Playing Positions Backpocket

This is designed as discussion points for coaches, players or individuals.

Playing positions for AFL football

BACKMEN

GAME PLAN

• Disciplined, body against opponent
• Beat your opponent / punch from behind
• Be ready to run off and create
• Look to switch play / run and carry
• Numbers at fall of ball, follow opponent, endeavour to read play to create
• COMMUNICATE to backs and midfield players, you become their eyes
• Call your team mate into punch or mark, give him confidence with your voice
• Man up or create, don’t become a spectator

Back Pocket

The role of the back pocket first and foremost is to defend and stop the opposition from scoring. The back pocket player can be either tall (picking up a resting ruckman or tall forward) or small (picking up the resting rover or creative forward). The expectations of the back pocket player are as follows.

General

-          must have very good spoiling skills

-          must play tight and on the corridor side forcing opponent to boundary

-          must punch ball if caught behind

-          must keep feet and not go to ground if possible

-          must communicate loudly and confidently with team mates around them

-          must kick the ball well to maintain possession. If unsure kick long and wide to the boundary.

Attacking Back Pocket
			Willingness to run and receive
			Ability to read play
			Strong in the body
			Understanding switching/transferring play
			Quick movements between attack and defence
			Able to back judgement to assist others when 1v1
			Timing of run
			Responsibility to stop opposition first
			Willingness to run unrewarded
			Able to follow up and run until ball is cleared
			Leaving man to spoil when required
Defensive Back Pocket
		Playing from your man
		To stop any scoring opportunities or assists
		Understand the strengths and weaknesses of opposition
		Bring ball to your advantage
		Clear ball from danger areas
		Strong use of body
		Anticipate leads
		Beat opponent by strength or speed
		Always be between ball and opponent
		Determined dogged attitude
		Fierce attack on ball and opponent
		Strong concentration