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