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Biomechanical Framework

The purpose of the book is to give coaches and players a clear, technical understanding of the biomechanics of the Australian Rules Football kicking action, with a goal of analysing and improving.

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Stuart McFarlane

BSc (Sport & Exercise Science) GEd

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A biomechanical framework for the Australian Rules Football kicking action

Ideal Balance Arm

Step 3, Paragraph 1, The Low Flat Pass

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The balance-arm finishes in a position that pushes the chest forward and brings the trunk into a more upright position.  The motion, and resulting position of the balance-hand, assists in moving the pelvis from an anterior tilt to a posterior pelvic tilt.  Another advantage of the balance-arm is to spread the weight to the loaded foot.  Two benefits of this are maintaining the natural centre of gravity exhibited in normal running-gait to allow the player to move more fluently, and reducing the fraction of entire body weight disturbed by the momentum of the kicking-leg during ball strike.

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The Low Flat Pass

Stuart McFarlane

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Defining Characteristics of the Running-Kick

Page 93, The Low Flat Pass

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The following five principles capture how the 10-step framework defines an elite kick.  An elite running-kick integrates technical precision with biomechanical efficiency.  In practice, this means:

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1. Drop-punt execution - the foundation of reliable ball flight and accurancy.

2. Disposal at pace - controlled transfer from hand to foot, beginning with the correct hand-position on the ball, and guided efficiently into impact for accurate low-trajectory delivery.

3. Agility under pressure - the ability to change direction with the ball in hand, maintain torso stability, and still execute a precise kick.

4. Balance across the kinetic chain - stability is maintained before, during, and after impact, with gait rhythm preserved.

5. Adaptability to teammates - maintaining ball control while carrying and releasing efficiently to hit moving targets under game conditions.

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Stuart McFarlane

Sports Scientist
BSc (Sport & Exercise Science) GEd

Stuart McFarlane is a sport scientist, educator, and consultant specialising in the biomechanics of movement and skill acquisition. A former student of Roy Redman’s kicking methodology, he has maintained a long association with Kick Builders and the continuing development of The Low Flat Pass.

 

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise and a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching, McFarlane combines academic training with a lifelong passion for technical skill performance in Australian Rules Football.

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