Under 8/10 – Kicking

Basic Kick
Kicking is not overly encouraged in general play at this level but both punts and drop kicks are necessary at kick offs and conversions. Kicking out of defence can be utilised and kicking to regain possession can be encouraged once the players are equipped to do this. There is one thing for sure, kids love kicking the rugby ball.

Key Factors

• The ‘sweet spot’ is an imaginary point inside the ball. A little ball inside the ball. This is the target area.
• The ‘power spot’ on the foot is the hard part on the top.
• The hand on the kicking side of the ball should be underneath with the ball resting on it.
• The top hand (right foot kick = right hand) will guide the ball towards the foot and must ensure at release that there is as little distance as possible between the handhold and the ball connection.
• The position of the ball will be over the kicking foot with both elbows bent.
• The tilt of the ball will vary according to the trajectory. 30 degrees is a good starting point. Experiment here when they are ready.
• Head and shoulders should be leaning slightly forward over the ball.
• Take a step forward on the non-kicking foot to get in to balance.
• Keep the body weight going forward.
• The power will come from the generation of speed from the knee bend of the kicking foot before swinging it through.
• The leg is straightened through the knee; the ankle is locked and the foot is pointed downwards on contact.
• Accelerate through the line of the kick following through up past the hip, with the opposite arm extended upwards and forwards keeping the weight going forward as long as possible.

ACTIVITIES
1-The Punt
Each player has a ball or each pair has a ball.
Mark out an area, say between the tryline and the 22.
Talk and walk through the skills as above.
Start with just a few key factors – holding and kicking. Then move on.
See who can kick the highest or the longest.
Just do as much kicking as possible and let the players find their style.
Coach on the run.
2-Experimenting
Vary the distance the ball is held away from the body and the distance to the foot to see what is best for height/distance.
Can they kick it further if they take the kicking foot back further.
Can they kick it higher if they keep the ball closer and follow through high.
3-Competitions
Set up some lanes and see who can kick the most accurately down the lane. What are the skills required?
Set up a grid 8 x 8m and stand 10 metres away. Who can kick it high and land in the grid? Who is the highest? What skills are required.
4-Kicking on the Run
a) Practice the same drills but have the kicker running forward before the kick.
b) When players become reasonably competent at kicking introduce the kick over an opponent which can be regathered by your team.
The skill is very similar with the ball being dropped on to the foot under the head while the shoulders are square and running forward. Getting the pace of the run and the kick will be the tricky part.
Start with 1 v 1 in a reasonable area and get the attacker to run towards the tackler, get in to balance ready to kick, kick just to pop it over the defender, and chase after it.
Build up the intensity if they can achieve this. Introduce a support player who the kicker aims to get the ball to in behind the defender.

The Drop Kick
Should you have players crying out for coaching of the drop kick then consider the following key points:

• The ball should be dropped so that it lands upright on its point or slightly forward.
• The ball should be dropped in the same position every time.
• The body should be square on.
• The non-kicking foot is pointing at the target.
• Head is above the ball with the ball held in line with the kicking foot.
• To get accuracy on the drop use your right hand under the ball and reach down as you go so it is not dropped from a great height. The left hand can steady the ball.
• Step forward, drop ball, make contact with the hard part of the upper foot.
• Kick the leg through and keep the head over the ball ending up on the toes of the non-kicking foot.
• Transfer the body weight through the ball and follow through to touch the hand of the balancing arm.

ACTIVITIES
1- Kick Offs
Practice kicking these high which means the ball needs to bounce a bit higher before you kick it
2- Drop Goals
Find a set of goal posts and set a target.
How many out of 10?

Dribbling the Ball
The aim is to control the ball at the player’s feet. This doesn’t happen very often but not only is it a good skill to practice for ball awareness there will always be the occasion when players are better off keeping the ball in front of them and not slowing down to pick it up.

Key Factors

• Run towards it and focus on the ball.
• Stay square on and lean slightly forward.
• Keep the weight up on the balls of the feet.
• Use controlled short kicks using the instep.
• When applicable regain the ball. Same body position: head forward, eyes on ball; small steps to get in to balance; bigger step taking foot close to ball; bend and pick up in two hands; accelerate away.

ACTIVITIES
1- Dribble and Score
Unopposed in an 8 metre grid.
Start by dribbling towards the opposite line (goal line)
Stay in control of the ball.
Pick it up to score about 2/3 metres from the goal line.
* Apply pressure by having a defender chasing once the attacker is at the 5 metre mark. He will attempt to dive on the ball or stop the player from scoring.
2- Grubber Kick and Chase
In a large grid 20 x 20 metres.
The attacker runs at a defender a few metres away. Make the defender static.
He grubber kicks it about 5 metres past the defender.
Attacker chases after it and dribbles it approximately 10 metres before diving on it to score.
Once the ball has been kicked past the defender he will do one press-up and get up and chase after the attacker in an endeavour to stop the try being scored.
3- Relay
Even numbered teams.
Each player dribbles the ball to a cone and dives on it to score.
He then gets up and passes/kicks/rolls/runs the ball back to the next player.