Mastering AFL Football Kicking: Equipment and Technique

Kicking is the most fundamental skill in Australian Rules Football. A well-executed kick can thread through traffic to hit a leading teammate perfectly in stride, while a poorly struck ball can turn possession over to the opposition. What many players don't realise is that the football itself—its construction, inflation, and condition—significantly affects kicking outcomes.

In this guide, we'll explore the relationship between equipment and technique, helping you understand how ball characteristics influence your kicks and how to optimise both for better results.

How Ball Construction Affects Kicking

AFL footballs are prolate spheroids—elongated ovals that behave very differently from round balls. The construction affects everything from how the ball leaves your foot to how it moves through the air.

Leather vs Synthetic

• Leather balls: Slightly softer contact feel; surface texture changes with use (breaks in); preferred for the authentic match experience; may become slippery when wet
• Synthetic balls: Consistent feel from first use; maintain grip better in wet conditions; slightly firmer contact; excellent for training in all weather

For technique development, the key is consistency. If you'll play matches with a leather Sherrin, train with leather. If you're primarily playing socially or in conditions where synthetic makes sense, train with synthetic.

Inflation Level

Ball inflation has a surprisingly significant effect on kicking:

• Under-inflated balls: Compress more on contact, reducing energy transfer; feel "soft" but are harder to kick long distances; may develop flat spots affecting spin
• Properly inflated balls: Optimal energy transfer; consistent feel and flight; recommended 62-69 kPa (9-10 PSI)
• Over-inflated balls: Feel hard and uncomfortable on contact; may bounce unpredictably off the foot; risk of damage to ball and potential injury

The Drop Punt: Foundation of AFL Kicking

The drop punt is the most accurate and commonly used kick in AFL. When executed correctly, the ball rotates end-over-end backwards, creating a stable, predictable flight path.

Ball Grip and Orientation

• Hold the ball with both hands, laces facing away from your body
• Fingers spread comfortably along the sides
• Thumbs on top, pointing toward the ends of the ball
• Ball tilted slightly forward (top end pointing toward target)

The Guide Down

Many players make the mistake of "dropping" the ball. Instead, you should guide it down onto your foot:

• Extend your arms forward and down in a controlled motion
• Release when the ball is at hip height or slightly lower
• The ball should be descending when your foot makes contact
• Contact should occur about 30-40cm from the ground

Foot Contact

• Strike with your instep—the top of your foot where boot laces sit
• Point your toe toward the target
• Lock your ankle firmly; a floppy ankle absorbs energy
• Contact the ball on its lower half to generate backspin
• Follow through toward your target, not across your body

The Torpedo (Barrel/Spiral)

The torpedo kick sends the ball spiralling through the air, maximising distance. It's less accurate than the drop punt but essential for long clearing kicks.

Grip Adjustments

• Hold the ball more to one side than centred
• For a right-footer, the left hand guides while the right hand rotates the ball slightly
• The ball should have a slight spiral orientation as you guide it down

Contact and Follow-Through

• Strike across the ball's bottom half to generate spin
• Your foot should contact at an angle rather than straight on
• Follow through across your body
• The ball should leave your foot already rotating

Banana (Checkside) Kicks

The banana kick curves through the air, useful for kicking around opponents or snapping for goal from the pocket.

• Ball position is crucial—hold it toward the outside of your kicking foot
• Contact on the outside of the ball with the inside of your foot
• Striking the ball off-centre creates the spin that causes curve
• A well-struck banana combines forward momentum with sideways spin

Common Kicking Problems and Solutions

Ball Wobbling in Flight

Cause: Foot not connecting cleanly, often due to poor ball drop or unlocked ankle.

Solution: Focus on the guide-down motion. Film yourself and check that the ball is descending smoothly before contact. Lock your ankle firmly.

Ball Curving Unexpectedly

Cause: Foot contacting across the ball rather than through it; follow-through going across body.

Solution: Ensure your follow-through goes directly toward your target. Think about "pointing your toe at the target" throughout the entire motion.

Insufficient Distance

Cause: Often technique rather than strength. Poor energy transfer from foot to ball.

Solution: Check ball inflation. Focus on a locked ankle and clean contact. Consider approach speed—a longer approach generates more power if controlled.

Inconsistency

Cause: Variable ball drop, inconsistent run-up, or changing grip.

Solution: Develop a pre-kick routine and execute it identically every time. Use the same approach, the same grip, the same motion.

Equipment Considerations for Kicking

Boots

• A snug fit ensures consistent contact point
• Thinner leather or synthetic uppers improve ball feel
• Avoid excessive padding over the instep
• Replace boots when the upper becomes too soft or worn

Ball Care

• Check inflation before every training session
• Clean the ball regularly to maintain consistent surface texture
• Replace training balls that have become misshapen
• Don't use worn, slick balls for serious technique work

Great AFL kicking combines technical skill with appropriate equipment. Understanding how ball characteristics affect your kicks—and controlling those variables through proper ball selection and maintenance—gives you the foundation for consistent improvement.

Ready to find the right football for your game? Explore our AFL football comparisons or read our beginner's guide.