Whether you're lining up for a crucial penalty or clearing the ball from your own half, rugby kicking can make or break a game. It's not just about power; it's about precision, consistency, and the mental focus to handle high-pressure situations. The ability to kick well is a skill that sets apart great rugby players from good ones.
In this guide, we’re going to break down the art of rugby kicking. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, these tips and techniques will help you improve your kicking game. Let’s dive into the essentials and get you kicking like a pro!
Understanding the Basics of Rugby Kicking
Before you can kick like a seasoned pro, you need to understand the fundamentals. Rugby kicking isn’t just about booting the ball as far as you can; it’s about knowing **when** and **why** to use different types of kicks.
What Is Rugby Kicking?
Rugby kicking can be broken down into several types, each used for specific situations:
Place kicking: Used for goal attempts or kicking for touch after a penalty.
Drop kicking: Often used to restart play or attempt drop goals.
Grubber kicks: Low, bouncing kicks used to deceive the opposition and gain ground.
Tactical kicks: Kicks used to gain territory or pressure the opposition, often a "box kick" or "up-and-under."
Knowing when to use each kick and mastering them is critical to becoming a well-rounded player.
Key Factors for Effective Kicking
To be effective, your kicking technique needs to be consistent. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
Stance and Alignment: Proper stance ensures you strike the ball cleanly. Keep your body straight, with your eyes focused on the ball.
Ball Contact: Where your foot contacts the ball is crucial. The more accurate the contact, the more controlled your kick will be.
Follow-through: Your kick doesn’t end the moment your foot meets the ball. A good follow-through ensures your kick has the desired power and direction.
Developing the Right Technique
Now that you understand the basics, let’s get into the details of how to actually kick the ball effectively.
How to Strike the Ball Properly
When you’re about to kick, approach the ball at a 45-degree angle. This allows for better control and accuracy. Use the **instep** (the flat part of your foot) to make contact with the ball—aim for the center or just below the center for a straight kick.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps:
- Approach: Line up your kicking foot just behind the ball. Keep your head down and eyes focused.
- Foot contact: Make sure to hit the ball with your instep, not your toe. Aim for the center of the ball.
- Follow-through: After contact, follow through with your leg extending towards your target. A good follow-through creates power and accuracy.
Focus on Balance and Body Posture
Your body position and balance are crucial for a clean, controlled kick.
Balance: Keep your weight evenly distributed as you approach the ball. This will help with timing and power.
Posture: Ensure your body is slightly tilted forward with your shoulders over your kicking foot. This posture will help direct the ball and maintain a smooth follow-through.
The Role of Your Non-Kicking Foot: Your non-kicking foot should be about 6 inches to the side of the ball, pointing toward your target. This alignment ensures that your kicking foot can make a clean strike.
Kicking is all about repetition. The more you practice, the more consistent your technique will become. Try to develop a pre-kick routine, focusing on your alignment, the placement of the ball, and your breathing. The more consistent you are with your setup, the more likely you are to consistently deliver solid kicks in a match.
Kicking for Distance & Accuracy
Once you have the basic technique down, it’s time to look at two of the most important aspects of rugby kicking: **distance** and **accuracy**.
Kicking for Distance: Techniques and Drills
Kicking for distance requires a balance of power and technique. If you're looking to clear the ball from your 22-meter line or gain significant territory, you'll need to focus on generating power without sacrificing control.
Watch this video to understand just how to gain extra distance while kicking.
Kicking for Accuracy: Mastering the Place Kick
Accuracy is vital when you're lining up for a goal kick or looking to kick to touch. In these situations, your aim needs to be precise.
- Maintain a consistent and controlled approach to the ball.
- Make sure your non-kicking foot is in line with your target.
- Don’t cut your follow-through short. Ensure your foot points toward your target.
Drills to improve accuracy & distance
Target drills: Place cones or small targets at varying distances and practice kicking the ball through them.
Pressure scenarios: Set up drills where you kick under time constraints or with teammates applying pressure.
Kicking Under Pressure
The mental side of rugby kicking cannot be overstated. Whether it's a game-winning penalty or a quick clearance to avoid a dangerous situation, the pressure can feel intense.
Mental Approach to Kicking Under Stress
One of the biggest challenges in rugby kicking is staying calm under pressure. Here’s how to handle it:
Visualization: Before taking the kick, visualize a perfect strike and see the ball going where you want it to.
Breathing: Deep, controlled breaths will calm your nerves and help you focus. Before kicking, Peter’s mantra is “Stay slow, trust my timing”.
Kicking in Adverse Conditions
Wind, rain, and slippery fields can throw off even the most experienced kicker. To handle this:
Adjust your stance: Widen your stance to improve balance, especially in windy conditions.
Choose the right kick type: For example, a grubber kick can be more effective in wet conditions since it stays lower to the ground.
Choose the right tee: In any weather conditions, it must not disappoint.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Rugby Kicking
Even experienced players make mistakes when it comes to kicking. Here are some of the most common errors to watch out for:
Over-kicking can send the ball too far or out of bounds, while under-kicking can result in a loss of possession.
Focus on consistency and control rather than just power.
If you hit the ball with your toe or off-center, it will affect your accuracy and distance.
Always aim for the center or lower half of the ball, and make sure to strike with the instep of your foot.
One of the worst things you can do is develop an inconsistent kicking technique.
Stick to your routine, and practice regularly. Muscle memory is your best friend when it comes to kicking.
Rushing your kicks will lead to mistakes. Whether you're under pressure from the opposition or feeling the weight of the moment, take a moment to compose yourself before kicking.
Slow down, breathe, and take your time to set up the kick properly.
Rugby kicking isn’t just a physical skill—it’s a mental one, too. Consistency, focus, and practice are key to mastering this important aspect of the game. Whether you're aiming for long-range kicks, looking to convert a penalty, or working on tactical kicks, applying the right technique, drills, and mental approach will help you become a better kicker.
So, get out there, put in the work, and start kicking like a pro. It might just be the edge you need to turn the game in your favor! In other words, outwork & outlearn.