When you’re working with young athletes, especially in a team sport like AFL, the goal isn’t just about helping them kick farther or run faster. It’s about building their confidence, teaching them how to make decisions under pressure, and keeping things fun so they stick with it long enough to grow. Whether you’re coaching a junior team, supporting your child, or just looking to understand the process better, here’s a practical guide to help make every session count.
Start with the Basics Every Time
Kids thrive on repetition, but only if it’s engaging. Drills that revisit foundational skills—like handballing, marking, and accurate kicking—shouldn’t feel like a chore. Keep them short, varied, and full of encouragement. Think mini-challenges or relay-style formats instead of rigid lines and long waits. The more touches on the ball, the better. Confidence builds when kids feel like they’re improving, and improvement starts with simple, repeated movement.
Focus on Fun Over Perfection
Kids will remember how training made them feel long before they recall what specific skills they learned. If they’re constantly corrected or stuck doing drills that don’t make sense to them, they’ll check out fast. Let them laugh. Let them play games that get them moving and thinking without even realizing they’re practicing. One-touch handball circles, small-sided games, or even freeze tag with footy rules keep their heads and hands engaged at the same time.
Use Positive Language That Sticks
The way instructions are delivered can be just as important as what’s being taught. Instead of saying “Don’t drop the ball,” go with “Keep your eyes on the ball all the way in.” Frame feedback around what they can do rather than what they shouldn’t. If you want effort and persistence, praise those things just as loudly as a perfect kick. Positive reinforcement, when done consistently, builds habits that last far beyond the oval.
Break Down Skills into Actionable Steps
For something like kicking, avoid overloading young players with five technical corrections all at once. Pick one cue to focus on: “toe down,” “point your foot,” or “follow through toward the target.” When they nail that one step, then they build on it. The same goes for marking—start with hand position and body balance before worrying about jumping technique or timing. Progress feels faster when it’s simple and clear.
Mix in Decision-Making Early
Even the most talented kids can freeze in a real game if they’ve only ever trained in predictable drills. Add choices into the mix—have them decide whether to pass left or right depending on a teammate’s movement, or make split-second decisions during mini-matches. These moments create natural pressure, which helps develop game awareness and confidence at the same time.
Use Age-Appropriate Coaching
Not all kids are ready for the same level of detail. Younger players often learn best by doing, not listening. Demonstrate, then let them try. Older or more advanced juniors might benefit from short video clips or quick chalk talks, but keep the talking short and the doing long. Attention spans don’t stretch just because players are older—they still need movement to stay engaged.
Know When to Push and When to Pause
Kids hit plateaus. Sometimes they breeze through a skill, other times they struggle for weeks. That’s normal. The key is knowing when to push for one more go and when to switch it up. If something’s not working, change the drill, not the goal. Keep the challenge just above their current level. If every session ends with kids feeling frustrated, they’re less likely to come back motivated.
Get Parents Involved the Right Way
Parents can be a huge help—or a huge distraction. Encourage positive sideline behavior, and if they want to be hands-on, give them a simple role like passing out cones or running a warm-up game. Most are happy to help when given guidance. And when everyone’s pulling in the same direction, players feel more supported and focused.
Work with the Right Support
Sometimes it helps to lean on professionals, especially if you’re looking to build a long-term development plan for your junior players. Whether you’re aiming for better skill progression, stronger teamwork, or more structured coaching, working with experts in AFL skill development support for juniors can take a lot of pressure off local coaches and parents alike.
Encourage Self-Reflection Without Pressure
Ask players what they think went well or what they want to try next time. This kind of reflection, especially when it’s casual and low-stakes, teaches accountability without piling on pressure. It also helps coaches understand what players are actually taking away from training. Reflection doesn’t need to be formal—just a quick chat can do the job.
Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Even experienced coaches benefit from fresh ideas and different approaches. There’s plenty out there on how to coach kids in sport that can add new energy to your sessions. From podcast episodes to practical guides, keeping your coaching style evolving (without overcomplicating it) helps everyone stay excited—coaches included.
Helping kids improve in AFL is more than just technical drills—it’s about setting the right tone, building trust, and making learning part of the fun. The best sessions feel like play but leave players walking away just a little bit better than when they started. And that’s what keeps them coming back.