This article will guide you through choosing the best Rugby Kicking Tee For Different Surfaces to ensure your kicks are accurate and robust no matter where you’re playing.
Regarding rugby, every kick counts, and having the right kicking tee can make all the difference in your performance. But not all playing surfaces are the same.
Whether kicking on grass, turf, or even hard surfaces, your kicking tee must provide the right balance of stability and grip.
Why Does the Surface Matter for a Kicking Tee?
The surface you’re playing on can significantly affect the performance of your rugby kicking tee.
A great tee on soft, grassy fields might be less effective on more complex or uneven surfaces.
The surface impacts how stable the tee is, how well it grips, and how long it lasts.
Choosing the proper rugby kicking tee for different surfaces ensures the ball stays stable, allowing you to focus on your kick without worrying about the tee shifting or tipping over.
1. Kicking Tees for Grass Fields
Grass is one of the most common surfaces for rugby games, and it comes in many forms—short, long, wet, or dry. A grass field provides some natural grip for a kicking tee, but if the grass is damp or uneven, your tee might move around or sink into the ground.
What to Look For:
Durability: Wet or muddy conditions can wear down your kicking tee over time. Look for a strong rubber or durable tee that can withstand grass fields.
Wide Base: A broader base will provide extra stability on grass, especially if the surface is uneven or soft.
- Height Adjustability: On longer grass, you might need a tee that can adjust the height of the ball to keep it above the blades, ensuring a clean strike.
Example: Gilbert Adjustable Kicking Tee
The Gilbert Adjustable Kicking Tee is a great option for grass fields. It has a wide base for extra stability and is made from durable rubber to handle wet or uneven ground. The adjustable height feature also makes it easier to customize your kick based on field conditions.
2. Kicking Tees for Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is popular for practice and matches because it provides a smooth and consistent playing area. However, it can be slippery, especially in wet conditions, and it offers a different natural grip than grass. This makes it essential to have a kicking tee that grips well and stays in place.
What to Look For:
Grip: Since turf doesn’t provide as much natural grip as grass, you’ll need a tee with a material that can hold onto the turf surface. Rubber tees tend to grip better than plastic ones.
Stability: A stable tee with a broad base is essential because turf can be a little slick. This will prevent the tee from sliding when you place the ball or take your kick.
Compact Design: Artificial turf is usually flatter than grass, so a lower-profile tee may work well for faster, more powerful kicks.
Example: Rhino Pro Kicking Tee
The Rhino Pro Kicking Tee is perfect for artificial turf. Its robust and durable rubber base grips well on slick surfaces and provides stability for powerful kicks. Its low profile also makes it ideal for fast kicks on smooth turf.
3. Kicking Tees for Hard Surfaces
Kicking on hard surfaces, such as dirt fields or concrete, presents unique challenges. These surfaces don’t offer any natural grip, and the hardness of the ground can make it challenging to keep the tee steady. For these conditions, you need a lightweight tee designed to stay stable on solid ground.
What to Look For:
Lightweight Design: A lighter tee is easier to position on hard surfaces, especially when playing on concrete or a dirt field. A heavy tee might not sit well on these surfaces.
Non-Slip Grip: Look for tees with a rubberized bottom to help grip hard surfaces and prevent sliding.
Durability: Hard surfaces can be tough on your tee, so make sure it’s made from a durable material that won’t crack or break easily.
Example: Supertee Xtreme Kicking Tee
The Supertee Xtreme Kicking Tee is designed to provide stability on harder surfaces. Its rubber bottom grips well on solid ground, and the pronged design keeps the ball securely in place. It’s also lightweight and durable, ideal for harder playing fields.
4. Kicking Tees for Wet or Muddy Conditions
Stability and durability are more important than ever if you’re playing in wet or muddy conditions. Mud can make it hard for your tee to stay in place, and constant exposure to water can wear down your tee over time.
What to Look For:
Wide, Heavy Base: A wide, heavy base helps the tee stay anchored in soft, muddy ground. The extra weight prevents the tee from sinking or moving.
Water-Resistant Material: Look for a tee made from materials that won’t absorb water, such as high-quality rubber. This will help the tee maintain its shape and stability even when wet.
Grippy Texture: A grippy surface helps the tee stay in place in slippery conditions, ensuring the ball remains stable for the kick.
Example: Gilbert Precision Kicking Tee
The Gilbert Precision Kicking Tee is built for harsh conditions, including wet and muddy fields. Its broad base provides excellent stability, and the rubber material is durable enough to resist water and mud.
How to Choose the Right Kicking Tee for Different Surfaces
When selecting a rugby kicking tee, consider the types of surfaces you’ll play on most frequently.
You’ll want a durable, stable tee with a broad base for grass.
On turf, look for something with good grip and stability.
For hard surfaces, go for a lightweight, non-slip design.
And if you’re dealing with mud or wet conditions, a water-resistant tee with a firm grip is essential.
You can improve your kicking accuracy and consistency by understanding how different tees perform on various surfaces.
Conclusion
Choosing the proper rugby kicking tee for different surfaces is crucial for improving your kicking performance.
Whether you’re playing on grass, artificial turf, hard surfaces, or in wet conditions, there’s a tee that will suit your needs.
A stable, durable tee with the right features for your playing surface will ensure that you can focus on your kicks without worrying about the ball moving or the tee shifting.
Don’t forget to check out our recently published articles for more rugby training tips, gear reviews, and helpful advice!