The club's forward coach John Barker said the Blues' increased focus on conversion had been sparked by their own relative inaccuracy in recent seasons, and a belief that high-pressure matches are usually won by the most efficient team.
To reinforce the point, Barker cited the example of last year's thrilling AFL Grand Final, when Hawthorn's wayward kicking cost it dearly against the Sydney Swans.
In both of the past two seasons Carlton has recorded a conversion rate of 51.2 percent, ranking eighth in the AFL last year and 14th in 2011.
Three times last year the Blues lost close games in which they self-destructed in front of goal.
Longtime track watchers at Visy Park have noted a major increase in goalkicking practice, which is incorporated into most training drills. The focus isn't simply on routine set shots, but all manner of scoring opportunities that might arise in a match: on the run, snaps, dribblers, even the odd torpedo, and on either foot from varying angles.
Any experimentation has its foundation in solid technique, with the Blues' goalkicking program being run by Barker and fellow assistant coaches Rob Wiley and Brad Green.
Coach Mick Malthouse also encourages his players to refine their finishing skills. Even in drills where the ball misses the leading forward target by some margin, Malthouse insists that the intended receiver go back for a set shot.
There are also more Blues honing their goalkicking. With Malthouse desiring greater versatility – midfielders resting in attack and some backmen touted to either add to the midfield mix or have the occasional stint forward – more players need to comfortable and competent in front of goal.
Barker – a cool converter of 127 goals in a 168-game career with Fitzroy, Brisbane Lions and Hawthorn – said it was difficult to quantify in percentage terms just how much more goalkicking the Blues were doing compared to previous seasons, but confirmed that they were "certainly emphasising it and doing more of it".
"When I got to the club (at the end of 2010), conversion was one of the concerns," Barker told AFL.com.au.
"We did a fair bit of work on it last year and it improved a bit, we've stepped it up again this pre-season and we need to improve again.
"I've talked quite a bit to the team, particularly to those who are charged with the responsibility of kicking the goals more often than not, about the fact that big games are won and lost on your ability to convert. You don’t have to look any further than the biggest game in the comp last year.
"Because teams are becoming so much closer in terms of competitiveness, there's a high price that's paid if you’re not an accurate kick on goal in the AFL these days."
Barker said goalkicking sessions are planned in conjunction with the club's sports science department, which dictates player workloads.
"We're not spending copious amounts of time on it, and certainly not to the detriment of any other areas. We're very conscious of making sure they have enough shots without overburdening their bodies," he said.
"What we're trying to do is maximise the time we have. For example, if there are drills that don’t actually involve goalkicking, I'll be at the end of the line just throwing balls at guys so they can sneak in some extra shots while the sports scientists aren't looking."
Barker, Wiley and Green each work with their own groups of players.
"We run it like that because different players feel more comfortable with different coaches," Barker said. "Whoever the player is comfortable with, that's who they'll see about their goalkicking. A number of players are working with Rob, a number are with me and a few are with 'Greeny'.
"You've just got to be careful you don’t cross over on another coach's players because too many messages can impede a player's ability to be consistent with their accuracy.
"One of my philosophies is that the mind needs to be fairly clear when you’re having shots on goal. If you’re thinking about other things, that's a concern right off the bat. You need to keep it as simple as possible."
