Kicking - The Drop / Ball Placement

Dropping the ball properly is considered the main priority for many kickers, if they get the drop right then the other techniques fall into place. Dave Walder from the Newcastle Falcons explains some of the skills

Lions 09 - tactical kicking - dropping back for kick-return

Positioning ready for the kick return is a systematic approach to countering pressure

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill 2 blindside

A practice for developing understanding the role of chasers and counter kicking

L2 - Kicking Development

Skill Practice Description • The teams start with kicking netball i.e. the kicker cannot run and cannot be interfered with. • The player with the ball kicks to work the ball up field and a clean catch behind the goal line is 1 point • Other ways to score are by a drop goal awarding 3 points. • If a breakdown occurs the coach can award a free kick. • The ball carrier can choose to kick to a team mate or try for a target. • The targets can only be aimed at when the targets are in the other half of the pitch. • If the target is missed, possession goes to the other team. • Progression; the kickers must be ‘running’ when kicking the ball. • They must kick within 5 - 8 metres of running. They cannot just keep running with ball in hand. • Players can chip and catch for themselves. • This gives more opportunity for free kicks to be awarded through breakdown in play. • Allow players to discover personal techniques of kicking with both right and left foot. Punt, • Grubber etc. • Discourage throwing the ball up and develop the drop. • Identify those with consistently low outcome percentages and address the relevant technical factors

The Kicking Game - Kicking Progressions

There are several variations of the punt kick but the basic key factors remain the same
Head over the ball, drop onto the lace, tight core at point of contact, follow through to be straight

Kicking - Striking The Ball

Accurate kicking requires an understanding of how the foot should strike the ball. Expert kicking coach Dave Walder delivers a coaching clinic detailing the key factors and steps coaches should follow

L2 - Kicking Target Game

Skill Practice Description • Scan and make decisions. • Set up the kick that makes the win scenario by moving the opposition. • Hold and drop of the ball. • Head over the ball and weight forward to reduce scope for error. • Don’t lean back and open scope for error. • Contact with lace, point toe and straight follow through. • Leg speed to generate power. • Catch with hands ready and elbows close. • Keep eye on the ball and watch the ball into the catch. • Gather, scan and return kick accurately Relevance to the Game • This game develops scanning and tactical decisions. • Develops technical accuracy.

Learning to grubber Kick

A series of technical exercises and games to coach the grubber kick. The coach is clear in his explanations and uses questioning with his players to reinforce the key points. The games include some fun moments

Sevens Drop-Goal Conversion

In seven-a-side rugby, conversions are executed by drop-kick, to save time. For the same reason, and as demonstrated here by Filton College, they can be taken from behind the posts, towards the field of play.

Step 4 - Introducing the 2 v 2 Scrum

New Kicking Games

Adding variety to your kicking practises will engage your players and motivate them to step up to the challenge. Dave Walder from Newcastle Falcons introduces Three new kicking games in this clip

Learning to punt Kick

The coach explains the technical points to enable players to deliver a punt kick. The coach uses examples and questions the players for feedback and confirmation of understanding

Kicking Games

The coach uses a variety of games - and includes the players in this process - to provide some variety and present different challenges in a kicking session

Techniques needed to box kick

Elite coach and player go through the skills required to box kick. There are three main steps and some recommended practises with some added competition to help improve

Kicking - Striking The Sweetspot

If you strike the ball in the right place you are halfway to delivering an accurate kick. The "Sweetspot" of the ball is significantly larger than you may think. This clip explains where the sweetspot is and how to get a good connection

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

11. 6 v 2 v 2 v 2

6 v 2 v 2 v 2 v 3

Developing the skills into decision making down a channel

Position-Specific Skills - The Box Kick

London Irish DoR Brian Smith discusses the box kick and it's relevance in modern rugby tactics. Skills such as kicking take hours of practice to master, but should be done in a specific, game related way.

Passing - 3 v 2 Live Defenders

Gradually progress from 2 static defenders, to 3 v 2 roaming defenders. The first two players must draw their defenders before giving the pass.

Junior - 2 v 1 2

Junior - 2 v 1 2

The Kicking Game - Kicking Progressions

The Kicking Game - Kicking Progressions

Using Questions to Coach (Kicking Technique)

How to coach - The coach uses questioning as his main coaching style. The players identify the technical points with the coach providing prompts and reinforcement

Chapter 2 - Introducing Competition for the Ball

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

Level 2 - Second Row Bind - Traditional Bind

Men's - Standard restart with good catch 2

Men's - Standard restart with good catch 2

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill - kicking from 12

Tactical kicking can be undertaken by different players

Junior - 3 v 2 2

Sevens - 2 v 1 2

Women's - 2 v 3 2

Men's - 3 v 2 2

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 2

Scrum Factory - 2. Tower of Power Demonstration

Good body posture is essential and applicable to all players regardless of age and gender
This posture transfers to the tackle, ruck, maul and in a vertical plain the lineout, so it is important that all players are coached to adopt good posture in contact

Quins Defence - 2 v 2 tackling

A progression from the 1 v 1 drill this exercise adds extra players to make the decision making process more realistic. The coaches can vary the delivery of the ball and the width of the area to put different conditions to the players

Kick accurately - Technical Points

The box kick is an important tool in modern rugby tactics. A well-executed box kick along with a strong kick-chase can put teams under a lot of pressure, forcing errors, gaining territory and often reclaiming the ball. This video focuses specifically on how the ball should be struck for distance and accuracy. This can be transferred to punt kicks as well.

