Australian Rules Football is one of the oldest codified sports in the world, and the distinctive oval-shaped football—commonly called a "footy"—is central to everything that makes the game unique. Whether you're new to Australia, introducing your kids to the sport, or simply curious about what makes an AFL football different from other sports balls, this guide covers everything you need to know.
From understanding the difference between leather and synthetic options to choosing the right size for your age group, we'll help you navigate the world of AFL footballs with confidence.
For beginners and recreational players, a synthetic football offers the best combination of durability, grip, and value. Save leather balls for when you're playing organised club football or want the authentic match-day experience.
Understanding AFL Football Construction
An AFL football is prolate spheroid in shape—essentially an elongated sphere with pointed ends. This unique shape creates the unpredictable bounce that makes Australian football so exciting, but it also means the ball handles very differently from round balls used in soccer or basketball.
Leather Footballs
Traditional leather footballs, with Sherrin being the official supplier to the AFL, are made from genuine cowhide leather. These balls offer several advantages:
- Authentic feel: The texture and weight closely match what professional players use
- Superior grip when dry: Leather provides excellent traction for marking and handballing
- Predictable flight: Well-made leather balls spiral consistently when kicked properly
- Improved with use: Leather softens and moulds slightly over time, making it easier to grip
However, leather footballs have significant drawbacks for beginners. They're more expensive, require more care, and perform poorly in wet conditions—the leather absorbs moisture, becoming slippery and heavy.
Synthetic Footballs
Synthetic footballs use polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) covers instead of leather. Modern synthetic balls have improved dramatically and offer compelling advantages:
- Weather resistance: Synthetic covers don't absorb water, maintaining grip in wet conditions
- Durability: More resistant to scuffing and wear from rough surfaces
- Consistent performance: Less affected by temperature and humidity changes
- Lower cost: Typically 50-70% cheaper than equivalent leather balls
- Low maintenance: Simply wipe clean—no conditioning required
For backyard kick-to-kick, park sessions, and beginner training, a quality synthetic football like the Sherrin KB Synthetic is the smart choice. You'll get reliable performance without worrying about damaging an expensive leather ball.
AFL Football Sizes Explained
AFL footballs come in different sizes to suit different age groups and hand sizes. Using the correct size is important for developing proper technique—a ball that's too large makes it difficult to learn correct handball and kicking mechanics.
Size Guide by Age
- Size 1 (Mini): Ages 3-5. Great for introducing toddlers to the game
- Size 2: Ages 5-8. Primary school Auskick programs
- Size 3: Ages 9-12. Junior club football
- Size 4: Ages 12-14 and women's football. Also used in AFLW
- Size 5: Ages 14+ and men's senior football. Official AFL match size
When in doubt, go smaller rather than larger. It's easier to develop good technique with a ball you can comfortably grip and control. Many adult recreational players find a Size 4 more comfortable for casual kicking sessions.
Basic Ball Handling Skills
AFL football requires two fundamental ball-handling skills: handballing (also called handpassing) and kicking. Both are unique to Australian football and take practice to master.
The Handball
A legal handball requires the ball to be held in one hand and struck with the clenched fist of the other. You cannot throw the ball or slap it with an open hand. To execute a proper handball:
- Hold the ball firmly in your non-dominant hand, oriented vertically with the laces facing away
- Make a fist with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb outside your fingers
- Punch through the ball using your wrist and forearm, not just your arm swing
- Follow through toward your target
The Drop Punt
The drop punt is the most common and accurate kicking technique in AFL. When executed correctly, the ball rotates end-over-end backwards, creating a stable, predictable flight path:
- Hold the ball with both hands, laces facing away from you
- Guide the ball down onto your foot—don't throw it up or drop it from too high
- Strike the ball with your instep (the top of your foot where the laces of your boot are)
- Make contact while the ball is still dropping, before it reaches its lowest point
- Follow through with your leg pointing toward your target
Many beginners drop the ball from too high and try to kick it on the way up. This creates an inconsistent connection and wobbly flight. Focus on a controlled guide down and striking while the ball is still descending.
Caring for Your AFL Football
Proper care extends the life of your football and maintains its performance characteristics.
Leather Football Care
- Wipe down after each use to remove dirt and moisture
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Apply leather conditioner periodically to prevent drying and cracking
- Never leave in a hot car—extreme heat damages the leather and internal bladder
- Keep properly inflated; under-inflation causes deformation over time
Synthetic Football Care
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth after use
- Store away from direct sunlight to prevent material degradation
- Check inflation regularly—synthetic balls can lose pressure faster than leather
- Avoid using on extremely rough surfaces like concrete or bitumen
Where to Play
One of the best things about AFL football is how accessible it is. You can practice anywhere with enough space:
- Local ovals: Most suburbs have public ovals perfect for kicking practice
- Parks: Any grassed area with about 50 metres of space works well
- Beach: Sand is forgiving for beginners, though it affects the ball's bounce
- Backyard: Even small backyards work for handball practice and short kicks
Summary: Getting Started with AFL Football
- Start with a synthetic football for durability and all-weather performance
- Choose the right size for your age group—smaller is better if uncertain
- Master the basics: handball technique and the drop punt
- Care for your ball properly to extend its lifespan
- Get out to your local oval and practice regularly
Australian Rules Football has a special place in Australian culture, and there's no better way to connect with the game than getting a footy in your hands and heading to the local oval. Start with the basics, choose appropriate equipment, and most importantly—have fun with it.
Ready to find the perfect AFL football? Check out our product comparison tools or explore more expert guides.