NFL style blocking as an AFL tactic

[2010play]

Would an NFL style blocking tactic work in the AFL. Off course there is shepparding, but this would be more of a shepparding on steroids.

Could this be used to help teams run the ball out of their back line/oppositions half. In terms of a tactic it would be most similar to a kick/punt return in the NFL, where the key goal is for players to block and create a path and free space for the man returning the football.

sounds crazy, but could be something in it.

 

[The Magenius]

Would an NFL style blocking tactic work in the AFL. Off course there is shepparding, but this would be more of a shepparding on steroids.

Could this be used to help teams run the ball out of their back line/oppositions half. In terms of a tactic it would be most similar to a kick/punt return in the NFL, where the key goal is for players to block and create a path and free space for the man returning the football.

sounds crazy, but could be something in it.

Surely this would just result in free kicks for holding ?

 

[MarcusP2]

You're not allowed to hold in the NFL either.

Too hard with the 360 degree nature of the game I think, and too many players to guard, though it would be pretty interesting to see someone kick it to themselves from a behind and run through a wedge.

 

[The Magenius]

You're not allowed to hold in the NFL either.

Too hard with the 360 degree nature of the game I think, and too many players to guard, though it would be pretty interesting to see someone kick it to themselves from a behind and run through a wedge.

Yes but they interlock and tussle, if only I person initiated this movement it could potentially result in a free kick.

 

[stugots]

hmm, would have to be highly organised but no real reason as to why a team could not attempt such a tactic - could make for great viewing at the ground, wouldnt work for tele so afl would be all over it

 

[TigerGlory]

I'd give it a season before Fuhrer Demitriou came up with some new rule to prevent it.

 

[Big Kahuna Boot]

..no chance since any sheperding or hip and shouldering needs to be within 5m of the ball at all times.. ..so very hard to do that in a moving situation without giving away free's.. ..and with that much movement up close vision would be hindered and the ball carrier would have to basically kick a high ball just to get it out of the congestion..

 

[Adelaide Hawk]

The way AFL players sink to the knees, you'd have about 20-30 reports each week for head high bumps.

 

[THRILLHO]

What about the Flying Duck?

Kick-in to yourself and then run the ball to the other end with a V-formation of teammates protecting the ball-carrier.

 

[Damon_3388]

The amount of effort that would need to go into adapting it as viable tactic would far outweigh the reward IMO.

 

[legend166]

There's basically no fear in the NFL of someone coming from behind to tackle you. That's why it wouldn't work in footy.

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

Watch Suckling's attempts to kick in against Pies on Sunday, or for that matter anyone within 20m of Harry O'Brien.

Suckling looks right, kicks to himself then zag's back to the left - the man on the 'mark' is sheparded, Suckling runs towards the boundary where the "open" man in the pocket puts on another block, and then Suckling kicks from 25m out to the wing, rather than a contest 60m out.

All good in theory, but if you commit too many to blocking and it doesn't work, then you are badly exposed on any turnover.

 

[BABYBOMBERS2007]

Would be interesting to see.

 

[karlpilkington]

Would be interesting to see.

I would like to see AFL players party as hard as NFL players, AFL players soft

 

[Catlad]

Or run illegal dog fighting sindicates like them...seriously hardcore

 

[Woodson]

Would an NFL style blocking tactic work in the AFL. Off course there is shepparding, but this would be more of a shepparding on steroids.

Could this be used to help teams run the ball out of their back line/oppositions half. In terms of a tactic it would be most similar to a kick/punt return in the NFL, where the key goal is for players to block and create a path and free space for the man returning the football.

sounds crazy, but could be something in it.

Believe or not but it does happen in such a subtle way from stoppages.
The cluster by Clarkson was effective for the Hawks and having seen first hand how Pagan's paddock evolved with getting players behind the ball and moving it in a triangle with one handpass and two running along the side to create a foil and loose man who would sheppard if required.

The defenders don't wait around (AFL) for the ball carrier so you'll most likely see players running toward their direct opponent to try man up. Besides from clamping on the bump and all the 'unaccountable umpiring' there is less chance of having a player running the full distance trying to bulldoze defenders out of the way like you see it in the NFL.

 

[mcuzzy]

What about the Flying Duck?

Kick-in to yourself and then run the ball to the other end with a V-formation of teammates protecting the ball-carrier.

and the player to score should kick a 'knuckle footy'

flip the ball on the side and kick it as hard and low as possible