls.The programme provides introductory sessions and resources presented by qualified AFL New Zealand Staff to introduce a new and dynamic sport to students. The skills of ‘Kick, Catch, Pass and Bounce’ are perfectly matched to cross reference any number of sports. The 9 a side format is suitable for rugby size fields and with three reserves per team, team numbers are easy to coordinate.

AFL New Zealand is sanctioned by New Zealand Secondary School Sports Council and appears in their calendar. All schools are provided with the opportunity to participate in localised cluster tournaments and culminating in North Island and South Island Championships with Seniors held in Term 1 and Juniors Term 4, every year.

Inside this booklet you will find information on:1. The skills of AFL – A breakdown of the skills for those developing them for the first time

2. 6 sessions – these sessions are designed for schools to utilise for the lead up to their Hawks Cup campaign. Each session has a new aspect of the game to practise and that being the focus for playing a game

3. Hawks Cup competition rules

4. Hawks Cup: Tournament day – what schools need to do when attending the Hawks Cup Cluster tournament or North or South Island Championships

5. Code of conduct for Players and Coaches

6. Player pathways

7. AFLNZ Youth Coaching Accreditation & pathway

8. AFLNZ Secondary School Programmes

QR CodesThroughout this manual are QR codes linking you to useful videos. Look out for them and scan them with your computer camera, smartphone or device.

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Practise DrillIn pairs, approximately 10 metres apart, kick the ball to each other alternating right and left feet. Increase the distance as you gain accuracy.

Kicking and kicking accuracy is the most important skill of AFL. Teams score by kicking the football through four posts erected in your scoring zone. If the ball is caught on the full from a kick that has travelled over 15metres or more, the catcher is awarded a free kick or hand pass for your team. An opposition player is allowed to stand on the mark where the catch was taken.

Main teaching points1. Line up your body with your target. Have

your head slightly bent over the ball. Hold the ball over the thigh of the kicking leg.

2. Guide the ball down with one hand.

3. Point your toes at your target – see the ball hit the foot.

4. Follow through straight towards the target.

The gripThe fingers are spread evenly along each side of the ball, with thumbs extending to the lacing. The grip is the same for both left and right-foot kicks.

The releaseThe ball is guided down and kicked on the bottom point, along the lower laces of the boot. It should spin in a backwards end-over-end fashion.

SKIL

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Skill: Drop Punt

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Skill: Handball

Teaching points1. The ball must rest on the platform hand and be hit with a clenched fist.

2. Players should have their eyes on the ball.

3. The punching fist is formed by placing the thumb outside, not inside the fingers.

4. The stance is nearly side on to allow the punching arm to swing through freely.

5. Keep knees slightly bent to maintain balance.

6. For a right-handed handball, the left foot is forward, and vice versa for a left-handed handball.

7. Punching arm is also slightly bent.

8. After contact is made with the ball, the fist remains on the platform hand – “catch the fist”.

Practise DrillQuickFireHandball(3players,2ball)Players form a triangle with 5 metres between each player. Two players take turns handballing to the other player. Each time alternate hands.

PairsontherunIn pairs run side by side handball to each other over a space of about 2 metres. Change direction to alternate hands. Vary pace and distance as you improve.

The handball is the alternate way of disposing of the ball in AFL. Any throw of the ball will result in a turnover. The handball is a skill that allows for fast transfer of the ball upfield as players run from defence to attack.

SKILL: HANDBALL

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Practise DrillPlayers take turn running out around a cone bouncing the ball every few steps. Handball to the next player on the way back.

Where a player is moving whilst in possession of the ball he/she must bounce the ball or touch it on the ground after every fifteen metres (about 10 or 12 steps), irrespective of whether such a player is running in a straight line or otherwise.

A player in possession may bounce the ball only once. He/she must dispose of it by hand or foot and may not touch it again until it has been touched by another player.

Teaching points1. The ball is held slightly on

top by the bouncing hand.

