The role of the full back first and foremost is to defend and stop the opposition from scoring. The full back generally plays on the oppositions best forward out of the goal square.

The full back may be required to kick out from opposition points scored and therefore must be an accurate and consistent kick. The expectations of the full back  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 towards the boundary.

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.