Coaching teenagers is a different job to coaching Auskick. Here's how training should shift as players move from learning the game to genuinely competing in it.
AFL positions explained
An AFL team has 18 players on the ground, set out in lines from the full-back line to the full-forward line, plus three followers. Here is one team attacking towards the top goal.
- FF
- Full forward: the main goal-kicker, closest to the goals.
- FP
- Forward pockets (2): small, quick forwards who crumb the ball and kick goals.
- CHF
- Centre half-forward: a strong target who leads and marks in the forward half.
- HFF
- Half-forward flankers (2): link the midfield to the forward line.
- W
- Wingers (2): run the outside of the ground and carry the ball forward.
- C
- Centre: plays the middle of the ground and wins clearances.
- RK
- Ruck: contests the ball-ups and hit-outs, usually the tallest.
- RR
- Ruck-rover: works with the ruck to win the ball at stoppages.
- RV
- Rover: a quick, agile player who picks up the loose ball.
- HBF
- Half-back flankers (2): rebound the ball out of defence.
- CHB
- Centre half-back: a strong defender who stops the other team's key forward.
- BP
- Back pockets (2): tough, quick defenders who tackle and spoil.
- FB
- Full back: the last line of defence, in front of goal.
Under Auskick and in younger age groups, positions are loose. From U14 up, a simple structure like this gives kids a clear job, and the rotation between lines keeps it fair.
What actually changes at this age
By U14-U16, most players have a few seasons of football behind them and have moved well past basic kicking and marking. The coaching focus shifts toward game sense — reading the play, decision-making under pressure — alongside genuine tactical structure and physical conditioning appropriate for a body that's now closer to adult size and strength.
The AFL's own coaching frameworks describe this transition as moving from prescriptive, "the coach talks and players listen" drilling toward game-based learning, where players develop decision-making by playing realistic, game-like scenarios rather than running isolated drills in a line.
Four training shifts that matter
1. Game-based drills over isolated skill repetition
Instead of pure kicking-at-a-target drills, set up small-sided games (4v4, 5v5) with specific constraints — for example, "you must use a switch kick before scoring" — to force the decision-making you're trying to develop, while still practicing the underlying skill.
2. Positional structure and roles
Introduce real tactical concepts — leading patterns, zone structures, defensive press — appropriate to your team's level. Teenagers are generally ready to understand and execute structured team play in a way younger kids aren't.
3. Conditioning as a real component
Build in genuine fitness work — repeat-sprint conditioning, agility circuits — rather than relying solely on game play for fitness. At this age, the physical gap between a conditioned and unconditioned player becomes a real factor in performance.
4. Contested ball and contact skills
Marking contests, tackling technique and ground ball pressure become genuinely competitive at this age. Dedicate specific training time to these skills with proper technique coaching, rather than assuming players will simply pick it up through general play.
Structuring a session for this age group
A typical structure for a 75-90 minute session:
- 10-15 min dynamic warm-up — movement prep
- 20 min skill-and-decision drills — small-sided, constrained games
- 15-20 min tactical/structural work — specific to your team's needs
- 15-20 min contested possession or conditioning work
- 10 min cool down and review
Coaching communication at this age
Teenagers respond differently to coaching than younger kids — they're capable of understanding the "why" behind a drill, and explaining the tactical purpose tends to build buy-in better than simply instructing. It's also worth genuinely listening to player feedback on what's working and adjusting accordingly.
These suggestions are general guidance — always adapt them to your team's specific development stage, fitness level and your club's coaching framework.
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