Getting back to the corridor after any "event" is particularly important for centres.

At centre bounce-downs, it is unlikely that any pre-rehearsed strategy is likely to be automatically effective (it all depends on the strength of the opposition ruckman and ground players, the capacity of the umpire to bounce the ball accurately and strongly, etc.).

What is important therefore is for the ruckman and ground players to assess the situation after the first few bounce-downs and to discuss what changes in strategy they are going to make. thus, before every bounce down, the strategy needs to be rethought. Try not to repeat the same manoeuvre twice in a row. It is a good idea to break up effective tapping with the occasional long knock towards centre half forward to keep the opposition aware of that option (although, as with other ruck plays, the long options needs to be decided in advance so that everyone is aware that it is going to occur).

At bounce-downs and boundary throw-ins, it is a good idea to have one "man in motion" to whom the ball can be given.

When rucking at boundary throw-ins in the forward line, it is rare that an attempted knock towards the goals brings about an effective result. A knock over the back of the head (if possible) is likely to be effective but the opposition ruckman will be trying to knock the ball towards the boundary line or away from the goals and you will therefore find it much easier to do the same and to align your players on the check side of the throw-in but immediately work the ball round the pack toward the corridor from that situation.

The ruckman should be able to knock the ball accurately to every one on the twelve points on the clock face. It is best to practise doing that with no opposing ruckman initially, then with a "dummy " opposing ruckman who does not try to block the ball, and then in a regular competitive situation.

If the opposition get a run on, particularly if they are breaking consistently out of the centre bounce-downs, it is essential to man up in the centre. The easiest way to do that is to be certain that when the ball is bounced you are standing adjacent to your opposing player but between him and the football.

It is essential that centreline players maintain awareness of what is happening in the back line, e.g. if a defender is grounded with an injury after a clash, the centreline players needs to call a forward up to cover the centre, and the centreline player then needs to sprint down and cover the loose forward. The same applies if the opposition have generated a loose man in their forward line by some other means.

The #4 position that we play on the ball is not a loose man in defence or a double Centre. He is really a "corridor runner".