Australian Rules Football Passing: Master the Correct Technique

A good pass in Australian Rules Football is more than a way to move the ball. It can give a teammate space to run, break through a crowded contest or keep an attack alive under pressure. The right technique depends on the distance, the opponent’s position and whether you have time to set yourself.

There are two legal ways to pass the ball: kick it or handball it. A kick is usually the better option for distance, while a handball can move the ball quickly to a teammate nearby. Both need control and good timing—and a handball must be punched, not thrown.

The two legal ways to pass

Australian football allows players to dispose of the ball by kicking it or handballing it. A player cannot simply throw the ball to a teammate. When choosing how to pass, look at the space in front of your teammate, the pressure coming at you and how quickly the ball needs to move.

• Kick: Best for covering more ground or passing to a teammate leading into space. A kick that travels at least 15 metres and is not touched by another player can be marked.
• Handball: Best for a quick, short pass to a nearby teammate, especially when a teammate is running past. A handball cannot be marked.

How to handball correctly

A legal handball is made by holding the ball in one hand and striking it with the clenched fist of the other. The fist sends the ball towards your teammate. You must not toss or push the ball away with an open hand.

Step-by-step handball technique

1. Get balanced. Bend your knees slightly and keep your body steady. If you are running, use a controlled stride rather than trying to stop abruptly.
2. Hold the ball firmly. Place it in the palm of your non-punching hand, with your fingers supporting it. Keep it in front of your body so you can see your target.
3. Make a fist. Keep your punching hand closed and your wrist firm. Aim to strike the ball with the flat, broad part of your knuckles.
4. Punch through the ball. Use a short, direct action. Send the ball towards your teammate’s hands or the space they are moving into.
5. Follow through towards the target. A controlled follow-through helps with direction. Avoid swinging wildly, which can make the pass harder to handle.

The handballing hand can be either the left or the right. Practise both sides so you are not forced to turn into pressure to use your preferred hand. In a match, a short handball to a teammate running past can be especially effective: the receiver carries the ball into space while you help draw a defender away.

How to kick a pass

The drop punt is the most common kick for a controlled pass. Its end-over-end flight is easier for a teammate to judge than a tumbling kick. Accuracy starts with a relaxed grip and a clear target.

Step-by-step drop punt technique

1. Grip the ball comfortably. Hold it with both hands, with your fingers along the sides and your thumbs supporting it. Keep the pointed ends aligned with your kicking direction.
2. Line up your approach. Take a few steady steps towards the target. Your approach should feel natural, not rushed or overly long.
3. Drop the ball, don’t toss it. Bring it down onto your kicking foot. A clean drop gives you a better chance of striking the ball straight.
4. Strike with the top of your foot. Aim to contact the ball around the laces, with your toes pointed towards the target. Keep your eyes on the ball through contact.
5. Follow through. Let your kicking leg swing towards the target, and keep your body balanced. A strong follow-through can help with distance, but accuracy comes first on a short pass.

For a pass to a leading teammate, aim ahead of them rather than directly at their current position. The right lead depends on the defender: a pass to the open side can let your teammate run onto the ball, while a kick too close to the opponent may invite an interception. Communicate early with a call or hand signal when you can.

Choosing between a kick and a handball

Quick decision-making often matters as much as clean technique. If a teammate is close and moving into space, a handball can release the ball before a tackler closes in. If you need to switch play or find a lead farther away, a kick is usually more useful. Avoid handballing simply because you are under pressure: a rushed pass to a stationary teammate can leave them trapped as well.

Before disposing of the ball, scan for a safe target. In traffic, try to pass to the teammate with room to move, not just the closest player. If no safe option is available, protect the ball and look again rather than forcing a pass into a group of opponents.

Common passing mistakes

• Throwing instead of handballing: A handball must be struck with a clenched fist. An open-hand push or toss is not a legal handpass.
• Dropping the ball poorly before a kick: A sideways or bouncing drop makes clean contact harder. Practise dropping the ball onto your foot consistently.
• Looking up too early: Spot your target before the kick, then watch the ball through contact. Lifting your head at the wrong moment can spoil accuracy.
• Passing to where a teammate is, not where they are going: Lead them into space when the situation allows.
• Ignoring the defensive pressure: A technically neat pass can still be a poor choice if an opponent is in the passing lane. Check the space before you dispose of the ball.

Simple drills to improve your passing

Start with a partner about five metres away. Alternate handballs and drop punts, aiming at the partner’s chest. Once you can hit the target consistently, move farther apart for kicks and practise passing to a partner jogging across your line of sight. This helps you judge both direction and timing.

To add pressure, have a third player approach the ball carrier at a controlled pace. The ball carrier must scan, choose a target and dispose of the ball before being tagged. Keep the drill safe and focus on making a legal, well-directed pass rather than simply rushing the action.

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• Master the Basics: Attacking Techniques in Australian Rules Football

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you throw the ball in Australian Rules Football?

No. You must dispose of the ball with a kick or a legal handball. For a handball, hold the ball in one hand and strike it with the clenched fist of the other.

Which hand should you use to handball?

Either hand is legal. Practising with both lets you pass more quickly when an opponent is closing in from one side.

Can a teammate mark a handball?

No. A mark is awarded for a qualifying kick, not a handball. A kick must travel at least 15 metres and not be touched by another player to be marked.

What is the best kick for an accurate pass?

The drop punt is the standard choice for most controlled passes. Its flight is generally easier for a teammate to read and mark than a tumbling kick.

Final Thoughts

The correct passing technique in Australian Rules Football depends on choosing a legal disposal and matching it to the situation. Punch a handball with a clenched fist for a quick, short pass; use a controlled drop punt when you need more distance or want to give a teammate a chance to mark. Practise both, scan before you act and pass to the space your teammate can reach.