Why isn't the torpedo used more?

[Wallaby]

Is that why the drop punt rules?

Note Hudson used a flat punt.

Because he was kicking for goal, not kicking to a teammate. A flat punt is very accurate if done well - and that's hard. But it's a bugger to mark.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

Young Bunk was sitting just near this kick and fair to say his *in jaw dropped.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

 

[kickazz]

It could still be useful.

But coaches want predictability and control. Even if it could result in better outcomes on average they just don't like the unpredictability.

Only recent exception I can think of is the time Hinkley got Port to deliberately mung it into the forward line to nullify the Eagle's defence's aerial supremacy.

 

[Alesana]

Low %.
Harder to mark.

Adelaide went at 58% kicking efficiency in the first quarter, if you're gonna miss a target might as well miss it long

 

[2Knights]

The difficulty of kicking torps properly is something of a myth. They aren't much more difficult than a drop punt (the ball drop is less forgiving). We kicked them regularly in school football. Elite-level professional players should have no problems kicking them. There is no faster way of getting the ball from point A to point B than a low flat torpedo. They'll never be useful for pinpoint short passing which alas has taken over the game. But like any other skill, players won't have proficiency if they don't use them regularly in practice and in games.

 

[_Mike_]

Many players today struggle to kick a regulation drop punt, dont confuse them with torps or dropkicks or they'll implode.

 

[Kram]

I once kicked a 90 metre torpedo. Most AFL players aren't as powerful as me, but they can still kick it far.

 

[spudmaster]

And it requires a serious run-up to execute properly. It could work ok if you did have a bit of space to move into, but by that stage a modern footballer would have had time to hit a good target.

Ben Brown likes this.

 

[master bate]

Should be used more for kick outs.

Melbourne have set up a few long bombs up the middle to Gawn. Given he's incredibly hard to out mark it makes sense. No reason not to work an extra wrinkle in with that plan where Gawn runs one way for a 60m drop punt and draws the defensive zone towards him, whilst the real plan is a 70m torp to players moving the other way.

Teams should have about 10 different set play options from kick outs, yet most teams seem to have only 3 - hit a target, go short in to the pocket or go long and wide.

Should also be used for long shots on goal.

If it works - great. If it doesn't then the chaos ball gives forwards more of a chance than a kick that drops short and maybe more of a chance than hitting up the lead depending on the player/team/opposition.