L2 - Drop-off Touch

Skill Practice Description • The teams play touch with the ball being passed back through the legs when touched. • The defender/s who make the touch, turn (drop off) immediately and run to their own try line. • These drop off defenders need to realign with the defence as soon as possible. • The attack should seek to take advantage of the space created by the drop off defender/s. • To get maximum effort from the players, it is advised the pitch is not so long that players do not make the effort to realign in defence. • The coach may observe the attacking players moving the ball away from the space opportunity left by the drop off player. It may be that the defence close the space left by the drop off, however this will create space elsewhere. Can the attack find the appropriate space to utilise? Key Coaching Points • Speed in scanning and communicating the spatial opportunity. • Defensive effort to drop off a realign so the defence can cover the primary threat.

Sevens - Offloads 2

To execute an offload you need to have support players in the right area, here the ball carrier knows he has support and is able to take a risk and offload out of the back of the tackle. Prior to the offload the ball carrier works hard to stay on his feet. Key factor : Leg drive - Twist and work the body in contact - Control ball one handed - Communication from support players

The Science Behind Goal Kicking

There is a science and a process that underpins kicking at goal. This video clip takes you through the key factors to focus on when practising your kicking

Kicking Longer Using your Weight

Kicking longer distances is an attribute many players strive for. Dave Walder from Newcastle Falcons explains how to use your weight to get those extra metres

Kicking in Training Games

Community Coach Tamara Taylor explains the challenges and benefits of allowing kicks in conditioned touch games at training.

JWC 2012: Kicking

At the JWC 2012 there was an increase in the amount of kicks in each match. This may be due to improved defensive structures.

Grubber Kick Progressions

Progress the technical skill of the kick into more of a game related scenario. The coach could vary the numbers of players in this practise. Always conclude the exercise by confirming the technical points

Drop off touch - start with a game

Chris Kibble of Esher RFC & Whitgift school says to start your sessions with a game. In this clip Chris runs a game called "Drop touch" where the players run back to a line when they make a touch. This is good for fitness and creating wholes to attack

Box kick by winger

A box kick. Used to kick behind the opposition but with enough height to allow attackers to chase the ball

3 v 2 in Channel

A development of the 2 v 1 and 3 v1 drills, the attackers now must beat 2 defenders. This requires more decision-making ability as the movements of the defenders could change every time. Players must communicate as well as continue to perform their handling and running skills.

Coaching 7-a-side Rugby - Restarts; kicking short

As possession is king, gaining possession from a kick off is vital for effective 7s. Especially considering that the team that scores takes the kick off.

Coaching 7-a-side Rugby - Restarts; kicking long

The objective for the kicking team is to back their defence and force a turnover ball

Also utilised the long kick if you do not have an accurate and consistent kicker

If you are the receiving team, have four players up near the 10m line

Breakdown - Clear & Kick

Teach your players how to kick the ball at the ruck. With players sometimes reluctant to give away penalties this technique is a great way to turnover the ball and stay on your feet

Kick Off receipt practice

This clip shows a coach working with adult players, isolating the skills for receiving a kick off restart

Defence - Exit & Kick-chase

Defence - Exit & Kick Chase

Kicking Session Warm up

The coach uses small sided games with progressions as part of the players warm up with a focus on the stretches that are related to kicking. Moving between the games and dynamic stretches keeps the players motivated, active and gets the blood flowing

L2 - Decision-making Development

Skill Practice Description • The coach kicks the ball out to the waiting attackers from under the posts. • The coach calls out a number of defenders to defend (4 in the example). • This number can change depending on ability. • The attacking team need to catch the ball and attempt to score on the try line without being touched (more than 1 touch can be allowed depending on ability) • Dropping the ball or being touched in possession results in a fail and all attackers must return to the 10m line before starting again. • The drill can be used as a competition by allowing each team a specified number of attempts before swapping the sides, the team scoring the most tries wins. Key Coaching Points • Being aware of the space between attack and defence • Using depth and not attacking in a flat line • The need to create 3v2’s and the ultimate goal of creating 2v1’s. Relevance to the Game • Attacking a broken field. • Collecting a lose kick and counter attacking with an assessment of the • opportunities presented. • Appropriate selection of pass i.e. long or short

QBE - Kicking Development

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill 1

Developing an awareness of how to apply pressure through an effective kick chase policy

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

Junior - Ball off the top from lineout 2

Tramline kick

Wingers positional skills. A kick straight down the channel on the run

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

Men's - Lineout maul good defence 2

Women's - Straight Scrums 2

Women's - Straight Scrums 2

Men's - Offloads 2

A counter attack invlving moving the ball wide quickly, then attack defenders with support runners and finally a 2 v 1 to score in the corner. Key factors : Strong communication - Wide spin passes - Attacking the space around defenders - Support the ball carrier from behind - Offload with two hands - straight running - Flat pass

