Taking the first grab is very important in any marking contest. Being able to get a good, clean purchase in front of your opponent is crucial.
Lance Franklin often gets 'first bite' on the football.
By getting in front you give yourself every opportunity as most ineffective kicks fall short of their targets. Lance ‘ Buddy ‘ Franklin is one such player that always maximises his marking options by playing in front.
By being in front and being the attacking player you are more likely to receive a free kick if the contest is disputed.
‘Buddy’ Franklin uses his long reach to its full potential, and by extending his arms fully in a marking contest it gives him the best chance of reaching the ball at the earliest moment. Marking with bent arms can decrease your potential reach by up to 15cm.
The most important thing is to always keep your eyes on the ball all the way to the hands. ‘Buddy’ Franklin’s freak ability to take strong grabs is a result of his concentration of focusing on the football all the way as he completes a mark.
Players can often at the last minute lapse in concentration just as they are about to take the ball in the air and all their hard work of getting into position is undone.
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