The grubber kick can unlock tight defences, but only if it is executed well and used at the right time. Developing the technical skills needed can be done in a closed training environment. But developing the understanding of when to use the kick is best learned through playing kicking games in training.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 7-10
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

Developing a tactical understanding of when to use kicks is difficult in a training environment, especially for young players. Players can learn how to kick through repetition in training and individual practice. However, this doesn’t make them good kickers. The understanding of effective kicking only comes from playing games where players have to make decisions. You could limit your players options in matches. For instance, “I only want you to kick in our own 22 metre area”. However, that does not encourage free thinking.

set-up

1.  Keep your weight forward over the ball.
2.  Hit the end of the ball and follow through with pointed toes.

What you get your players to do

Each player has a ball (or they can play in pairs). They work round a course in groups of three. Use corner flags (or ruck bags) as targets and cones as tees. Each player takes it in turns to grubber kick at the flag with the aim of hitting the flag within the two kicks. You can vary the distances between the tee and target, depending on the players’ ability.