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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill - kicking from 12

Tactical kicking can be undertaken by different 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Kick Off receipt practice

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

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

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

QBE - Kicking Development

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill - chase and return

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

Tramline kick

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

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

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.

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill 2 blindside

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

Lions 09 - tactical kicking drill 1

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

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

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

Drop-off Touch

QBE - Drop-off Touch

QBE - Kicking Target Game

Tackling 24 - Game Situations and Kick Chase

13. Drop Down Touch

Kick Out Touch

This game simulates a counter-attack situation. The attacking side must gather the ball, look up to assess the defensive line, and attack the right areas. Start with fewer defenders, adding one on each attempt to increase difficulty. Progression: Defensive lines should vary between a wide or narrow alignment, to test the decision-making of the attackers.

High kick

Wingers positional skills.

Drop touch - Full pitch

In this game, defenders are randomly selected to sprint back to their try line before re-joining the game. This creates spaces for the attacking side to spot and exploit.

Materiality Clip 8 - Open Play Kick

Infringements Clip 5 - Kick Off Not 10

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

CCRU Game - Rugby Rounders

Aim of the Game: The batting player kicks or throws the ball forward into play. Make sure that the size and shape of the ball is appropriate to the age of the players. To get the batter out, the fielders may catch the initial kick or throw before it bounces or complete three passes before the batter gets all the way round the cones and back to base cone. The fielders develop their passing, catching and communication skills. The batter is encouraged to think tactically with regard to their initial kick or throw and subsequent running decisions

Sevens - Uncovered - The Aerial Battle

Re - starts are as numerous as scrums in seven's and coaches should put as much emphasis on the kick off as any other facet of the game. Possession is crucial in seven's and an effective re - start strategy can win not only matches but tournaments for teams. You must posses players who can kick and contest the ball in the air becasue if not you will be competing without the ball for long periods of the match. Listen to the top coaches on how important they think the kick offs are

L2 - Half Back Development

Skill Practice Description • Each player is given a number. • From any tackle point or breakdown, as the attacking team is about to start another attack, the coach calls out a number and the defending player with that allocated number retires three paces before moving forward as the others step up. • This leaves a miss alignment in the defence line. • The fly half is required to notice the opportunity and attack the miss alignment and deliver the ball accordingly. • A progression is for the numbered player to step forward early, creating the opposite miss alignment. • If the forward player is the wing, then the fly half may chose to use a kick to get behind the defence. • The opportunity may appear on the short side and the fly half needs to be aware and communicate to the scrum half. • Now develop the decision making further by even numbers step up and odd numbers retire. Key Coaching Points • Scanning skills. • Attacking an opportunity offered by the defence alignment. • Decision making skills. • Appropriate passing (short, long, flat, deep etc. • Appropriate kicking (grubber through, chip over, cross kick etc.) • Look-Think -Do Process

Team Selection Challenges

Team selection is a huge part of success at top-level rugby, with coaches decisions around their own style as well as the strengths of their opposition. In this video, Premiership coaches discuss the challenges of selection

Men's - Counter Attack Plays

Not all kicks work out succesfully, in this clip the defenders turn a poor kick into a great counter attack

Approach to Basics

The academy approach to learning skills is to focus on the finer techniques and not move on too quickly until the players are competent at each component. This ensure quality and accuracy and ensures standards are met when the skill is put under pressure

My Dream Lions Team

Driven Lineout Strategy

The lineout & box kick has become increasingly more important this season, Brian Smith from London Irish explains what "Exits" are and why they are important

Attacking lines and late shifting

This clip demonstrates the skills and movements required to fix and beat defenders. Using a combination of passing accuracy and physical agility can significantly improve your attacking options. The coach uses questions to help the players learn

Offside Touch - Heads Up Rugby

Use this game of offside touch to force your players to play with their heads up to identify space. One player per side can play in an offside position and players are allowed to kick.

IRB 7s - Tries from Penalties

During the 2011/12 Sevens World Series, the most fruitful source of tries was penalties and free kicks.

