The "dribble" goal

[45HG 1,539]

This has been a bit of a bugbear of mine for a while.

No, it's not players doing it. Rather, it's commentators obsessing over it.

The first thing that gets me is how crazy they go when it goes through - it is usually completely disproportionate to how difficult it is to achieve (similar to how baseball commentators drool over bare-handed pickups).

The main thing that gets me is when they say it's a form of lairising. Dwayne Russell just described it as a "look at me" kick after Harley Bennell attempted a right footed dribble goal from the right forward pocket. This basically sums up many commentators view on the technique. It is, however, illogical. He claimed that the goal face is wider the higher up you go (I assume he is alluding to the lack of padding higher up the post - but who knows what goes on in that mind).

What he, and many others, ignore is that the dribble goal opens up the goal face and, in fact, greatly increases the chance of scoring a goal. In the Bennell example, a flighted shot at goal (snap) would have meant that the ball would have been curving away from goal and the margin for error would have been very slight. Dribbling it, however, massively opens up the goal face and is a pretty risk free kick. The problem, however, comes when the player ignores a defender nearby who can touch the ball over the line. This is obviously something the attacker should be aware of and something they need to weigh up.

It's just something that'd annoyed me for a while now, not sure if anyone else has noticed it.

[Sir Why You Little 37,016]

This has been a bit of a bugbear of mine for a while.

No, it's not players doing it. Rather, it's commentators obsessing over it.

The first thing that gets me is how crazy they go when it goes through - it is usually completely disproportionate to how difficult it is to achieve (similar to how baseball commentators drool over bare-handed pickups).

The main thing that gets me is when they say it's a form of lairising. Dwayne Russell just described it as a "look at me" kick after Harley Bennell attempted a right footed dribble goal from the right forward pocket. This basically sums up many commentators view on the technique. It is, however, illogical. He claimed that the goal face is wider the higher up you go (I assume he is alluding to the lack of padding higher up the post - but who knows what goes on in that mind).

What he, and many others, ignore is that the dribble goal opens up the goal face and, in fact, greatly increases the chance of scoring a goal. In the Bennell example, a flighted shot at goal (snap) would have meant that the ball would have been curving away from goal and the margin for error would have been very slight. Dribbling it, however, massively opens up the goal face and is a pretty risk free kick. The problem, however, comes when the player ignores a defender nearby who can touch the ball over the line. This is obviously something the attacker should be aware of and something they need to weigh up.

It's just something that'd annoyed me for a while now, not sure if anyone else has noticed it.

Totally agree. the Dribble Goal is worth 6 points, just like any other goal, and quite often to run the ball along the ground is far more accurate than picking it up quickly and snapping.

D...wayne Russell....say no more.

[Range Rover 1,935]

This has been a bit of a bugbear of mine for a while.

No, it's not players doing it. Rather, it's commentators obsessing over it.

The first thing that gets me is how crazy they go when it goes through - it is usually completely disproportionate to how difficult it is to achieve (similar to how baseball commentators drool over bare-handed pickups).

The main thing that gets me is when they say it's a form of lairising. Dwayne Russell just described it as a "look at me" kick after Harley Bennell attempted a right footed dribble goal from the right forward pocket. This basically sums up many commentators view on the technique. It is, however, illogical. He claimed that the goal face is wider the higher up you go (I assume he is alluding to the lack of padding higher up the post - but who knows what goes on in that mind).

What he, and many others, ignore is that the dribble goal opens up the goal face and, in fact, greatly increases the chance of scoring a goal. In the Bennell example, a flighted shot at goal (snap) would have meant that the ball would have been curving away from goal and the margin for error would have been very slight. Dribbling it, however, massively opens up the goal face and is a pretty risk free kick. The problem, however, comes when the player ignores a defender nearby who can touch the ball over the line. This is obviously something the attacker should be aware of and something they need to weigh up.

It's just something that'd annoyed me for a while now, not sure if anyone else has noticed it.

Yeah I heard Dwayne Russell and even the Ox just going on about it on radio. They are so out of touch. It's not a skill confined to the Daniel Motlops of this world. Kids of eight and twelve in parks around Victoria can do it. From a technical standpoint, if the goalmouth is free and you are running to the boundary line in the pocket, it's probably the 'percentage' kick to go for.

