Rugby Coaching - Place Kick

Explanation: Kicking in rugby can be used as a defensive or an attacking tactic, depending on the situation. It is a good way to clear the danger if the team are under pressure. However with a good kick over the top of the opposition they can be the team under pressure.

The place kick is used to start the game, for a conversion attempt after a try, and for a penalty kick. With this kick players use a tee to hold the ball up off the ground to help make better contact with the ball, increasing their accuracy and points score.

All teams have a place kicker, but the angle of the ball on the tee, and run up varies greatly from player to player.

Description: Kickers tee the ball up at their preferred angle (start with it upright, first time kickers). Look at the posts and take the wind into account when lining up for the kick. Once kickers are lined up and ready they should keep their eyes on the ball.

Place the non-kicking foot beside the ball and the kicking foot behind it, then take around 5 steps straight back and 2 to the side of the non-kicking foot. This will vary for each player, everyone needs to find a position comfortable for them.

Move towards the ball, place the non-kicking foot back beside the ball where it started. Keep the head down looking at the ball, with the non-kicking side arm out horizontally for balance. Extend the kicking leg through the ball, pointing at the posts on the follow through.

Do not watch the ball as it leaves the foot, but keep the head down until a few seconds after the kick.

Other Rugby Kicking Drills