Wasps - Footwork The Key To Big Tackles

Aggressive tackling is fundamental to Wasps performances and their players physicality is part of their DNA. Brad Davis overseas a tackle technique session that will change your approach to coaching the tackle

JWC 2012: Quick Taps

At the 2012 JWC there was an increase in the amount of tries scored from quick taps from free kicks and penalties.

Quins - Creating Space & attacking lines

This clip shows the principles of fixing defenders and the techniques used to do so. The coach can progress by using more defenders, varying the space or changing the source of where the ball comes from

Fitness - Burpee's & progressions

Burpee's have disappeared from most fitness training but with the breakdown now so important the "original" military exercise is back with a vengeance. There are two progressions and an explanation on how to integrate them into your touch games

Fitness - Burpees

Love them or hate them, burpees are a great tool for fitness. Whether incorporated into a game of touch or your own fitness circuits, the whole-body exercise is extremely game related and requires technique under fatigue. When you have got the technique nailed, see how many GOOD burpees you can complete in a minute. Look to constantly improve on this number.

Selection - The Most Important Policy

Get selection right and you will have a vibrant, busy, energised and happy rugby club but get it wrong and your whole club could be on a slippery slope. International coaches can loose their jobs but it is just as important for club coaches to take the time to understand how important this can be

Being positive with players is crucial

Building a positive environment for your players is important for their self-esteem and confidence on the pitch.

Two Touch With Tackle Practice

This game has multiple conditions for both attackers and defenders. Dropping defenders to practise their tackling while working on support lines and groundwork for the attackers. Great for the first half an hour of your session

Eddie Jones On Motivation

Confident players have the will and desire to perform. Wales seemed to have lost their way with players looking deflated and lacking leadership, create an environment where players know what is expected of them and develop those skills

Managing the Contact Area

Concentrating on the actions of the tackler and the support player in the moments after a tackle. It's important to practice the correct body position and technique so that the right decision can be made on the pitch.

Stay Positive at Training

Win or lose, it's important to focus on the positives to maintain confidence in your players and a productive training environment.

Games & drills for tackle technique

The Falcons coaches use a variety of games and breakout drills to progress their tackle technique session. The players respond to questions to vary the style of coaching

Sevens - Standard restart with attack winning ball 3

A well organised re start with one main attacker challenging for the ball with support both in front and behind him, if the ball is knocked either side of the main catcher the ball will be gathered by his teammates. Great leg drive to continue the attack and a very long pass to complete the scoring. Key factors : Accurate kick - Focus on the ball - Sideways jump - Catch ball above head - Structured support

Warm up options

A warm up that uses some simple games as the central theme. The session planned is for kicking so the coach conditions the stretching accordingly

Game Understanding - Penetrate and Outflank

Spread the defence in order to penetrate
Condense the defence in order to outflank

Draw the defence close and Kick through or over

3. Half Back Play Continued

A scrum half needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands and lightning reactions. The scrum half is the key link between the forwards and the back line. A good scrum half will know how to vary the play and take advantage of any opportunity that the opposition may offer
The fly half is the heart beat of the side and should be a key influence on the way the team plays the game. Almost every attack will go through the fly half, so they need to develop tactical awareness, accurate passing, kicking accuracy, vision, leadership and resilience

Half Back Play - Under 13 and 14

A scrum half needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands and lightning reactions. The scrum half is the key link between the forwards and the back line. A good scrum half will know how to vary the play and take advantage of any opportunity that the opposition may offer
The fly half is the heart beat of the side and should be a key influence on the way the team plays the game. Almost every attack will go through the fly half, so they need to develop tactical awareness, accurate passing, kicking accuracy, vision, leadership and resilience

Dynamic Jog with Balls

A light team jog with varied dynamic movements to warm up the body for stretching. As a likely first exercise, including a few balls is good to get the players' hand-eye coordination, and concentration kick-started.

CCRU - Principles of Play - Go Forward

Go Forward using:
Running speed and balance

Evasive running

Kicking

L2 - Bozo Touch

Skill Practice Description • There are to be three teams. • Two teams play while one wait by the touch line. • When a score is made, the defence pick up the ball and attack immediately. • The scoring team leave the pitch while the waiting team run on and defend. • Turnover of possession is via a score, a forward pass, dropped ball, intercept etc. • The rules may also stipulate a six touch turnover for example. • The coach to observe how the waiting players spread when in the off pitch area in order to cover space when called onto the pitch. It may not be the team in possession at that time that scores. Key Coaching Points • Speed in scanning and communicating the spatial opportunity. • Development of foundation skills, passing and running. • Innovation in positioning when planning to enter the pitch from outside. • Develop team work and commitment to each other. Relevance to the Game • Develop the understanding of inviting multiple defenders into a tackle area in order to create space elsewhere.