2. The ball is pushed down with one hand.

3. The ball strikes the ground at an angle of about 45 degrees.

4. The ball is bounced far enough in front so that it will bounce into the player’s hand as he runs forward.

5. The distance at which the ball is thrown out in front is directly related to the player’s speed – the faster he is running, the further out in front it must be thrown.

WetweatherbounceOn wet days, the ball will skid away or fail to bounce back.

In this case, it should be touched on the ground, using both hands.

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Skill: Bounce

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Skill: The MarkA Mark or catch is awarded by the umpire if, in the opinion of the umpire, a player catches or takes control of the football after it has been kicked by another player and travelled a distance of 15m.

This entitles the catcher to a a free kick or hand pass.

Remember in AFL an opposition player can stand on the mark where the mark/catch was taken.

Teaching points1. Eyes must be focused on the ball all the way from the player’s boot to your hands.

2. Position your body in line with the flight of the ball.

3. Move forward to meet the ball; never wait for it to come to you.

4. Skilful players should take the ball in both hands with fingers spread and thumbs close together forming a W. Beginners should use the chest mark.

Practise DrillIn pairs approximately 10 metres apart, kick the ball to each other practising the chest and hand mark. Progress to one person running towards their partner and marking the ball, starting about 15 metres apart. Lengthen the distance as the drill progresses and form two teams. One team runs in to take the mark then kick for the approaching player and run through to the other end.

SKILL: HANDBALL

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Arm or chest mark1. Keep your eyes on the ball and line

up the body with the flight of the ball.

2. The fingers and hands are extended – palms up.

3. Tuck the elbows in to the side.

4. The ball is taken on the hands and arms and guided to the chest.

5. The ball is hugged tightly to the chest. This is an important marking style if the ball is wet or muddy.

Hand markPlayers should practise taking the ball in the hands at all times, in preference to letting it hit the chest.

This will help quick disposal.

1. Eyes must be on the flight of the ball.

2. The fingers should be outstretched, pointing towards the ball. The thumbs are positioned behind the ball.

3. The arms must be extended – ‘long arms’.

4. The ball is firmly gripped in the fingers.

5. Ensure your body is behind the flight of the ball.

Overhead mark1. Keep your eyes on the ball. Line up

your body with the flight of the ball.

2. Jump off one foot and swing the other knee up to gain maximum height.

3. Keep eyes on the ball, fingers outstretched and thumbs almost together.

4. The ball is met slightly in front of the head with arms extended – ‘long arms’. It should be firmly gripped in the fingers.

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Session 1Warm UpContinuous Tag

Skill: Handball1. Cradle the ball in platform hand

2. Use the V of your clenched fi st

3. Raise elbow high behind body and punch the ball off the platform hand

4. Catch the fi st on the follow through

Activities:HandballinginPairsHandballchallengeLeft&RightThenPairsontherunchallenge

Pairs on the Run

Using the handpass, jog side by side with your partner and handpass to each other over approximately two metres. Change direction so that you can use alternative hands. Encourage players to go faster as they improve.

Variations:Increase the distance between the children and to bounce and handball.

Teachingpoints:The ball must rest on the platform hand and be hit with a clenched fi st. Players should

have their eyes on the ball. The punching fi st is formed by placing the thumb on the outside, not inside the fi ngers. “Catch the fi st”.

Skill: Drop Punt 1. Control the ball to the foot

2. Lower Leg Speed

3. Firm foot at contact

ActivityOver the River

Two Teams stand in a square opposite each other with a space (the river). The space can be adjusted for the age group.

Children kick the ball over the river into the opposite square. The Kick needs to be over shoulder height. The opposite team are trying to mark the ball, to allow no points.

A Point is award if the ball hits the ground in the opposite teams square. The Kick cannot land in the river area of outside the square, if it does a point is awarded to the opposing team.

Children who have had a kick must handball to other children in their team. The fi rst to x amount of points win.

neutral zone

goal

line

SESSION 1

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Session 2 Warm UpPartner Tag In marked area partner with ball is IT. With a handball hits their partner below shoulders who if hit is then IT and then gets the ball and chases their partner and so on.

Progression: If partner catches the ball from a handball they’re not out.

Play AFLFocus:Rules explained as game is played. A mix of umpiring and coaching.

