Our structure at kick ins

[Blood]

A post from the game day thread:

I think our kicking in is actually getting worse. Wasn't sure that was possible but it's happening.

Couldn't agree more and i think this aspect of our game warrants further discussion.

I think the biggest problem is that, not infrequently, we simply take too long. Whether it's Shaw, Mattner or Malceski, we seem to look right, then left, then hesitate before looking upfield and then short before the inevitable balls up / hospital pass. Then look at how Essendon do it - we score a behind, they take one quick look and hit a target every single time.

Conversely, we seem to fall asleep defensively when the opposition kick in, allowing them easy passage into their half-back line and midfield.

I think this needs to be addressed and i'd be interested to hear other people's opinions.

[eggbeater]

need irish back there

[KirkysSocks]

One aspect of the game in the roos era that really pisses me off. Why for the life of me hasn't this been addressed in some form? Since the rule was changed a few seasons ago we have never ever really taken advantage of it. And yes many times the opposition kicks in and we are slow to react or get some sort of zone going. In this era of defensive forwards we put so much pressure on ourselfs for no real reason.

[dimelb]

My impression (hazy I know) is that when we were winning matches a few weeks ago, this aspect of our game was functioning much better. We were kicking in more quickly, at least some of the time. Is it because Tadhg's been absent that we are back to the look both ways then hail mary? And we aren't the only ones who have trouble kicking in when everyone's manned up. We could use more variety. Certainly needs attention.

[stellation]

It is coaching and it is extremely frustrating. There is clearly a team rule for who can take a kick-in, I hate seeing someone put down the ball so a designated kicker can come and take it and just kick it back to them deep in the pocket.

[premiers05]

It is coaching and it is extremely frustrating

Not sure I agree. It looked okay when we had Craig Bolton. I think what we are missing is leadership in the backline. They all look a bit lost out there are need someone on field to keep the structure and tell them what to do. The swans forte was always the backline and then with the addition of shaw and kennelly the run out of defense. Since Craig Bolton got injured the result is 50/50 when the opposition ball gets down to their 50 (metre line). Is Lewie the senior man out there?

[ShockOfHair]

Our zoning/manning up for the opposition kickins is my beef. The Bombers were fast in kicking in but somehow this always came as a surprise.

[swanspant12]

hell do i agree with this.. this frustrates me so much and half of our turnovers are from this. which lead to goals. as soon as were kicking out we have to kick it short to a player and then move from there and keep moving around and making leads. we just seem to be stranded alot of the time.

[stellation]

Not sure I agree. It looked okay when we had Craig Bolton. I think what we are missing is leadership in the backline. They all look a bit lost out there are need someone on field to keep the structure and tell them what to do. The swans forte was always the backline and then with the addition of shaw and kennelly the run out of defense. Since Craig Bolton got injured the result is 50/50 when the opposition ball gets down to their 50 (metre line). Is Lewie the senior man out there?

If we're talking about taking too long at kick-ins then I think it is coaching.

[BRISWAN]

Agree,agree,agree..........hesitation is our downfall in this aspect of the game.
Quick kick ins apply manup pressure on the opposition and improve our potential field position
Responsability for this,depends not only on our kicker but the guys upfield to create multiple options to go to.
Sunday, Essendon appeared to be more proficient than us

[Hartijon]

It seems that there are two choices at kick in to get through the defensive zone. Essendon showed us the first; a really quick long kick to a loose man out wide before he is covered.This strategy requires a team effort to run and spread immediately a point is score against you. Usually you get to the centre corridor in just two kicks.

The more common kick in technique is to wait till your team spreads then choose a player close by with just one opposition player in the same vicinity. Kick short then run past ,creating a 2 on 1 for the handball and go long with your second kick to the centre corridor or out wide. Never kick to a contest or short to a 2 on 1 unless you are a perfect kick. The reason why we delay is not the kickers fault,he is looking for the team to create this situation where he can be 2 on 1 or looking for a wide option which gets less and less likely the longer it takes.Thats what frustrates the @#$% out of us.He ends up kicking to a contest and the ball comes straight back for a goal. The other posts here are right.It's all about coaching!

[CJK]

I think our kicking in is actually getting worse. Wasn't sure that was possible but it's happening.

[caj23]

I think our kicking in is actually getting worse. Wasn't sure that was possible but it's happening.

Agreed - not only are we hopeless at kicking out from a behind, but we're also horrible at stopping the opposition when they kick out

[swansrule100]

thought this thread would be empty i wasnt aware there was a structure.

figured shaw puts it to his boot plays on and goes wide or across or whatever he decides will be the most fun, knowing that it will probably be back for another go soon

[dimelb]

thought this thread would be empty i wasnt aware there was a structure.

figured shaw puts it to his boot plays on and goes wide or across or whatever he decides will be the most fun, knowing that it will probably be back for another go soon

LOL, or perhaps too true to be funny.