Australian Rules Football

Sports > AFL > Terms

AFL terms

Behind

A behind, worth one point, is awarded when the ball is kicked, handballed or otherwise taken over the line between the large goalpost and the smaller goalpost.

Drop Kick

A kick of the football where the ball hits trhe ground at or just after impact of the foot. This technique is not used in the modern game.

Free Kick

A free kick is awarded after a mark or after an infringement by an opposition player. The player awarded a free kick can stop and take a kick without being tackled.

Goal

A goal is awarded when the ball is kicked through the two large goalposts. It is worth six points on the scoreboard.

Handball

A handball is the alternative to kicking as a way that the football is passed to another players. The ball is held in one hand and punched with the other to project it towards the other player.

Mark

A 'mark' is awarded when the player catches the ball on the full after it has traveled at least 10 metres.

Point

The team with the most points at the end of a game is the winner. Six points are awarded for each goal, and one point for each behind.

Premier

Winner of the Grand Final (premiership)

Torpedo Kick

A kicking technique where the ball travels through the air in a spiral action

Wooden Spoon

The Wooden Spoon is the unofficail title for the last place team at the end of the regular AFL season. (see winners of the wooden spoon)