Australian Rules Football can look chaotic when you first step onto the ground. The ball is moving, players spread across a huge oval, and you may have only a moment to decide whether to kick, handball, mark or tackle. Many beginners make the same errors—not because they lack skill, but because they are still learning how the rules and team play fit together.
The good news is that most early mistakes are easy to fix with a few simple habits. Focus on controlling the ball, disposing of it legally, finding space and communicating with teammates. Here are the common traps to watch for, along with practical ways to avoid them.
1. Trying to do too much with the ball
New players often hold on to the ball while searching for the perfect option. That extra second can be enough for an opponent to tackle them. Others try a difficult long kick when a nearby teammate is free.
Before the ball reaches you, take a quick look around. Notice where your teammates and opponents are, then choose a simple option: take a mark, handball to a player in space or kick forward when it is safe. You do not need to make a match-winning play every time you touch the ball. A clean, legal disposal that keeps possession is often more valuable than a hopeful kick under pressure.
2. Throwing instead of handballing
A legal handball is not a short throw. You hold the ball in one hand and strike it with the clenched fist of the other. Beginners sometimes push, toss or slap the ball forward with an open hand. That can be called a throw, giving possession to the other team.
Practise the action while standing still first. Hold the ball steady, point the hand holding it towards your target and punch through the centre of the ball with a firm fist. Once the movement feels natural, practise while walking or running. Accuracy matters more than power, especially over short distances.
3. Waiting too long to dispose of the ball
If an opponent tackles you, you must make a genuine attempt to kick or handball the ball. Simply holding it against your body can result in a holding-the-ball free kick. The exact decision depends on the situation, including whether you had prior opportunity to dispose of it, so do not assume every tackle has the same outcome.
Build the habit of knowing your next option before contact arrives. If you have time, get the ball away cleanly. If a tackle is coming, protect the ball and make a legal attempt to dispose of it. Coaches can help you practise safe ways to keep your balance and release the ball under pressure.
4. Kicking without controlling the drop
A rushed kick often goes high, spins sideways or falls short because the player swings before the ball is in the right position. Beginners may also try to kick the ball like a soccer ball, striking it after it has dropped too far away from the body.
For a drop punt, guide the ball down with both hands, keep your eyes on it and let it meet your foot as it drops. Aim for a smooth contact rather than a wild swing. Start with short kicks to a partner, then increase the distance as your accuracy improves. A reliable short kick can be more useful than a powerful one that misses its target.
5. Watching the ball but not preparing to mark
It is natural to look up at a high ball, but beginners can lose sight of their opponent or misjudge where the ball will land. Some reach too early, jump into traffic or let the ball hit their chest without securing it.
Try to move into a strong position as the ball travels. Keep your eyes on it, get your body between the opponent and the drop zone when possible, and present your hands as a target. Practise catching at different heights with soft hands, drawing the ball in towards your chest. In a contested situation, awareness and balance can matter just as much as jumping ability.
6. Chasing the ball instead of holding your position
Because the ball is the centre of the action, beginners often run straight towards it—even when teammates are already there. This creates a crowd and leaves other parts of the oval open. In Australian Rules Football, a player away from the ball can still help by providing an outlet, guarding space or staying with an opponent.
After disposing of the ball, keep moving and look for your next job. You might lead into space, support a teammate or get back to defend. If you are unsure where to go, listen for your coach and communicate with nearby players. Good spacing gives the ball-carrier more options and makes it harder for the opposition to trap the ball.
7. Forgetting to defend when your team loses possession
Some beginners switch off as soon as the opposition wins the ball. They may watch the next kick instead of getting goal-side of an opponent or putting pressure on the ball-carrier. That gives the other team time to find an uncontested mark and move the ball forward.
When possession changes, react quickly. If you are close to the ball, apply pressure without giving away a free kick. If you are away from it, find an opponent or help guard an open area. You do not need to win the ball to make a defensive play; forcing a rushed kick can be enough to help your team.
8. Tackling high or losing control of the body
A tackle should stop an opponent legally, not turn into a push, trip or contact high around the head. New players may reach across an opponent’s shoulders or launch themselves without being balanced. That can give away a free kick and may put players at risk of injury.
Learn the tackling rules and safe technique from your coach. Stay balanced, aim for a legal area and use controlled contact. If you are approaching from behind, be especially careful not to drive an opponent forward or make dangerous contact. Rules and interpretations can vary by competition and age group, so follow your league’s guidance.
9. Misjudging the running and boundary rules
Another common beginner error is running too far without bouncing or touching the ball on the ground. Under standard rules, a player running with the ball must bounce it or touch it on the ground after travelling 15 metres. Local junior competitions may use modified rules, so check what applies to your game.
Players also sometimes kick the ball out on the full, giving away possession. Near the boundary, take a moment to check your angle and avoid a rushed kick that crosses the line without bouncing or being touched. A safer pass infield may be the better choice.
10. Staying silent
Even skilled players can struggle if nobody calls for the ball or warns them about pressure. Beginners may be shy, but clear, useful communication makes the game easier. Call a teammate’s name, ask for the ball when you are free, or say “man on” when an opponent is closing in.
Keep calls short and early. A late shout after a teammate has already been tackled will not help much. Listening is just as important: teammates and coaches may be directing you to space you have not noticed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should a beginner learn first in Australian Rules Football?
Start with the basic skills: catching, kicking, handballing and tackling safely. Learn the key rules for your competition, then practise making a simple decision under light pressure. Good habits matter more than trying to master every tactic at once.
How can I avoid getting tackled straight away?
Scan for teammates before the ball arrives and decide on a likely option early. Keep your hands ready, take a clean first touch and move the ball on when a safe opportunity appears. Calling for support can also help you avoid being isolated.
Is it better to kick or handball?
It depends on the space and pressure. A handball can be effective to a nearby teammate who is clear, while a kick can move the ball farther or find space ahead. Choose the option you can execute legally and accurately rather than forcing a risky play.
Do Australian Rules Football rules change for junior players?
They can. Junior competitions may adjust rules, field size, match length or player numbers to suit the age group. Check with your coach or league before relying on senior-level rules, especially for running distance and contact.
Final Thoughts
Most beginner mistakes come from rushing, ball-watching or trying to handle every situation alone. Take a quick look before you receive the ball, practise clean skills, move into useful space and keep talking to your teammates. You will make errors as you learn, but each one is a chance to understand the game better and become a more reliable player.
Aiden Cross is a sports writer and editor at BeliveSports, covering a broad range of sports with a focus on clear, accurate, and practical information. His work covers rules, techniques, player roles, competitions, equipment, statistics, and the details that help readers better understand how different sports are played. Aiden takes a research-driven approach to sports writing, using reliable sources and established sporting information to provide context rather than simply repeating surface-level facts. His goal is to make complex topics accessible while maintaining the accuracy and depth expected by knowledgeable sports fans. At BeliveSports, Aiden contributes to the site’s editorial standards by focusing on accuracy, clarity, useful context, and reader-first explanations.