In Australian rules football, the capacity to transition the ball efficiently from defensive or midfield zones into attacking positions is a valuable aspect of team performance. The forward 50 entry—the act of moving the ball into the forward fifty-metre arc—is a tactical art form that can help teams improve their scoring output. This article provides a practical, step-by-step checklist for players, coaches, and grassroots clubs seeking to improve their forward 50 entries, thereby increasing scoring opportunities and overall match effectiveness. By mastering these principles, your team can transform possession into points with greater consistency and precision.
Prerequisites / What You Need
Before implementing these strategies, ensure your team has a foundational understanding of basic ball movement, kicking and handballing skills, and positional awareness. This guide assumes access to a standard Australian rules football oval with defined forward fifty-metre arcs, marking cones for drills, and a willingness to review match footage for analysis. No specialised equipment beyond standard training gear is required. Coaches should have a whiteboard or digital tool for diagramming plays, and players should be prepared to engage in structured game-sense activities. This checklist is designed for senior and junior teams alike, with modifications noted where appropriate for younger or less experienced groups.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Establish Clear Forward Structure and Targets
The foundation of an effective forward 50 entry begins before the ball arrives. Your forward line must be organised with defined roles and positioning. Designate at least two leading targets—typically a key forward and a medium-sized forward—who can present at varying angles and depths. A third target, often a small forward or midfielder resting forward, should occupy the pocket or space behind the leading patterns. This structure ensures that when the ball carrier looks up, they see multiple viable options rather than a congested or static forward line. Coaches should assign specific zones to each forward, such as the “deep lead” (directly toward goal), the “short lead” (15–25 metres from goal), and the “trailing option” (arriving late from the midfield). This hierarchical structure reduces panic and encourages measured decision-making.
Step 2: Assess Defensive Pressure and Decide Entry Type
Before delivering the ball, the ball carrier must quickly evaluate the defensive setup. Is the opposition employing a zone defence, a man-on-man structure, or a loose man in defence? Against a zone, a low, penetrating kick to a leading forward’s chest is often preferred. Against man-on-man defence, a high, long kick to a contest may be necessary if the leading option is covered. For teams with a spare defender, consider a short, precise kick to a forward who can then create a second opportunity. The decision should be made within two to three seconds of receiving the ball; hesitation invites defensive pressure and turnover. Practise this decision-making under simulated game pressure during training.
Step 3: Execute the Kick with Appropriate Trajectory and Placement
The quality of the kick itself is paramount. For entries targeting a leading forward, the kick should be low and driven, arriving at chest height approximately one to two metres in front of the forward’s leading path. This allows the forward to run onto the ball without breaking stride. For contested entries, a higher, more looping trajectory gives your forwards time to position themselves under the ball and compete. Avoid “hospital” kicks that hang in the air too long, giving defenders time to intercept. The ideal entry is one that forces the defender to turn their body or choose between marking and spoiling. Practise kicking to specific zones within the forward fifty, such as the “corridor” (directly in front of goal) versus the “pocket” (angled toward the boundary). A kick to the corridor is often considered a strong scoring opportunity.
Step 4: Coordinate Forward Leads and Timing
Timing is everything. Forwards must synchronise their leads with the ball carrier’s movement. A lead that begins too early allows the defender to read the play and intercept. A lead that begins too late gives the defender time to recover. The ideal lead is explosive and angled, starting from a stationary or slow-moving position, then accelerating sharply as the ball carrier prepares to kick. Forwards should use a “stop-start” technique: pause at the top of the lead, then change direction if the kick is not forthcoming. This creates separation and confusion for the defender. Coaches should run dedicated drills where forwards practise leading from different starting positions—deep in the square, on the flank, or from the goal face—while midfielders practise delivering to those leads under varying pressure.
