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MINI MATCHES LEVEL 1

Let's play footy! Mini Matches provide a taste of match play that's safe and fun!

AFL X12 Goal Posts x12 goal posts
AFL X Football x4 footballs
AFL Stack of Cones A stack of cones
AFL Stack of Bibs A stack of bibs

HOW TO SET UP

Add the cones to extend the length of the Activity  Squares by five metres to make them rectangular.

Place two goalposts at either end of each Activity Square.

The goals in the middle of the grid are shared by two Activity Square.

Divide the players in each of the Activity Square into two teams and give one team bibs. This will create games which are roughly 4 vs 4.

There are no zones and positions.

Watch the video called "How to  Run a Session", which explains Mini Matches further.

 

LET'S PLAY

Pick a player from each team to be the 'rucks' for the ' ball-up'. Throw the ball in the air and the rucks will try to tap it to their team. They away you go with your match.

AFL Youth Auskicker kicking Footy in the Mini Matches in the Let's Play Program

REMEMBER

  • No dividing on the ball, bumping, tackling or smothering kicks.
  • Award a mark irrespective of kick distance, even if the ball is not marked properly.
  • Encourage players to spread out but also to be actively involved.
  • Be vocal and advise players on what to do.
  • After every goal, restart with a ball-up, with a different pair of Auskickers in the ruck.
  • Encourage players to pass the ball every five steps(or every five seconds).
AFL Youth Auskick Footy playing Mini Matches in the remember program

VARIATION 1

Try using a round ball.

AFL Auskicker trying to kick round ball during round ball activity session

VARIATION 2

Use different methods of passing such as handballing only.

AFL Variation 2 Handballing activity of player.

VARIATION 3

Play with uneven numbers such as 6 vs 4 to assist with ball movement.

AFL auskickers plying match to intercept the handball with adults support
AFL Auskicker handball skill task.

Make sure evey kid gets plenty of touches.

AFL Auskickers ground ball for playing.

Encourage sharing the ball, passing to team mates and team play.

AFL Auskick Chestmark bib for kicking and bouncing the ball.

Have some parents act as goal umpires to retrieve the ball.