1. The Kicking Game

2. 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

3. Most important areas of the game – RASSIE ERASMUS
CONDITIONING
THE KICKING GAME
When these two areas are in place you can score the tries!!!

4. 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

5. Clear plan Practicing the kicking game The specialist
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

6. 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

7. Create time and space for kicker 2. Kick to contest
The plan:
1. Relieve the pressure
Create time and space for kicker
2. Kick to contest
Isolate a weak catcher
3. 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”

8. An Example: TIPS Analysis of opposition Equipment Balls
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:

9. 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

10. General pointers Bal placement - Wilkinson
The golf swing – Basic principles
BODY MOVEMENT
TOES DOWN
HEAD OVER THE BALL
ROUTINE IS KEY
The mental game

11. The place kick A 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

12. 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

13. The touch kick Drop punt Torpedo Alignment & grip 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
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

14. Practice makes perfect