K
icking is an
important skill
within the
game and can
often make a big
difference to the
result. It’s important that all
players develop the ability to
kick and practice at all ages.
We as coaches automatically
assume our halves are the best
kickers in the team, but it’s a
skill that needs to be practised
by everyone to improve their
all-round game.
There are three main kicks used
within the game:
13
Punt kick
This is used to gain ground
both in open play and from a
penalty situation. This can be
downfield or crossfield and is
used to find touch and in
40/20 situations.
• Hold the ball in the passing
position.
• Line up your shoulders
square onto the target area.
• Keep your head down and
eyes on the ball.
• Follow-through aiming at
the target area.
Grubber kick
The grubber kick is used as an attacking kick to break a defensive
line and make it difficult for the defensive player (usually the fullback) to deal with. As the ball is bouncing end on end, it enables
the attacking chaser to challenge for the ball.
• Hold the ball in the passing position but slightly lower than you
would for the punt kick.
• Keeping your eyes on the ball, drop it downwards, striking the
top half of the ball before it hits the ground.
• Kick with your knee bent and head over the ball.
• The foot drives the ball into the ground.
Chip kick
The chip kick is an attacking midfield play. This is used to benefit
the kicker and chase team, turning a static defence and putting a
full-back under pressure.
• Hold the ball in the passing position at waist height.
• Whilst running, kick under the ball on the bottom point, creating
back spin so if the ball hits the floor it comes back to the kicker.
• Put enough height on the ball to allow time to collect, but not
too much to allow the defence to turn and challenge or for the
full-back to make up ground.
Kicks should be practised in isolated situations. Once the kickers become competent with the skill and
it becomes autonomous, the pressure needs to be added.
This can be done in a variety of drills as game-based practices. Both defending and attacking the kick
can be practiced in left v right situations.
Time should be included in your planning for kick practice as it’s a skill that can really influence a game.