Important Rules AFL9s–MixedNonContactversion• Teams score by kicking the ball travelling

through four posts erected in your scoring zone.

• If the ball is caught on the full from a kick, irrespective of the distance the ball has travelled, the catcher is awarded a free kick or hand pass for your team unimpeded by the opposition.

• Turnovers are created by intercepting opposition foot and hand passes or by touching your opponent whilst in possession followed by their failure to dispose of the ball within two seconds.

• Whilst in possession you are permitted to run with the ball but must bounce the ball or touch the ball on the ground every 15 metres.

• A player who has not secured possession from a catch and has had prior opportunity to dispose of the ball, will be penalised by an immediate turn over if touched whilst in possession. (eg. touched whilst dodging.)

HawksCupRules–InterSchool/Contactversion• Teams score by kicking the ball travelling

through four posts erected in your scoring zone.

• If the ball is caught on the full from a kick, after the ball travels a distance of 15m , the catcher is awarded a free kick or hand pass. An opposition player may stand on the mark indicated by the umpire where the catch/mark was taken for your team.

• A player awarded a kick may move back from the mark indicated by the umpire as far as they like to ensure they get their kick away unimpeded

• Tackle is below the shoulder and above the knees and cannot drive a player forward from behind

• Any contact above the shoulder or in the back will result in a freekick against the player making contact.

• Turnovers are created by intercepting opposition foot and hand passes or by tackling your opponent whilst in possession followed by their failure to dispose of the ball correctly by hand or foot

• Whilst in possession you are permitted to run with the ball but must bounce the ball or touch the ball on the ground every 15 metres.

• A player who has not secured possession from a catch and has had prior opportunity to dispose of the ball, will be penalised by an immediate turn over if tackled whilst in possession. (eg. tackled whilst dodging.)

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Session 3 WarmupAlaskan baseball Two teams. One team starts with the football and handballs as far as they can the person who handballed the ball starts running around their team. A run is scored every time they make it around their full team. The other team must pick up the ball and pass it Under and Over until it reaches the end of their team. Once it does the last person yells stop, handballs it away and starts running around their team. Team that was scoring Runs must stop and go get the ball and so on until one of the teams score the predetermined number of runs to win

Skill: Contesting Activities:Mark 1, 2 or 3 Set three markers in a triangle (approximately 5 metres apart), each marker is given a number 1, 2 or 3. Two players stand behind each marker. The helper coach nominates two numbers (2g: 1 and 3) and then throws/kicks the ball in to the centre of the triangle for it to be contested by one child from each of these markers.

Focus:• Get your body in front of your opponent

• Keep your eyes on the ball

• Mark the ball at the highest point that you can reach

• progression contest isn’t over until it reaches the coach

Pick up off the groundMinimum 4 different coloured cones with a football on each. 2 players 5m away compete for the ball when the coach calls a colour of one of the cones. Players must get the ball to the target on the other side 10m away handball or 30m+ away kick.

Play AFL Focus:1. Get your body in front of your opponent

2. Focus on the football keep your eyes ion the ball

3. Keep your moment through picking up the ball

4. Support your team mate picking up the ball

SESSION 3

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Session 4 Skill: Clean handsActivity: Moving Ball Pick Up

Player jogs to meet ball rolled by leader. Using two hands, the player picks up the ball, handballs back to the helper coach, runs around the leader before returning to the end of the line.

Variations: Leader rolls the ball on its side, end over end, on an angle, hand balls to player, handballs high to player etc;

player picks up the ball and bounces it before handballing to the Leader.

Focus:• Keep your eyes on the ball at all times.

• Body in line with the path of the ball in a semi-crouched position.

• Extend arms and hands with fingers almost touching the fround, palms towards the ball.

• Pick up the ball cleanly with both hands

• Bring ball to handball position

Play AFLFocus:Clean hands

1. Keep your eyes on the ball

2. Body in line with the ball

3. Both hands

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Session 5 Skill: Kicking Activity: Kicking to space

Children form two lines approximately 15 metres apart. Child A kicks to a designated space at the side (form a 3 x 3 metre box with markers), child B leads to that space to mark the ball. On taking the mark, child B runs and handballs to child C. Child A runs to the back of line 2.