The only thing that should be remembered is that it was the Macedonian Marvel who pioneered it and used it to such devastating and entertaining effect during his career. I know he's from the Filth but this goal is one of my alltime favourites:

[Sir Why You Little 37,016]

The only thing that should be remembered is that it was the Macedonian Marvel who pioneered it and used it to such devastating and entertaining effect during his career. I know he's from the Filth but this goal is one of my alltime favourites:

Daicos was a complete champion, i saw his first game in '79 against st.kilda out at Filth Park. Played a blinder as a 17 y/o.

He was in the same category as Robert Flower, he didn't have bad games, some were just more sublime than others.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,385]

Totally agree. the Dribble Goal is worth 6 points, just like any other goal, and quite often to run the ball along the ground is far more accurate than picking it up quickly and snapping.

D...wayne Russell....say no more.

I can't see the need for the 'dribble'. The ball can go in any direction once it hits the ground. If you want to keep the effect of the wind out of the equation what's wrong with a low skimmer on the full just inches above the turf? Surely this is FASTER and SAFER.

Edited April 23, 2011 by bobby mckenzie

[45HG 1,539]

I can't see the need for the 'dribble'. The ball can go in any direction once it hits the ground. If you want to keep the effect of the wind out of the equation what's wrong with a low skimmer on the full just inches above the turf? Surely this is FASTER and SAFER.

It has nothing to do with wind, it has everything to do with angle. A "dribble" goal is far safer than a skimmer. A talented kicker of the ball will not make the ball go in "any direction," it's really not that difficult a skill.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,385]

It has nothing to do with wind, it has everything to do with angle. A "dribble" goal is far safer than a skimmer. A talented kicker of the ball will not make the ball go in "any direction," it's really not that difficult a skill.

If you say so '45HG16'. Can't agree though. Each dribble goal looks like a king size 'jag' to me with the ball wobbling all over the place before trickling over the line(sometimes not always). Can't see how a dribble kick opens up the angle. How? Please explain.

[45HG 1,539]

If you say so '45HG16'. Can't agree though. Each dribble goal looks like a king size 'jag' to me with the ball wobbling all over the place before trickling over the line(sometimes not always). Can't see how a dribble kick opens up the angle. How? Please explain.

It's something that's much easier to show rather than explain. But if you imagine a right footed player at the city end of the G in the right forward pocket facing the city. To snap a goal in the air, the ball will swing away from the goal face - meaning that you have less of the goal face to work with (because the ball works right-left). A dribble goal works left to right, about halfway through a dribble "snap" the ball will straighten up meaning that the goal face is open.

Basically, the only think you have to worry about is getting the ball to ground as soon as possible. I find it easier than kicking straight sometimes as you've got the whole length of your footy to work with basically, rather than the narrower width.

Anyway, it's something that's much easier to show someone.

[Deestroy All 14,262]

If you say so '45HG16'. Can't agree though. Each dribble goal looks like a king size 'jag' to me with the ball wobbling all over the place before trickling over the line(sometimes not always). Can't see how a dribble kick opens up the angle. How? Please explain.

If you're trying to kick the goal from the right boundary line with your right foot:

- on the full / drop punt: the ball will swing from right to left, so away from the goals, meaning you're giving away the goal face and need pin point accuracy, incredibly low percentage.

- dribble: you're aiming the ball into the centre off your foot, curving it in toward goal, opening up the whole goal line to bounce the ball over, much easier than it looks and easy enough if you're under pressure to get it off quickly.

Checkside / banana on the full is another option, but you need much more time to steady and aim your body towards the centre.

It's quite simple, kids have been doing this since Daicos, Ablett and Jakovich, it's natural flare and a piece of cake for a pro.

They go in more than a set shot from 40 directly in front does.

[Deestroy All 14,262]

It's something that's much easier to show rather than explain. But if you imagine a right footed player at the city end of the G in the right forward pocket facing the city. To snap a goal in the air, the ball will swing away from the goal face - meaning that you have less of the goal face to work with (because the ball works right-left). A dribble goal works left to right, about halfway through a dribble "snap" the ball will straighten up meaning that the goal face is open.

Basically, the only think you have to worry about is getting the ball to ground as soon as possible. I find it easier than kicking straight sometimes as you've got the whole length of your footy to work with basically, rather than the narrower width.

Anyway, it's something that's much easier to show someone.

Oops I was a bit late

[Bobby McKenzie 2,385]

It's something that's much easier to show rather than explain. But if you imagine a right footed player at the city end of the G in the right forward pocket facing the city. To snap a goal in the air, the ball will swing away from the goal face - meaning that you have less of the goal face to work with (because the ball works right-left). A dribble goal works left to right, about halfway through a dribble "snap" the ball will straighten up meaning that the goal face is open.