Men's - Offloads for Continuity 2

Men's - Offloads for Continuity 2

Men's - Good body position in contact & ball presentation 2

Men's - Good body position in contact & ball presentation 2

Drop touch

Drop touch is perfect for Pre-Season and as a coach you can set a wide variety of conditions just based on this simple game. Add extra fitness drills and set challenges for the attackers, its your choice

Men's - 3 v 2 1

A passage of play that shows how to attack with more attackers than defenders, a 3 v 2. The winger shows that strong running and determination can break tackles. Click on the practises in this section for coaching ideas

Men's - Exiting the 22m 2

Men's - Exiting the 22m 2

Women's - Offloads 2

Women's - Offloads 2

Women's - Exiting the 22m 2

Women's - Exiting the 22m 2

Women's - Good contact body position/ball presentation 2

Women's - Good contact body position/ball presentation 2

Women's - 2 v 1

Women's - 2 v 1

Crossfield kick

A useful attacking tool to have if an opportunity is spotted on the far side of the field. This kick will turn the defenders

The Kicking Game - Youth

When assessing the technical and tactical ability of the kicker, the coach should consider the intent and the outcome of the kick
If the intent does not correspond with the outcome, there may be a techical issue or a lack of tactical understanding

Watch the players in this clip and assess their intent and outcome

Women's - 2 v 3 1

Women's - 2 v 3 1

3 v 2 and then another defender

Develop decision-making skills in attack. 3 attackers must beat 2 defenders, before facing a third immediately after.

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 1

Level 2 - Back Row Example Clip 1

The Kicking Game - Adult

When assessing the technical and tactical ability of the kicker, the coach should consider the intent and the outcome of the kick
If the intent does not correspond with the outcome, there may be a techical issue or a lack of tactical understanding

Watch the players in this clip and assess their intent and outcome

Conditioned Touch - Tackler drops to Knee

The condition in this game is for those making the 'tackle' (or touch) to drop to their knee for four seconds before re-joining the game. This should give more space for the attackers to exploit. A good game if you have been working on 2v1 or 3v2 handling exercises.

Drop-off Touch

QBE - Drop-off Touch

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill - chase and return

Developing an awareness of applying pressure through an effective kick chase system

Junior - Wrap Tackle 2

Junior - Wrap Tackle 2

2 v 1 Draw and Pass

A basic 2 v 1 drill that encourages players to time their pass after they have drawn a defender, and for the supporting player to hold their depth.

Tackling 20 - 2-man Tackle

Tackling 20 - 2 man Tackle

Sevens - 2 v 1

Having identified a 2 v 1 situation, the RGS Guildford player decides not to give an early pass from the breakdown, but instead to run and commit the defender before giving a pass to his teammate. Key factors: Timing - communication - accurate passing

Sevens - 2 v 1

A variety of passes create a 2 v 1 which is executed perfectly for the outside attacker to score. Key factors : Different angles of running and support - Comunication - Ball presentation - Effective clearing of defenders at the breakdown - Accurate wide passes - Attack the inside shoulder of the last defender - Flat spin pass

Sevens - 2 v 1

Seven's is about creating chances and then taking them. In this clip the Blue team take the ball up the middle of the pitch to draw in defenders, after recycling the ball they have a 2 v 1 opportunity, a straight line of running and a flat wide pass creates the try. Key factors : Call early - Run straight - Wide spin pass - Catch and swerve to score

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

Sevens - Full Lineout 2

3 v 2 in channel

A good progression from the 2 v 1 drill

Junior - 2 v 1 1

Junior - 2 v 1 1

Men's - 2 v 1

A good example of phase play to create a 2 v 1 attacking platform. The initial deep pass then creates an overlap and the defender drifts to allow the attacker to run through easily.

Key factors : Quick ball at breakdown - Straight lines of running - Deep pass - straight lines of running again - Loud communication

QBE - Kicking Target Game

Tackling 24 - Game Situations and Kick Chase

13. Drop Down Touch

Tackling 2 - Rugby Kibadi

Functional Movement Warm Up Part 2

Every player should be able to perform these movements well! Mastering these will carry over to preventing injuries, managing collisions and maximising power and speed. Check out the related videos for part 1.

Learning to pass 2 v 1

Developing lines of running to attack the inside shoulder of defenders

Materiality Clip 8 - Open Play Kick

Passing - 3 v 2 Static Defenders

Progress to working in 3s against two static defenders. The pressure is on the middle player to hold their depth and perform a quick pass.

British Lions - Play from scrum - continuity 2

Developing play from the scrum is an important part of the understanding of how the scrum is part of a gameplan

Good Practice - Segment 2

Level 2 - Scrum Warm up Activities

This clip shows some appropriate warm up activities for the scrum

2. Tig

2 v 1 Passing

Adding a live defender helps to encourage players to hold their depth in support, so a good pass can be completed.