Focus:• Kicker: Aim to lob the ball into the space (the ball should be kicked high, not flat)

Follow through straight towards the target.

• Receiver: Arrive in the space at the same time as the ball - your aim is to mark the ball as high as possible.

Play AFLFocus:When Kicking

1. Kick the ball to team mates advantage – into space

2. Lob the ball

3. Follow your kick in a straight line to the target

4. When Receiving arrive in the space at the same time as the ball

5. Mark the ball at highest pointSESSION 5

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Session 6Skill: EvasionActivity: Evasion Square

With the ball player A runs towards the defender (D) in square one. Player A holds the ball out to one side, pushes hard off the foot planted on the same side of the ball and handballs to player B. Player B repeats in the next square before handballing back to player A in the third square, who repeats.

Focus:• Player with ball pushes hard off the foot planted on the same side as the ball

• It is important to be balanced before handballing to your partner

Play AFLFocus:

• Use your team mates to evade opponents vs taking the ball to a contest

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Field• Recommended field size 100x50m –

Rugby or soccer pitch is fine

• The field is split in 3 zones and are advised to be set at 30m/40m/30m

Teams• Nine (9) players to take the field at any one

time with unlimited interchange players

• Interchange of players may take place at any time, and be unlimited in number

• Player coming off the field must be completely off before the replacement can go on

• Teams consist of three forwards, three centres and three backs

• Players must be in their zones at the start of the match and after a goal has been scored. Once the game is in progress, Players can move freely across all 3 zones

Duration• The game will consist of 2 x 15 minute halves

or 4 x 10minute quarters with no time outs

• This will be determined by game officials prior to the start of tournament and agreed upon by all coaching staff

Scoring• There are four vertical posts at either

end of the field utilised for scoring

• 6 points is awarded for a ball kicked between the goal posts/ taller posts without being touched

• 1 point is awarded if the ball hits the goal post or is touched/ knocked/tapped/run between the goal posts

• 1 point is awarded if the ball is kicked/touched/knocked/tapped/ run between the goal posts and the shorter outside point post

• The field umpire will be the sole judge of whether the kick for goal was successful

DisposaloftheBall• The ball must be disposed of by a handball or kick

• Players are not permitted to throw or hand the ball to another player or a free kick will be awarded to the opposing player

Mark(Catch)• A Mark or catch is awarded by the umpire

if, in the opinion of the umpire, a player catches or takes control of the football after it has been kicked by any other player and has travelled a minimum distance of 15m

• This entitles the catcher to a possession to take a free kick or hand pass

• The player taking the mark will have a reasonable opportunity to dispose of the ball or play on. If he/she delays, the umpire will place a five-second count for play to resume

• It is not a mark if the ball touches the ground or has been touched by another player during the period when the ball was kicked until it was caught or controlled by the player

• When a player is awarded a Mark or Free Kick an opposing player may stand at the position on the playing surface where the mark or free kick was awarded known as “the mark”

• No opposition player (except for the player on the mark) maybe closer than 5 metres away in any direction

Bouncingtheball• Where a player is moving whilst in possession

of the ball he/she must bounce the ball or touch it on the ground after fifteen metres, irrespective of whether such a player is running in a straight line or otherwise

GainingpossessionoftheballPossession of the ball is achieved by:

• Picking the ball up off the ground

• Catching the ball from a kick on the full

• Through a turnover or free Kick awarded for a penalty applied to the opposition for incorrect disposal

• When a point is scored or the ball goes out of play

• When a player in possession of the ball is tackled by an opposing player, and has had no prior opportunity to dispose of the ball they must make a genuine attempt to dispose of the ball by hand or foot within two seconds

Hawks Cup Rules

RULES

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• If a player in possession has had prior opportunity to dispose of the ball and is tackled, a turnover will be awarded

• Players may attempt to intercept the ball in flight

MaintainingPossession• A player may stay in possession of the ball for

a maximum distance of 15 metres unless:

