Defence

With the opposition kicking out, two main forms of defence are possible.

(a) Man on Man
In its simplest form each player picks up an opponent and follows him closely to prevent a lead or an easy mark.

(b) Zone Defence
The zone defence, based on a tactic employed in basketball, involves crowding an area to restrict movement into an open space. For example, the seven man defence has players evenly distributed in 'open spaces' in an attempt to restrict opposition leading into these areas.

Offence

Kicking out from full back becomes an important consideration simply because you are in possession of the ball.

• All players must have a role to play and be fully aware of their responsibility.
• The ground and weather conditions, along with the age and standard of the competition, will determine the tactics adopted.
• The player kicking off must be able to read the situation and select the best option.
• Ultimately this will depend on the tactics of the opposition and whether they adopt a zone defence or play man on man.
• A simple kick out strategy to combat a zone defence involves 'flooding a zone'.
• Players are directed to one area to outnumber the opposition, thereby improving their chance of maintaining possession.
• Kick out drills, whether offensive or defensive, require a great deal of practice and rehearsal.
• The pre-season period is the time to introduce and develop your teams kick out strategies.