Rugby Union: Guide To Kicking

Step 1: Place Kicking

Place kicks are used for penalties and conversions. Firstly, set your ball down on the ground, preferably using a good-quality tee, and make sure it's at a comfortable angle and you've got a clear line-of-sight to the goalposts.

Next, take your position. A few steps back, and a few to the side ought to do it. Give yourself enough space to get a few big strides run-up in before you kick the ball. There needs to be about a 45 degree angle between you, the ball, and the goalposts.

Visualise where you want the ball to go, and then focus on the ball. You're looking to make contact about a third of the way up the ball, using the instep of your foot, and follow through with your whole body.

Don't try to kick the ball at the point directly between the goalposts. Instead, focus on getting it far beyond that, into the distance.

Step 2: Drop Kicking

Drop kicks are generally used to restart the game at a kick-off or a 22-metre drop out; however there are points available if you've got the space to kick for goal.

There's a knack to this – legally, after you've dropped it the ball needs to bounce before you can kick it.

Any player can score from a drop kick, and getting the ball between the posts earns three points.

To pull off a successful drop-kick, you need to hold the ball about waist-height, pointing directly downwards. Get a good look at the posts, and visualise what you're about to do – you're driving the ball directly over the bar in one smooth motion.

From this point onwards, only look at the ball.

Take a step forward with your non-kicking foot, and as you bring the other foot forwards, raise your knee. As the ball hits the floor and begins to bounce, you'll need to bring your kicking foot forwards and strike the ball.

Step 3: Punts

Punting's the sort of kick every player needs to know how to do whether to get your team further up the field, or just to get the ball away from the 18-stone monster who's bearing down on you.

Firstly, hold the ball at waist height, at about 35 degrees and away from your body. Your non-kicking foot needs to be firmly on the floor and whatever you do, don't take your eyes off that ball.

You're looking to make contact with the ball on the top of your foot, by your bootlaces. You don't want to hoot it with your toes, that'll be inaccurate and could go anywhere.

Make sure you follow through with your kicking foot, and watch it sail to where you wanted it to go. Perfect.