If you’ve seen a highlight reel of a rugby match before, chances are you’ve probably saw a player kick the ball.
But how important really is this skill?
Well, whether you’re looking for a conversion at Twickenham Stadium or just plain practicing your spiral kick at your friendly neighborhood local park, mastering this skill will be very valuable for any rugby player.
Types of Kicks in Rugby
Kicking is a massive part in the game of rugby that there are a lot of kinds which you could utilize during the game.
Place Kick
Recall Jonny Wilkinson‘s World Cup-winning goal for England back in 2003? That’s a well-executed place kick.
Place kicks are used the most for conversions and penalties.
Drop Kick
Dan Carter made this his staple during his time at Eden Park.
Timing the kick perfectly is the key as you have to hit the ball after it bounces off the ground.
Punt
When you need to clear the ball from your own 22-metre line, the punt is your best mate. It’s all about distance and hang time.
Grubber Kick
This low, bouncing kick can be a game-changer when you’re trying to get behind the defence.
Up and Under
Also known as the “bomb”, this high kick is designed to give your team time to chase and contest possession.
Basic Kicking Technique
Now, let’s focus on how you could kick a rugby ball like a pro.
Ball Placement
Angling the ball is vital for place kicks. You could play with different positions in hitting the ball to see what works best for you.
Foot Positioning
Your plant foot should be pointing towards your target. The kicking foot needs to make contact with the ball’s sweet spot – usually just below the centre.
Approach
Look up how Owen Farrell‘s routine has helped him tremendously in his time at the Millennium Stadium. This just shows how important a consistent approach is.
Contact Point
Knowing how to hit the rugby ball with your foot separates a good kicker from a great one.
The bests of the game understands that connecting with the top of your foot, right about where your laces meet, gets you the best combination of power and accuracy.
Follow-through
Don’t stop at contact! Follow through with your kick towards your target. This helps with accuracy and distance.
Tips for Improving Accuracy and Distance
Want to kick like the pros? Here are some tips to level up your game:
- Practice, practice, and practice. It never hurts to hone your craft, and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) recommends at least 30 minutes of daily kicking practice.
- Core strength is huge as it helps with balance and power.
- Use visualisation techniques. Picture the perfect kick before you take it.
- Experiment with different rugby boots as finding the right fit can make a world of difference.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the best fall down sometimes, and even the best kickers aren’t immune to that. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Rushing the kick. Take your time, even under pressure.
- Overstriding. Keep your steps natural and comfortable.
- Watching the opposition. Focus on your technique, not the charging defenders.
- Neglecting the non-kicking foot. Your plant foot is just as important as your kicking foot.
Remember, kicking a rugby ball effectively is all about practice and consistency.
Practice Drills for Better Kicking
Improving your kicking skills requires dedicated practice.
Here are some drills recommended by World Rugby to help you enhance your technique:
Accuracy Grid
Set up a grid with targets at various distances. Practice hitting these targets with different types of kicks. This helps improve your precision and control.
Pressure Kicks
Simulate match conditions by setting a time limit or having teammates create distractions. This helps you maintain focus under pressure, much like kicking at a packed Twickenham Stadium.
Kick Tennis
Play a game of ‘tennis’ using kicks. This improves your ability to kick accurately while receiving and returning kicks from various angles.
Advanced Kicking Techniques
Once you get the basics out of the way, it’s time to step up your game with some advanced techniques to add to your arsenal:
Spiral Kick
This kick, perfected by players like Dan Carter, involves imparting spin on the ball for greater distance and accuracy. It’s all in the follow-through and the angle of your foot at contact.
Cross-field Kick
A tactical kick used to switch play quickly. It requires precision and often catches the opposition off-guard.
Banana Kick
This advanced technique involves kicking the ball so it curves in flight. It’s particularly useful for finding touch from tight angles.
The Role of Technology in Kicking
Modern rugby has embraced technology to analyze and improve kicking techniques:
- High-speed cameras help break down the kicking motion for detailed analysis.
- GPS tracking in rugby boots can measure approach speed and foot placement.
- Kicking simulators, endorsed by World Rugby, formerly the International Rugby Board (IRB), allow players to practice in virtual environments.
Kicking in Different Weather Conditions
A true kicking maestro must adapt to various weather conditions:
- In wind, adjust your aim and increase power.
- On wet days, like those often seen at the Millennium Stadium, focus on a clean contact to prevent slippage.
- In high altitude venues, the ball travels further, so adjust your power accordingly.
Mental Aspects of Kicking
There’s more to kicking that the physical aspects of the game. Truth be told, it’s a mental game, too. Here are some tips from top kickers:
- Develop a consistent pre-kick routine, like Jonny Wilkinson‘s famous stance.
- Use positive visualization techniques.
- Practice mindfulness to stay calm under pressure.
Conclusion and Final Tips
Being a pro on kicking a rugby ball takes time, one that necessitates dedication, practice, and patience. Remember these key points:
- Consistency is key – develop a reliable technique and stick to it.
- Practice all types of kicks, not just your favorite.
- Your whole body is part of your kicking motion, not just your foot.
- It pays to take a page out of the pros, but stay true by finding what works for you.
- Mental preparation is just as important as physical practice.
Being a skilled kicker needs confidence, and that comes in handy whether you’re gunning for the Rugby World Cup or just helping your local team get the win.