Glossary of Australian Rules Football - H

H

Half-back

the area of the ground lying halfway between the centre and full-back. Also the name given to the player placed in that position. Usually opposed by the half-forward.

Half-forward

the area of the ground lying halfway between the centre and full-forward. Also the name given to the player placed in that position. Usually opposed by the half-back.

Half-time

the long break between the second and third quarters.

Hammy

a severe hamstring injury (as in "pulled a hammy"). Also hammie.

Handball

(or handpass) a legal disposal of the ball, executed by holding the ball on the flat palm of one hand and hitting it with the other clenched fist.

Handy point

colloquial term for a behind scored near the end of a close game which extends to one more than a multiple of six (i.e. from six points to seven points, from twelve points to thirteen points, or from eighteen points to nineteen points); so called because it means the opposition needs an extra scoring shot to tie or win the game.

Hanger

see specky.

Hard ball get

see contested possession.

High tackle

a tackle that results in contact to the opposition play over the top of his shoulders or to the neck or head. This will result in a free kick.

Hip-and-shoulder

See bump

Hitout

(or tapout, tap or knock-out) a tap by a ruckman to a team's advantage.

Holding the ball

a free kick awarded to a defensive player who tackles an opponent and prevents him from legally disposing of the football.

Hospital Kick

a very high kick to a teammate, allowing opposition players to run in and crash into the person attempting to mark the kick. Can also be a hospital pass.

Hot Spot

the point at the top of the goal square where the contest for the ball is fierce.

Huddle

the grouping of players on the ground at quarter-time and three-quarter-time breaks, and a tactic used at kick-ins after a behind where players group together at center-half-back before breaking to the flanks.