Basically, the only think you have to worry about is getting the ball to ground as soon as possible. I find it easier than kicking straight sometimes as you've got the whole length of your footy to work with basically, rather than the narrower width.

Anyway, it's something that's much easier to show someone.

Very interesting theories indeed.I have a physics teacher mate(who played footy) who MAY be able to explain the physics of what you are saying. Why then have I seen dribble attempts by a right footer from the LEFT forward pocket and even directly in front? Also, doesn't a dribble kick give a defender just that little more time to intercept. As we all know a dribbled ball will 'sit' and slow down before rolling on again. Why does it do an off break anyway? Also doesn't it place great importance on timing and what part of the footy you contact. I liken this to an attempted spiral punt. Get it slightly wrong and you get a mongrel old punt kick. Sorry, but my low skimmer worked for me. Thanks for your explanations anyway. I appreciate your thoughts.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,385]

Yeah I heard Dwayne Russell and even the Ox just going on about it on radio. They are so out of touch. It's not a skill confined to the Daniel Motlops of this world. Kids of eight and twelve in parks around Victoria can do it. From a technical standpoint, if the goalmouth is free and you are running to the boundary line in the pocket, it's probably the 'percentage' kick to go for.

The only thing that should be remembered is that it was the Macedonian Marvel who pioneered it and used it to such devastating and entertaining effect during his career. I know he's from the Filth but this goal is one of my alltime favourites:

Watched the video three times and unless my eyes are shot the ball was in the air until the goal line. Not a dribble goal at all.

[dee-luded 2,959]

Yeah I heard Dwayne Russell and even the Ox just going on about it on radio. They are so out of touch. It's not a skill confined to the Daniel Motlops of this world. Kids of eight and twelve in parks around Victoria can do it. From a technical standpoint, if the goalmouth is free and you are running to the boundary line in the pocket, it's probably the 'percentage' kick to go for.

The only thing that should be remembered is that it was the Macedonian Marvel who pioneered it and used it to such devastating and entertaining effect during his career. I know he's from the Filth but this goal is one of my alltime favourites:

He used it sparingly, when it was necessary, rather than for show. He would kick them straight if he could, if it was easier. He wasn't a lair, he was efficient.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,385]

It's something that's much easier to show rather than explain. But if you imagine a right footed player at the city end of the G in the right forward pocket facing the city. To snap a goal in the air, the ball will swing away from the goal face - meaning that you have less of the goal face to work with (because the ball works right-left). A dribble goal works left to right, about halfway through a dribble "snap" the ball will straighten up meaning that the goal face is open.

Basically, the only think you have to worry about is getting the ball to ground as soon as possible. I find it easier than kicking straight sometimes as you've got the whole length of your footy to work with basically, rather than the narrower width.

Anyway, it's something that's much easier to show someone.

Thanks for the explanation. I have a physics teacher mate(who played footy) who MAY be able to explain the physics of what you are saying.Why does the ball bounce from left to right? If your theories are right why have I seen dribble goal attempts made by a right footer from the LEFT forward pocket or even when directly in front? A bit confusing. Also, surely a dribble kick gives the defender just that little more time to intercept. As we all know, a footy will 'sit' before rolling forwards and then 'sit' again. Surely timing would have to be precise and where under pressure the ball is struck. I liken this to the old spiral punt. Slightly miskick the ball and it became a mongrel old punt kick. Sorry, but my skimmers worked well for me from both pockets.

[45HG 1,539]

Ah! I just wrote a response to this but lost it. I'll write another one but it won't be nearly as in depth.

I have a physics teacher mate(who played footy) who MAY be able to explain the physics of what you are saying.

You just have to see the way the ball is angled when it is dribbled along the ground to see why it will spin a certain way. It will lean the way the ball is sticking out at the top (yes, I'm sure your physics mate could describe it MUCH better than I could).

Why then have I seen dribble attempts by a right footer from the LEFT forward pocket and even directly in front?

If you hold the ball the opposite way and use the opposite side of your foot, it will go the opposite way (just like a snap and a banana). Likewise if you hold the ball end on end and kick it along the ground dead in front it will bounce pretty much perfectly end on end (though that's more of a party trick). Obviously I'm not saying players should always use this type of kick, but it is a very good option in certain situations.

Also, doesn't a dribble kick give a defender just that little more time to intercept. As we all know a dribbled ball will 'sit' and slow down before rolling on again.