L2 - Back Line Attack from Set Piece

Skill Practice Description • The objective of this game is to score from first phase. • The defence start on the try line and can only advance to the five metre line (gain line). • The attack must start from the 5 metre line if simulating a scrum and vary the starting points i.e. centre field. • If simulating a lineout start, use the 10 metre line to half way. • If the attack can score from the set piece they are awarded five points. • If they score after one phase they are awarded four points. • If they score after two phases they get awarded three points and so on. • If the attack fails to score after four phases they turn around and defend. • Kicking options may be introduced. • Five attacks each team. Key Coaching Points • Appropriate passing (short, long, flat, deep etc.) • Appropriate running lines; decoy / option / creating spaces / accelerating into space. • Support and reaction. • Look-Think -Do Process • Allow the players to self correct before intervention from the coach Relevance to the Game • Accuracy in decision making scanning and decoy / option running lines

British Bulldogs - Defence game

The classic schoolyard game. Played full contact but with tackle pads. Attackers must get to the other side of the field without dropping their ball or being pinned to the ground by defenders with tackle pads.

Passing in 4s

A basic handling drill for groups of young players with a mixture of talent. Emphasise technique, passing backwards, and running straight. As players become better they can try wider passes and add more pace. Encourage players to swap position. Counting the number of completed passes in a row challenges the players to never drop the ball.

Women's - Straight Scrums 1

A well contested scrum from both teams. Good technique and body position ensure a solid and safe scrum. The red team use this restart to kick and gain territory. Key factors : Strong body position - Tight binding between the players - Calling - Players push in a straight line - Ball control from ther no 8

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Level 2 - Scrum Body Positions

Scrum - Tighthead tips for Senior Players

The dark arts are not for all of us, but the minority of specialists will benefit from this clip. You can share this video with those who should see it. Go into the video library where you can send it on - RCD Video Library

Tower Of Power; Swiss Ball

Scrum Technique Progressions for youths

Working from a single players body position to a full scrum can be daunting for some coaches. In this clip there are simple steps to progress and the technical points are consistent

Conor O Shea - the Turnover

Conor O Shea discusses the importance of turnover ball and why coaches and players should work at this regularly

Defensive Game with Coaching Points

A touch game conditioned to develop the drift defence. Worcester Warriors Community Coach Tamara Taylor explains the objectives of the conditions, gives feedback and adjusts them when necessary.

Defence - Blitz or Drift

In the last ten years two defence systems have been coached and implemented. The Wasps academy coach provides some of the latest ideas and how to use games to coach the skills and cement the understanding

Blitz & Drift Defence Drills

This video takes you through the basics of both blitz and drift defences and provides great drill ideas.

Scotland New Lineout Move

Scotlands clever score from the line out v Ireland was a great example of coaches or players being innovative and looking at new ways to do things. This clip shows a few slightly different uses for placing your scrum half at the front of the line out. It is just ideas and about pushing the boundaries of the laws

Groundwork Skills

Improving some simple ball presentation skills can have a significant effect on the quality of your breakdown and the speed of the ball delivered from the contact area. This is a great technique that all players should learn

Adapt Your Coaching Style

There are significant changes in the approach to "How best to coach" with regards your coaching style and delivery skills. Here are some examples from some of the Premierships top coaches

Coaching Defensive Systems

Coaching defence starts with some warm up games and progresses to specific skills and the coach then builds upon these basics. A system of defence is then introduced and practised in a conditioned game

Bear Crawl Touch

During pre-season, it's a great idea to keep training fun, but with emphasis on building fitness. Conditioned games are an excellent way to do this. In this game, defenders who make a touch must run back to their own try line and complete a bear crawl before rejoining the game. This gives opportunities to the attacking team.