• the player is tackled an adjudged holding the ball (tackled)

• directed to dispose of the football by the umpire

PlayOn“Play on” is a call utilised by the umpire to inform participants that the ball is live and the opportunity exists to dispossess the ball carrier The umpire shall call “Play On” in the following circumstances:

• When a player after taking a mark runs around or over the spot “the mark” where he/she caught the ball

• When a player after a turnover has occurred runs around or over the spot “the mark “where the ball made contact with the ground due to the turn over

• The ball after being kicked has been touched in transit

Contact• Must be below the shoulders and above the knees

• There is no pushing in the back

StartofPlay• The game shall be started by a ball up between

two centreline players (ruckman) in the centre of the ground; players must be within a 5m circle for their run up to contest the ball when the umpire commences by throwing the ball up

• The two competing players(ruckman) in the ball up cannot grab the ball or take possession of it until it has been touched by one of the centre players not involved in the ball up

• The centre players not involved in the ball up may play the ball once it leaves the ruckmans hand Once the ball leaves the hand of the umpire players may move freely between zones

Restartofplay• After every major score (6), play is restarted

in the centre of the field via a ball up

• After a minor score (1 point) the ball is required to be kicked back into play from between the goals by a defender

OutofBounds• When the ball goes out of bounds (ball completely

over the line) by hand or foot, the nearest opponent shall kick the ball back into play

• If there is any doubt as to which team last touched the ball before it went out of bounds, the umpire shall call a ball-up five metres in from the boundary line

FieldBounces/BallUps• The ball shall be thrown up when the umpire

is unsure which team touched the ball before it went out of bounds If a player has had no prior opportunity to dispose of the ball when tackled Or the ball is trapped in a contest

PlayingtheAdvantage• The field umpire instead of awarding a free kick

may allow play to continue by calling “Advantage Play On” in the case that the individual player in possession of the ball initiates the advantage

Kickingofftheground• A player is not permitted to deliberately

kick the ball off the ground

DivingontheBall• Players are not permitted to dive on

the ball; a free kick will be awarded against the player diving on the ball

TwentyfiveMetrePenaltyA fifteen metre penalty may be awarded when a player:

• Over steps the Mark

• Engages in time wasting

• Uses abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language or behaviour towards an umpire

• Enters the protected 5 metre area around a player which has been awarded a mark or free kick

• Has not returned the football directly and on the full to the player awarded the Free Kick or Mark

• Engages in any other conduct for which a Free Kick would originally be awarded

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School/TeamRegistrationOnly one School registration for all boys and girls teams representing the school and includes entry into Hawks Cup regional cluster tournaments and North or South Island Championships. Registrations are to be completed by the dates stated and returned to your Regional Secondary Schools Offi cer. Registrations can be found at the address below

TeamlistandplayerregistrationsTeam lists and player registration apart from providing detail of players and schools with accountability it provides player with a better opportunity for selection into the AFLNZ High Performance Programme and New Zealand representation.

TeamEquipmentSchools are to provide:

• Uniforms -Schools will provide their teams playing uniform - Jumpers with numbers.

• Water bottles

• Food and Water

• Players equipment:

• Boots

• Socks

• Mouthguard

• Shorts It is recommended for full day tournaments that players bring their lunch to sustain the playing format that will be undertaken.

TransportationSchools are to provide their own arrangements for transportation to and from the tournament location.

MedicalAll schools are to cater for their ownmedical supplies.

UmpiresAFL New Zealand will provide qualifi ed Umpires for the tournament. All scoring will be taken and recorded by onfi eld umpires.

UseoftheHorn• The horn will sound twice 2 minutes prior

to games starting to prepare teams to take the fi eld and twice 1 minute before the end of Halftime break.

• The start, half time and end of game will all be indicated by a single horn blast.

