Enhanced Football Skills ~ Ben Stanley
In this episode of The Women's Footy Podcast, Jacob sits down with Ben Stanley and they discuss the evolution of Ben’s Instagram page, Enhanced Football, which initially aimed to educate followers on kicking techniques and fundamental AFL skills. Over time, the page expanded to include video analysis and engagement with the global AFL community, fostering interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Australia, Japan, and the USA. Ben expresses excitement about the growth of Australian rules football beyond Australia, highlighting the emergence of leagues in countries like Ireland, the UK, and the USA, driven by expatriates and newfound interest sparked by social media exposure.
Jacob and Ben delved into the intricacies of kicking technique in Australian rules football, emphasising the importance of proper ball grip and hand positioning for optimal control and accuracy. Ben notes the challenges faced by athletes transitioning from sports involving round balls, such as Gaelic football, and discusses varying grip styles among players. Ben also previews the development of Enhanced Coach, an app aimed at enhancing technique analysis for various sports, including Australian rules football and sprinting. The app seeks to provide users with comprehensive tools for skill improvement and comparison with elite athletes, offering personalised insights and feedback.
Furthermore, Ben reflected on his personal journey with Australian rules football, recounting his transition from Victoria to Queensland and his early struggles to find a foothold in a rugby-dominated sports culture. Despite initial obstacles, Ben's passion for football persevered, leading to his representation of Queensland in junior competitions and witnessing the growth of the sport in his adopted state. He highlights the increasing popularity of Australian rules football in Queensland, particularly among young people, underscoring the positive impact of grassroots initiatives and community engagement in fostering its expansion.
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