There are various individual skills and team tactics that are required to play Australian rules football effectively. These are dictated by tradition and the sport's laws. Individual skills and tactics Ball handling and general athleticism The most generic skill for a player is ball handling – being familiar with the shape and weight of the football, how to securely grip and hold it, and how to predict its movement on the ground and through the air. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on individual athleticism for players. Physical fitness is necessary because play sees few breaks, takes place across a field 150–180 metres long, and has few restrictions on player position on the ground. Possession skills Possession of the football is required to score so a core group of skills relate to possessing the football. These include: Marking – e.g. arm or chest mark, overhead mark Bouncing the ball – e.g. running bounce Pick up – e.g. collecting an unclaimed ball while it is loose on the ground Disposal skills In order to progress the football across the field of play in order to gain advantage or score the football must be disposed of legally by the controlling player. This can be done by: Kicking – e.g. drop punt, torpedo punt, snap, banana kick; or Handball In specific situations where a pause in play has occurred (e.g. a stoppage or ball-up from the umpire), the ball may be contested in a specific way: Hitting out Checking skills While not in possession of the football, a player will still need to work to gain possession of the football, force an error from the opposing player, or to provide an advantage to a team-mate. Smothering Tackling Bumping Spoiling Kicking Shepherding One percenters These skills get their name from the minor advantage they gain for a team. Spoil Drawing a free kick Intercept marks Smother Styles of play Player on Player Player on Player (sometimes referred to as "man on man") is a traditional style of play which is used in juniors and grassroots to learn the game, but sometimes used professionally as a defensive structure or to disrupt play. It involves players starting in designated set positions and playing alongside their opponent for as long as possible. This style of play results in maximum contests and provides very few opportunities for tactics. Coaches sometimes utilise one or more players that specialise in