Whether you're a kid just lacing up your first pair of boots, a parent wanting to support your young gun, or a grassroots player looking to take your game to the next level, getting the fundamentals right is everything. In Australian rules football, the gap between a good player and a great one often comes down to the little things—how you train, what you wear, and how you approach your development.

Think of this as your no-nonsense roadmap. We're not talking about flashy drills you'll never use or gear that costs a fortune. This is practical, step-by-step advice that actually works. By the end of this checklist, you'll know exactly what skills to focus on, what essential gear you need, and how to build a routine that sets you up for success—whether you're dreaming of playing at the elite level or just want to be the best player at your local club.

Let's get into it.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Before we dive into the steps, make sure you've got the basics sorted. You don't need a full bag of top-tier gear, but having the right stuff makes a massive difference.

Essential gear checklist:

A pair of quality footy boots – Proper traction is non-negotiable. Look for boots that suit your foot shape and the surfaces you play on.
A well-fitted guernsey – Your club or team strip should be comfortable and allow full range of motion. Proper care helps it last longer.
Shorts and socks – Breathable, durable fabrics that won't chafe.
A footy – Size 4 for kids under 12, size 5 for everyone else. Get a good quality synthetic or leather ball.
Mouthguard – Non-negotiable for safety. Get one custom-fitted if possible.
Water bottle – Stay hydrated, especially during summer training.
Training cones or markers – For drills that require setting up space.

Optional but recommended:

Shin guards – Especially for younger players learning to tackle.
A training diary or app – Track your progress, skills, and goals.
A supportive pair of runners – For warm-ups, cool-downs, and cross-training.

Mindset check: You need patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn. No one becomes a star overnight.

Step-by-Step Process for Player Development

Step 1: Master the Fundamentals – Kicking and Handballing

This is the bread and butter of Australian rules. If you can't hit a target by foot or hand, nothing else matters.

Kicking:

Start with the drop punt. Hold the ball with the laces facing away from your body, index finger along the seam.
Drop the ball straight down onto your boot—don't throw it forward or sideways.
Follow through with your leg, pointing your toe at your target.
Practice on both sides. Yes, even if you're naturally right-footed, get your left foot working. It's a massive advantage.

Handballing:

Use one hand to hold the ball, the other to punch it. The punching hand should make a fist, thumb on the outside.
Aim for the chest of your teammate—not their head or knees.
Practice short, quick handballs and longer, looping ones.

Drill to try: Stand 10 metres from a wall. Kick the ball at a target (a painted circle or a cone). Do 20 kicks on your preferred foot, then 20 on your non-preferred. Then do the same with handballs. Do this three times a week.

Step 2: Build Your Fitness Foundation

Footy is a running game. You need endurance, speed, and agility.

Endurance:

Aim for three running sessions per week. Mix steady-state runs (20-30 minutes at a conversational pace) with interval training (sprint 100 metres, jog 100 metres, repeat 8-10 times).

Speed and agility:

Set up cones in a zigzag pattern. Sprint between them, changing direction quickly.
Practice short bursts—10 to 20 metres. Footy is about repeated explosive efforts, not marathon running.

Strength:

Bodyweight exercises are your friend: squats, lunges, push-ups, planks.
Focus on leg strength (for jumping and kicking) and core stability (for balance and tackling).

Pro tip: Don't skip warm-ups or cool-downs. A proper warm-up (5-10 minutes of light jogging, dynamic stretches) reduces injury risk. Cool down with static stretches and light movement.

For a structured program, many coaches and clubs offer fitness and conditioning plans designed specifically for footy players.

Step 3: Develop Your Marking and Aerial Skills

Marking is a game-changer. If you can take a contested mark, you control the ball and the momentum.

Start with chest marks:

Watch the ball all the way into your hands.
Keep your eyes on it, hands out in front, fingers spread.
Clap the ball as it arrives—don't let it bounce off your chest.

Progress to overhead marks:

Jump off one foot (for height) or two feet (for stability).
Reach high with both hands, thumbs almost touching.
Pull the ball down to your chest as you land.

Drill: Have a partner kick high balls to you from 20-30 metres. Focus on timing your jump and watching the ball. Do 15-20 reps per session.

Step 4: Work on Your Ground Ball Gets

Not every contest is in the air. Being clean at ground level is just as important.