Step 5: Incorporate a Secondary Option or “Bail-Out” Target
No forward 50 entry should rely solely on a primary target. A well-structured entry includes a secondary option, often a midfielder or half-forward who has drifted into space behind the main contest. This player should be positioned 15–20 metres from the primary target, offering a short, safe kick if the primary option is covered. Additionally, a “bail-out” target should be stationed near the boundary line or at half-forward, allowing the ball carrier to reset if no good option presents. This prevents forced turnovers and keeps possession alive. In training, simulate scenarios where the primary lead is denied, forcing players to identify and hit the secondary target under time pressure.
Step 6: Ensure Forward Pressure and Ground-Level Support
Once the ball enters the forward 50, the work is not complete. Forwards must apply immediate pressure to the defender who takes possession, either through a tackle, a spoil, or a shepherd. This pressure forces hurried kicks and creates opportunities for ground-ball wins. Simultaneously, small forwards and midfielders should position themselves to crumb the ball if it spills from a marking contest. This “chaos” phase is where many goals are scored from stoppages or loose balls. Drills that combine a kick entry with a live ground contest, followed by a quick handball or snap at goal, are invaluable for developing this skill. Coaches should emphasise that a forward 50 entry is only successful if it leads to a score or a stoppage that favours your team.
Step 7: Review and Adjust Based on Opposition Patterns
Post-match or at quarter-time, review footage of your forward 50 entries. Identify patterns: Are you favouring one side of the ground? Are your kicks too predictable in length or trajectory? Are your forwards leading into the same space repeatedly? Use this data to adjust your structure. For example, if the opposition consistently drops a spare defender into the corridor, consider switching your primary target to the pocket or using a short kick to a midfielder who can then deliver inside. Adaptation is key; a rigid forward 50 plan will be exploited by well-coached defences.
Pro Tips / Common Mistakes
Pro Tip 1: Use the “Dummy Lead.” A forward can run a short, shallow lead to draw a defender out of position, then cut back toward goal for a deeper lead. This creates space for a teammate or a better entry angle.
Pro Tip 2: Vary Entry Speeds. Occasionally use a slow, floating kick to allow forwards to position themselves under the ball, especially against a defence that expects fast, low entries. This unpredictability can disrupt defensive timing.
Pro Tip 3: Practise Entry from Different Field Positions. Not all entries come from the centre corridor. Practise entries from the wing, from a kick-in, and from a stoppage on the boundary. Each scenario requires different decision-making and kick execution.
Common Mistake 1: Overcomplicating the Entry. Many teams try to execute elaborate set plays that break down under pressure. Simplicity—a clear primary target, a secondary option, and a bail-out—is often more effective. Avoid excessive handball chains that invite defensive pressure.
Common Mistake 2: Ignoring the “Dead Zone.” The area 20–30 metres from goal, directly in front, is often considered a high-value scoring zone. Yet many entries land closer to the boundary or deeper in the pocket. Aim for this corridor whenever possible.
Common Mistake 3: Forwards Standing Still. A static forward line is easy to defend. Forwards must constantly move, change pace, and create angles. Even if they don’t receive the ball, their movement opens space for others.
Common Mistake 4: Poor Communication. The ball carrier and forwards must communicate verbally or through hand signals. A forward should call for the ball early, indicating their lead direction. Silence leads to confusion and turnovers.
Checklist Summary
- Establish clear forward structure with designated primary, secondary, and bail-out targets.
- Assess defensive pressure and decide entry type (low and driven vs. high and contest).
- Execute the kick with appropriate trajectory and placement (chest height for leads, higher for contests).
- Coordinate forward leads with explosive, angled movement and stop-start techniques.
- Incorporate a secondary option and a bail-out target to maintain possession under pressure.
- Ensure forward pressure and ground-level support after the entry.
- Review and adjust based on opposition patterns using match footage.
- Practise entries from various field positions and under game-like pressure.
- Emphasise communication and simplicity over complex set plays.
- Target the corridor (directly in front of goal) whenever possible.
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