“
Hand placement on the ball is paramount to a great kick
The handy way to kick a ball - Aussie rules style
Many young AFL players are fanatical on improving their foot work and running lines for ultimate kicking performance during an AFL game, but many top coaches suggest the perfect kick actually starts with your hands.
Hand placement on the ball is paramount to maintaining a good grip on the football and holding it in the optimal kicking position.
Start out by gripping the ball with your thumb, three quarters of the way up near the main seam, but not on it. This will give you a firm grip and allow you hold the football comfortably.
Holding the footy over the kicking leg and releasing the ball vertically from hip level allows it to drop more efficiently and utilises gravity to help it connect with your foot.
If the footy is not vertical when it's dropped, the ball is likely to spin and bounce backwards.
Releasing your grip too soon or dropping the ball too far away from the foot is another common error for beginning AFL players. Using a guiding hand and timing the release your grip effectively can make or break a good kick.
Image courtesy of Asics