Why Private AFL Coaching for Kids Should Evolve with Age and Development
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In the world of AFL, developing future stars isn’t just about kicking a ball around the park but about delivering the right support at the right time.
That’s where our private AFL & AFLW coaching for kids plays a crucial role, offering tailored development that grows with the athlete.
From the early years through to draft eligibility and beyond, each stage of a young footballer’s journey requires a different focus.
1. Starting with the Basics - Using the Right Size Football
When kids first pick up a football, one of the simplest but most overlooked aspects of AFL skill development is using the correct size.
Younger children need smaller, age-appropriate footballs to properly learn basic skills like kicking, handballing, and marking. Oversized footballs can hinder technique which can have a long last effect, cause frustration, and even increase the risk of injury.
Private AFL coaching for kids ensures that the right equipment is used to match each athlete’s developmental stage, giving them the best chance to build a strong foundation of fundamental skills.
2. Teenage Years - Learning the Game and Positional IQ
As players move into their teenage years, the game becomes faster, more tactical, and more physically demanding. At this point, it’s not just about raw ability, it’s about game understanding.
This is when developing knowledge of AFL and AFLW game structures and positional requirements becomes critical. Whether a young athlete is playing as a key defender, outside mid, or small forward, they need to understand their role within a team structure.
Knowing how to position themselves, when to run, when to defend, and how to communicate on-field are all skills that can be taught and refined through private AFL coaching. Elite programs start to separate at this age, and athletes who truly understand the game, not just play it; they begin to rise to the top.
3. Late Teens to Early Adulthood - Specialising in Strengths
Once athletes are approaching their draft eligibility age (usually from 16-17 years and older), it's time to shift from general development to refining and specialising in key strengths.
At this stage, private AFL coaching becomes even more individualised. Are you a contested beast? A line-breaking half-back? A deadly accurate small forward? Your sessions now need to reflect what sets you apart and how that aligns with what recruiters are looking for.
Specialised development includes:
Position-specific skill enhancement
Game scenario training
Strength & conditioning aligned to game role
Performance analysis and data review
Mental preparation and leadership focus
This is the phase where private coaching bridges the gap between talent and elite performance.
The Wrap-Up
From learning to kick with a size 2 Sherrin to refining your craft for a shot at the AFL or AFLW draft, the journey of a footballer is layered and long.
Private AFL coaching for kids isn’t about rushing the process but about supporting the right steps, at the right time.
If you’re a parent or a young player wanting to take the next step, make sure your athlete development plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. Like footy itself, the best pathways are built on adaptability, knowledge, and growth.
At HAD Football, we guide players from grassroots to game day, with age-appropriate, position-specific, and future-focused coaching. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you build the full athlete.
Contact us today to further your football development.
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