The Kicking Game
Why is it so important? RWC STATS - Semi
finals & finals You have to get there
to score the points Attacking weapon
The cross kick The chip kick The grubber kick
Puts opposition under pressure Restarts Up & Unders Penalty kick for touch
creates great attacking platform
Most important areas of the game – RASSIE ERASMUS1. CONDITIONING2. THE KICKING GAME
When these two areas are in place you can score the tries!!!
Key factors for an effective kicking game
Basic skills required to play the game Catching and passing First phase possession Breakdown skills “Lingo” and players that can
communicate Personnel
Clear plan Two schools of thought Where on the field do we want to play our
rugby? Communicate the plan clearly Every kick is as good as the line chase that
follows the kick
Practicing the kicking game It is a very important part of your
preparation – make time It is a facet that needs to be practiced Analysing the opposition is crucial for
formulating your plan
The specialist
Constructing a kicking game plan Areas of play
Defensive zone Attacking zone
What is your school of thought? Conservative of creative?
Identify the correct personnel First phase possession Catching and passing Breakdown Decision makers Kickers
The plan:1. Relieve the pressure Create time and space for kicker2. Kick to contest Isolate a weak catcher3. Pull them up and make them turn Hit grass behind them Chase line Second line Third line Win the tennis through patience Create an opportunity to “gamble”
TIPS Analysis of opposition
Pick up on defensive patterns Identify weak catchers and turners
Equipment Balls A right footed & left footed kicker is
a bonus Practice as close to match
circumstances as possible Repetition is key An Example:
Kicking technique
Specialised coaching from an early age
Wilkinson – 13 years old
Practice the correct techniques from the start
Bad habits takes years to correct
General pointers
Bal placement - Wilkinson The golf swing – Basic principles BODY MOVEMENT TOES DOWN HEAD OVER THE BALL ROUTINE IS KEY The mental game
The place kickA straight leg = consistency Starts with the kicking
tee Correct alignment Angle of approach Distance from the ball Focus on the spot Approach it slow and
small Arm up for balance Big last step for good
coil Plant foot next to the
ball
Head down = momentum Eye on the spot = it will pull you through
Strike it on the right spot
Straight leg Foot towards target Plant foot must move
forward Hips towards target Repetition Eliminate bad habits
The touch kick Torpedo
Alignment & grip Approach is slow and
small Straight arms A perfect release is
the key Head over the ball Toes down for power Big last step for a
good coil Strike it on the outside
half of the foot Plant foot move Straight leg for power Hips towards the
target
Drop punt Alignment & grip Approach is slow and
small Straight arms A perfect release is
the key Head over the ball Toes down for power Big last step for a
good coil Strike it on top of the
foot Plant foot move Straight leg for power Hips towards the
target
Practice makes perfect