- Pro Jank Footy controls require mastering movement, passing, and tackling on both keyboard and controller setups
- Power Cards dramatically alter matches by adding super goals, portals, and player ejections
- Hitouts demand rapid button mashing to secure possession from ruck contests
- Sprint management is critical for chasing down opponents and breaking away on offense
- Controller mapping supports PS5 and Xbox gamepads seamlessly on PC via Steam
Pro Jank Footy Controls Overview
Pro Jank Footy is an arcade-style Australian Rules Football (AFL) game developed by Power Bomb Productions. The game blends traditional footy mechanics with over-the-top "jank" elements, including power-ups, comedic commentary, and chaotic match modifiers. Understanding the core control scheme is essential for surviving the madness on the oval.
The game is currently available as a demo on Steam for PC, with a full release planned for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles alongside PC before the end of 2026. Whether you are using a keyboard or a controller, getting a firm grasp on the default control mapping will give you an immediate edge.
Video Highlights:
- Full versus match gameplay using a PS5 controller on PC
- Demonstrates movement, tackling, kicking, and marking mechanics
- Showcases various Power Cards including super goals and player removals
- Highlights the frantic button-mashing required for hitouts
- Features multiple teams including the Chippies and Stone Valley Pinks
While keyboard support is available, Pro Jank Footy is best experienced with a gamepad. The fast-paced nature of hitouts, tackling, and sprinting maps much more naturally to a controller's layout.
Default Button Layout
The default control scheme in Pro Jank Footy covers all the essential actions of Aussie Rules Football, from basic movement to aggressive bumps. Below is the standard mapping for both PlayStation and Xbox controllers when playing on PC or console.
| Action | PlayStation (PS5) | Xbox | PC Keyboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move Player | Left Stick | Left Stick | WASD |
| Sprint | Hold L1 / L2 | Hold LB / LT | Hold Shift |
| Pass / Kick | Tap or Hold X | Tap or Hold A | Left Click / Space |
| Tackle | Hold Circle | Hold B | Hold E |
| Bump (Aggressive) | Press Circle | Press B | Press E |
| Jump / Mark | Press Triangle | Press Y | Press Space |
| Switch Player | Press L1 | Press LB | Press Q |
| Change Player (Defense) | Press Square | Press X | Press Tab |
Be careful with your button inputs. Tapping the tackle button (Circle/B) performs a quick bump, while holding it down initiates a wrapping tackle. Mistiming these inputs against agile opponents will often result in whiffed attempts and open goals for the other team.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Mastering Pro Jank Footy controls means understanding how basic actions interact with the game's physics and timing. The game intentionally includes a layer of unpredictability—hence the "jank"—but solid fundamentals will consistently win matches.
Kicking & Passing
- Tap for a quick handball or short kick
- Hold to launch a massive hoof down the oval
- Aim manually with the left stick
- Power Cards can alter kicking distance
Marking & Jumping
- Time your jump perfectly to take a mark
- Certain Power Cards disable marking for both teams
- Use positioning to out-reach taller opponents
- Marks grant a brief moment of invulnerability
Tackling & Defense
- Hold the action button to wrap up the ball carrier
- Bumps can knock opponents off the footy completely
- Aggressive hits can trigger red cards
- Switch players rapidly to cover loose men
Ruck contests and hitouts require intense button mashing. The faster you can press the designated button during a ruck duel, the more likely you are to palm the ball directly to your midfielders. Do not neglect this mechanic, as losing hitouts consistently starves your team of possession.
Power Cards and Special Abilities
Power Cards are the defining feature of Pro Jank Footy, turning a standard game of footy into absolute chaos. These cards are drawn and activated during stoppages or quarter breaks, applying dramatic modifiers to the match.
| Power Card | Effect | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Size Advantage | Increases player size and hit power | Use to physically dominate contests and bumps |
| Super Goals | Goals scored are worth 10 points instead of 6 | Prioritize forward entries to maximize the multiplier |
| Reduced Kicking Power | Drastically shortens opponent kick distance | Force the enemy to play a slow, handball-heavy game |
| No Boundaries | The oval has no out-of-bounds | Chase down loose balls endlessly without stoppages |
| Player Removal (Red Card) | Temporarily or permanently removes a player | Target the opponent's key playmakers or goal kickers |
| Teleport / Portals | Players can teleport across the oval | Exploit for instant forward thrusts and defensive saves |
| No Marking | Neither team can take a mark | Ground level play only; keep the ball moving quickly |
Combining Super Goals with Size Advantage creates an unstoppable forward line. If you draw both cards in the same quarter, feed the ball directly into your enhanced forwards and watch the scoreboard light up.
Step-by-Step: Mastering the Controls
Transitioning from a beginner to a Pro Jank Footy veteran requires a systematic approach to learning the game's mechanics. Follow these steps to build your competency on the oval.
Learn Movement and Sprinting
Before worrying about the footy, practice running around the oval. Understand that sprinting is a hold, not a toggle. Many new players fail to catch opponents simply because they are not holding down the sprint trigger.
Practice Kicking Power
Head into a practice match and experiment with tap versus hold kicking. You need to develop a feel for how far a massive hoof travels versus a short chip kick. This spatial awareness is crucial for hitting leading targets.
Master the Hitout Mash
Ruck contests happen frequently. Train your button mashing speed so you can consistently win tap-outs. Position your midfielders beneath the ruck contest to receive the ball immediately.
Time Your Tackles and Bumps
Do not hold the tackle button when an opponent is still meters away. Wait until you are in range, then commit. Use quick bumps to knock the ball loose without committing to a tackle animation.
Utilize Power Cards Strategically
Do not waste your Power Cards the moment you get them. Save high-impact cards like Super Goals or Player Removals for the final quarter when the game is on the line.
When the opponent gains possession, immediately use the Switch Player button to select the defender closest to the ball carrier. Relying on the AI to defend will result in easy goals for the opposition.
Training Checklist and FAQ
Use this checklist to ensure you have mastered the core controls before taking on tougher AI or online opponents.
Controls Mastery Checklist:
- Can consistently win hitouts via button mashing
- Understands the difference between tap and hold kicking
- Successfully lands bumps and tackles without whiffing
- Knows how to activate and combine Power Cards
- Can switch defenders rapidly during opponent possessions
- Manages sprint stamina effectively across four quarters
As of August 2026, the Pro Jank Footy demo is available exclusively on Steam for PC. The full game is slated for a multi-platform release on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch before the end of 2026.
Q: What are the default Pro Jank Footy controls for tackling?
On a PlayStation controller, hold Circle to initiate a tackle. On Xbox, hold B. If you simply tap the button, your player will perform an aggressive bump instead of a wrapping tackle.
Q: How do I sprint in Pro Jank Footy?
Sprinting is activated by holding down the left trigger or bumper (L1/L2 on PS5, LB/LT on Xbox). Remember that it is a hold action, not a toggle. Many players mistakenly think they are sprinting when they are not.
Q: How do Power Cards work in the game?
Power Cards are special modifiers drawn during match stoppages. They grant temporary advantages like super goals worth 10 points, reduced opponent kicking power, or the ability to remove players from the field via red cards.
Q: Is Pro Jank Footy available on consoles?
The demo is currently PC-only via Steam. However, the developers have confirmed that the full release will come to PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, alongside PC, before the end of 2026.