There is nothing more frustrating as a midfielder or defender than to work overtime all game to get the ball forward, only to see it rebound at you at a rate of knots.
It can be quite depressing, which is why we are grateful to have Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw as the key forwards in our attack.
Their ability to mark the ball out in front of their faces at full speed is pretty to watch for not only the crowd, but we Lions midfielders as well.
Coupled with their ability to win the majority of their one-on-one contests – and take pack marks – we get plenty of value for effort.
It takes great hand-eye coordination to mark the bullet passes that they receive sometimes, but Browny and Braddy do plenty of practice with taking the ball in the hands out in front of them.
That is something that should not be lost on all you kids who watch the Lions’ games.
I know for many generations that kids were taught to mark the ball on their chest, getting their body right behind the ball and wrapping it up. Then they progressed to learning to taking it out in front of them.
I am a firm believer in teaching kids to use their hands right from the start.
With mini-sized balls being used in junior footy these days, there’s not the same issues of small hands trying to mark men-sized footys as in the past.
The further you take the ball out in front of your eyes, the more protection you are actually giving the ball because it is difficult for the defenders to get their fists to the ball.
When you are playing kick to kick with your mates or kicking around before or after training, try and mark the ball in your hands every time.
Like with any footy skill, the more you practice something, the more second nature it becomes to you.
The more confident you get and better you get at taking the ball in your hands, the harder you should get the ball kicked at you.
Who knows, one day it could be you streaming down the middle of the Gabba on the lead and marking the ball for the Lions with your vice-like grip.
Even if you are not a forward, the ability to mark the ball with strong hands will hold you in good stead no matter what position you play.
Happy practicing…until next week,
- Jed
