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 ERASMUS CONDITIONING 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 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

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

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”

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:

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 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

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 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

Practice makes perfect