Download a registration form here

Hawks Cup: Tournament day

TOURNAMENT DAY

www.aflnz.co.nz/secondary-schools/hawks-cup/

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Code of conduct CoachesThisappliestoallcoachesofSecondarySchoolteams

• Coach for enjoyment

• Coach by the laws of the game

• Support positive coach / umpire relationships are continually developed

• Create opportunities to teach appropriate sports behaviour as well as basic skills

• Provide equal playing opportunities for all players

• Provide players the best opportunities to continue on the player pathway

• Ensure that skill learning and appropriate sports behaviour have priority over highly structured sessions for young players

Players Thisappliestoallplayers

• Play for enjoyment

• Play hard but fair

• Play by the laws of the game

• Never Argue with the Umpire

• Work equally hard for yourself and your team

• Be a good sport. Applaud good play whether by your team or your opponent

• Remember have FUN

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Player Pathway Coaches Pathway

SecondarySchoolProgrammes/Competition

• Introduction to AFL

• AFL House Rules

• Secondary Schools AFL Combine

• Hawks Cup

Selections made by AFLNZ Talent Identification Staff through observing athlete participation

AFLNZHighPerformanceProgrammeMembers of the High Performance Programme are provided with a training, game and development programme that highlights the necessary requirements and an itinerary over a 12 month period.

U16NationalChampionshipsAll age group High Performance Athletes eligible

U18NationalChampionshipsAll age group High Performance Athletes eligible

¹Participation in National Championships is prerequisite for selection²Participation in

South Pacific Cup is prerequisite for selection

U16NewZealandHawks¹

U18NewZealandHawks¹or U18NewZealandKahus¹(Girls)

U16SouthPacificTeam²Playing at the Australian U16 National Championships

AFLInternationalScholarshipOpportunities provided to talented Athletes from New Zealand within the AFLNZ High Performance Programme by AFL Clubs

AFLNZLevelOYouthMin 5 hours practical involvement in delivery of Secondary School Programmes

• Introduction to AFL

• AFL House Rules

This Pathway is for:

• Parents

• Teachers

• High Performance Players of all age groups

• Volunteers

• Club Players

Support is provided from AFLNZ through resources, professional development and Networking opportunities.

AFLNZLevel1YouthMin 15 hours coaching a team in

• Hawks Cup or

• Play AFL Club

AFLNZLevel2YouthInvolved in coaching at a higher level within the AFLNZ High Performance Programme

AFLNZNationalCoachInvolved in any of the New Zealand representative campaigns

PATHWAYS

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Secondary School Programmes AFLNewZealandhasdiversifiedtheprogrammesavailabletoSecondarySchoolstoensureflexibilitythatsuitstheoutcomesofyourschoolandprovidesopportunitiesforstudentsandstafftoparticipateinallfacetsofAFL.The exciting range of programmes ensures that our professional staff can work with Secondary Schools to deliver a fun and rewarding experience for girls, boys and teachers.

AFLNZ Programmes1. Introduction to AFL

2. AFL Leadership

3. Coach the Coaches

4. AFL House Rules: In School competition

5. Secondary Schools AFL Combine: Fitness and Skills Testing

6. Hawks Cup: Inter School Competition

7. Gateway: Placement opportunities

Benefits1. A new sport providing a level playing field for all students

2. Structured sessions plans to assist designated outcomes

3. Transferable skill development to other sports

4. Promoting and increasing physical activity for students

5. Accreditation and professional development for teachers and students

6. Links to participation and high performance pathways

ResourcesAFL New Zealand is aware of the time and resource constrictions faced by schools and teachers. These programmes provide learning materials, equipment, staff and volunteers and are designed to take place in the class room, gymnasium or field space of any size.

TimeThe length of time for each of these programmes can vary from 2 class sessions to 10 class sessions and are dependent on the programme and school needs. The Hawks Cup has fixed dates with remaining programmes available at any time of the year.

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FormoredetailonAFLSecondarySchoolprogrammesorcompetitionsvisitourwebsitewww.aflnz.co.nz.AlternativelycontactNationalAFLSecondarySchoolsOfficerMickCoultard,hawkscup@aflnz.co.nzoron0272050054

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POBox300633,Albany,NewZealand

P094480305

Eplayafl@aflnz.co.nz

www.aflnz.co.nz@aflnz /aflnz

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