Kicking Like a Pro

Kicking

Whether kicking in usa college rugby, USA rugby, or playing rugby in the USA anywhere else, when done correctly, kicking can help relieve pressure from opposition, and can also be used to make rapid progress on the field.  There are three basic types of kicks.



Place Kick
Used to start a game, restart after halftime, and to take kicks at goals.  The player places the ball on a tee, takes a few steps back, focuses the ball between the posts, and then goes in for the kick.  In his head, he should be completely free of outside noise and distraction.

Drop Kick
Used to restart play and for conversions (field goals).  Restarts are taken from 22 meter line and half-way line.  The ball is held vertically in both hands at height weight, the kicker takes a step forward and drops the ball, point downwards and bent slightly backwards.  The kicking foot hits the ball as soon as the ball hits the ground.

The Punt
General purpose kick, used to kick for touch or to relieve pressure.  To effectively launch a punt, hold the ball in front of you and drop it a full leg’s length away, plant one foot and with the kicking foot swing forward to make contact with the top of your foot.  Strike through the ball.

 

Types of Kicks

  1. Pop kick- Kicked over the defender’s head which must be caught by the attacker who kicked it, usually results in a clear run to the goal line.
  2. Kicking to touch- Only done when under pressure in own 22, kick directly into touch at first opportunity.
  3. Wipers kick- Like “windshield wipers” kick the ball diagonal to throw the defense off of their footing
  4. Cross kick- Like the “wipers” kick mixed with a pop kick, the ball is kicked into an undefended area over the heads of any defense.
  5. Spiral kick- A punt which the kicker strikes hard causing the ball to spin, for kicking into touch outside 22 or into a strong wind.
  6. Box Kick- When the ball is kicked extremely high, gives your teammates time to surround the ball for when it lands.
  7. Grubber- Punt in which the ball is kicked for a short distance to kick between defenders, catches the defenders off guard.
  8. Hack kick- A “soccer” kick to kick the ball forward when it is in the ground, very risky and frowned upon.
  9. Tap-and-go- A quick “tap-and-go” is for when play resets after a penalty, and can catch the defense off guard if your team is quick.