how to rugby kick

3 min read 24-01-2025

Rugby kicking is a crucial skill, influencing both attack and defense. Mastering different types of kicks—like the place kick, drop kick, and conversion kick—gives you a significant advantage on the field. This comprehensive guide breaks down the techniques, providing you with the knowledge to improve your kicking game.

Understanding the Basics of Rugby Kicking

Before diving into specific techniques, let's establish a foundation. Effective rugby kicking requires a combination of proper technique, strength, and practice. Consistency is key—the more you practice, the more natural and accurate your kicks will become.

Stance and Grip

Your stance is crucial for a powerful and accurate kick. Adopt a balanced stance, feet shoulder-width apart, with your kicking foot slightly ahead. Your body should be aligned towards the target. For the grip, hold the ball securely but not too tightly, allowing for a natural follow-through.

The Approach

The approach is the run-up before the kick. A smooth, controlled approach builds momentum and allows for a consistent kicking motion. Experiment with different lengths of approach to find what feels most comfortable and effective for you.

Types of Rugby Kicks

Rugby involves several types of kicks, each serving a different purpose. Let's explore the most common:

1. Place Kick (Conversion, Penalty)

The place kick is used for conversions after a try and penalty kicks.

Setup: Place the ball on the ground using your non-kicking foot. Your kicking foot should be positioned close to the ball, ready for contact.
Technique: Maintain a balanced posture, swing your leg through smoothly, making contact with the laces of your boot just below the center of the ball. Aim to keep the ball low and follow through towards your target.

2. Drop Goal

The drop goal is a challenging but rewarding kick, often used for a quick three points.

Setup: Drop the ball from your hands to the ground, making contact with the ball on the descent with the laces of your boot. The drop kick requires impeccable timing.
Technique: You must time your kick perfectly as the ball descends. Make contact with the laces just as the ball is about to bounce, ensuring a clean strike.

3. Conversion Kick

This is a place kick taken after a try to score an extra two points. Accuracy is paramount here.

Setup: Position yourself directly in line with the posts. Visualize the path of the ball and your trajectory to maximize accuracy.
Technique: Use the same technique as the place kick but focusing on a straight trajectory between the posts.

4. Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded for infringements. It’s a place kick, identical in technique to a conversion kick.

5. Restart Kick

This kick restarts play after a score.

Setup: Stand with the ball at the center of the field (or 10m line for younger age groups).
Technique: A powerful kick aiming for maximum distance is ideal here. You need to create distance from the opponent.

Mastering the Rugby Kick: Practice and Drills

Consistent practice is crucial to honing your kicking abilities. Here are some drills to improve:

Accuracy Drills: Set up markers at various distances and practice kicking towards them.
Distance Drills: Focus on maximizing distance, paying attention to your follow-through.
Pressure Drills: Simulate match scenarios by kicking under pressure with a timer or with teammates "defending."

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many common mistakes hinder accurate kicking. Be aware of these and work to correct them:

Poor Stance: Ensure a balanced and aligned stance before each kick.
Incorrect Grip: Hold the ball firmly but not too tightly, using a natural and confident grip.
Inconsistent Approach: Develop a smooth, consistent approach to build momentum.
Poor Follow-Through: A complete follow-through is vital for accuracy and distance.

Conclusion

Rugby kicking is a skill developed through dedication and practice. By understanding the different types of kicks, mastering the fundamental techniques, and regularly practicing, you can significantly improve your game. Remember to focus on accuracy and distance, adapting your technique based on the game situation. Good luck and happy kicking!