Yes. Obviously this is one of the things that an attacker has to keep in mind when going for goal. However, often there aren't defenders nearby (or close enough to get there) and the attacker needs to decide between a very difficult airborne shot that angles away from the goal and a shot that will be slower but will have a much greater chance of going through. Again, I'm not saying a player should always do this type of shot.

Get it slightly wrong and you get a mongrel old punt kick. Sorry, but my low skimmer worked for me. Thanks for your explanations anyway. I appreciate your thoughts.

It can obviously go horribly wrong, but then again so can a standard drop punt or even a skimmer. You're right though and I'm certainly not advocating players try things they're not comfortable with. I'm just saying that I know it's a pretty easy way to kick the footy once you figure it out (possibly even easier than learning how to kick in the first place) and increases the likelihood of the ball going through the goal face rather than away to either side (whether it's touched or not is another story!).

[Bobby McKenzie 2,385]

Ah! I just wrote a response to this but lost it. I'll write another one but it won't be nearly as in depth.

You just have to see the way the ball is angled when it is dribbled along the ground to see why it will spin a certain way. It will lean the way the ball is sticking out at the top (yes, I'm sure your physics mate could describe it MUCH better than I could).

If you hold the ball the opposite way and use the opposite side of your foot, it will go the opposite way (just like a snap and a banana). Likewise if you hold the ball end on end and kick it along the ground dead in front it will bounce pretty much perfectly end on end (though that's more of a party trick). Obviously I'm not saying players should always use this type of kick, but it is a very good option in certain situations.

Yes. Obviously this is one of the things that an attacker has to keep in mind when going for goal. However, often there aren't defenders nearby (or close enough to get there) and the attacker needs to decide between a very difficult airborne shot that angles away from the goal and a shot that will be slower but will have a much greater chance of going through. Again, I'm not saying a player should always do this type of shot.

It can obviously go horribly wrong, but then again so can a standard drop punt or even a skimmer. You're right though and I'm certainly not advocating players try things they're not comfortable with. I'm just saying that I know it's a pretty easy way to kick the footy once you figure it out (possibly even easier than learning how to kick in the first place) and increases the likelihood of the ball going through the goal face rather than away to either side (whether it's touched or not is another story!).

Thanks mate. Is that why my original post disappeared and I had to try and re-write it? I thought I had been banned or something!

[45HG 1,539]

Thanks mate. Is that why my original post disappeared and I had to try and re-write it? I thought I had been banned or something!

Yeah sorry about that. All good now.

[RalphiusMaximus 6,046]

My problem with the dribble goal is not the attempt from the pocket but the one from in front of the goals. I hate to see a player try to roll it through the posts from 40m directly in front. If you give the ball a bit of air you know it won't be touched and it can't take a freak bounce. Dribbling it through is just adding variables and increasing the likelihood of missing.

[Range Rover 1,935]

Watched the video three times and unless my eyes are shot the ball was in the air until the goal line. Not a dribble goal at all.

You're right actuallty but the execution of the kick was in the manner of a dribble.

There are more examples from him in this highlights video, along with many other goals showcasing his extraordinary ability.

[harry 1]

The 'dribble' kick is fine when you're in the pocket on an angle, but it gets used a hell of a lot when players are running straight at goal (or close enough to straight at goal) and could kick a drop punt in the air.

[Steamin Demon 392]

My problem with the dribble goal is not the attempt from the pocket but the one from in front of the goals. I hate to see a player try to roll it through the posts from 40m directly in front. If you give the ball a bit of air you know it won't be touched and it can't take a freak bounce. Dribbling it through is just adding variables and increasing the likelihood of missing.

I was just about to type this. It's the ones when a player is running straight at the goal earns the scorn from commentators. I can see why they do it though, When you are at full tilt its quite easy to spray a drop punt where as an end over end kick it alot easier. I'd still like to see players drilling it through half way up IMO.

[binman 42,842]

My problem with the dribble goal is not the attempt from the pocket but the one from in front of the goals. I hate to see a player try to roll it through the posts from 40m directly in front. If you give the ball a bit of air you know it won't be touched and it can't take a freak bounce. Dribbling it through is just adding variables and increasing the likelihood of missing.

I'm 100% with you on this. Absolute pet hate of mine and seems to happen all the time. Up there with playing on when only 20 -30 metres out after a mark. Dribble away from the boundary but from straight in front? Looks great but as noted above surely as sooon as you put the ball on the ground it reduces the likliehood of it going straight and/or increases the chances a defender will be able to touch the ball. Jurrah did it against the lions and almost hit the post.

Edited April 24, 2011 by binman