Picking up the ball:

Bend your knees, keep your back straight.
Scoop the ball up with both hands, using your body to shield it from opponents.
Never look down at the ball—scan the field as you pick it up.

Drill: Roll a ball along the ground, sprint to it, pick it up cleanly, and then handball or kick to a target. Repeat 10 times on each side.

Step 5: Learn to Tackle and Be Tackled

Tackling is about technique, not brute force.

Tackling:

Approach with low centre of gravity, knees bent.
Aim for the hips or thighs—never around the neck or head.
Wrap your arms around the opponent's legs or torso, drive through with your legs, and bring them to ground.

Being tackled:

Keep the ball close to your body, both hands on it.
As you're tackled, try to get a handball off to a teammate before you hit the ground.
Practice falling safely—tuck your chin, roll onto your shoulder.

Safety note: Never tackle from behind or above the shoulders. For any injury concerns, always consult a qualified professional.

Step 6: Understand Game Awareness and Positioning

Skills are useless if you don't know where to be.

Watch the play:

When your team has the ball, think about where the next contest will be. Get into space.
When the opposition has the ball, think about how to cut off their options.

Learn positions:

Start in one position (e.g., half-forward or half-back) and learn the role.
Watch top-level games—pay attention to how players read the play and position themselves. The principles of space and timing apply across all levels.

Drill: During training, spend 5 minutes just watching the ball and moving without it. Ask your coach where you should be in different scenarios.

Step 7: Practice Under Pressure

Game day is different from training. You need to simulate pressure.

Pressure drills:

Have a defender close you down while you try to kick to a target.
Practice handballing while being chased.
Do skills while tired—after a sprint, try to hit a target by foot.

Mental pressure:

Visualise game situations. Imagine you're kicking for goal with 30 seconds left on the clock.
Practice breathing techniques to stay calm under pressure.

Step 8: Review and Reflect

After every training session or game, take 5 minutes to reflect.

Ask yourself:

What did I do well?
What can I improve?
Did I stick to my game plan?

Write it down: Keep a simple log. Note one skill to focus on next session.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes

Pro Tips

Consistency beats intensity. Training three times a week for 45 minutes is better than one massive session every fortnight.
Use your non-preferred foot in every session. Even if it feels awkward, it will pay off.
Watch the ball all the way. It sounds basic, but so many players take their eyes off it at the last second.
Ask questions. Coaches love players who want to learn. Don't be shy.
Look after your gear. A well-maintained guernsey and boots last longer and perform better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping warm-ups. This is the fastest way to get injured.
Only training what you're good at. It's comfortable, but it won't make you a complete player.
Overcomplicating things. Footy is a simple game. Master the basics before trying flashy moves.
Ignoring recovery. Sleep, nutrition, and hydration are part of your training.
Comparing yourself to others. Focus on your own progress. Everyone develops at their own pace.

Checklist Summary

Here's your quick-reference checklist. Print it, stick it on your wall, and tick off each step as you go.

Kicking: Practice drop punt on both feet, 20 reps per side, three times a week.
Handballing: Work on short and long handballs, aiming for chest height.
Endurance: Three running sessions per week (mix steady-state and intervals).
Speed/Agility: Cone drills, short sprints, change-of-direction work.
Strength: Bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges, push-ups, planks).
Marking: Chest marks and overhead marks, 15-20 reps per session.
Ground balls: Scoop and dispose drill, 10 reps per side.
Tackling: Practice technique with a partner or bag. Never tackle above shoulders.
Game awareness: Watch games, learn positions, move without the ball.
Pressure training: Simulate game scenarios, practice while tired.
Review: Reflect after every session. Write down one thing to improve.
Gear check: Quality boots, well-fitted guernsey, mouthguard, water bottle.

For more resources, check out your club's coaching materials or local footy development programs.

Final Word

Player development isn't about being the biggest, fastest, or strongest from day one. It's about showing up, doing the work, and getting a little better every session. Whether you're training at the local oval or in your backyard, these steps will build a solid foundation.

Remember, even the best players started somewhere. They mastered the basics, stayed consistent, and never stopped learning. You can do the same.

Now get out there and start ticking off that checklist. Your future self—and your teammates—will thank you.

Player Development, Skills & Essential Gear: A Complete Checklist for Rising Footy Stars