Kick off session builder

Build up the kick off reception skills to ensure you secure the ball, and then develop the initial support skills to play from that receipt.

Two players

• Throw the ball over the posts to force a drop in the coned square. Develop with the catcher must jump for the ball

Three players

• Add in a chaser, who starts level with the post. If the ball is dropped, the dropper becomes the new chaser

Four players

• Add in a support player

Five/six players

• One or two chasers aim to disrupt the catch and pass

Seven + players

• Have four receivers and two + chasers
• Throw or kick the ball
• Scoring system
  • Secure the ball (1 point)
  • Secure and pass/kick (2 points)
  • Secure and run and go beyond front cones (chaser’s starting point) (4 points)
  • Secure and run and go beyond back cones (10m line) (3 points)

HOW TO DO IT

TWO PLAYERS

• Mark out two 5m boxes next to a set of rugby posts (see top picture).
• Playing 1 v 1, the players aim to force an error from the catch by throwing the ball over the posts and into the box. No scores if the ball lands outside the box.
• Develop by making the receiving player jump for the ball. Also, try to get the throw to glance the ball off the upright post to create more difficulty. The receiver gets a bonus if they can catch that.

THREE PLAYERS

• As above, but an additional player chases the throw. They must start level with the post. They aim to disrupt the catcher.
• The catcher remains the catcher if they make a catcher. Otherwise they become the next chaser.

FOUR PLAYERS

• The players now work in pairs and the chaser disrupts the catch.
• The catcher aims to catch and pass to a supporting player.

FIVE/SIX PLAYERS

• Move away from the posts. A kicker (or thrower) aims to land the ball into two boxes, see middle picture.
• Start with one chaser and three receivers, who aim to secure the ball.
• Swap where the incoming kick/throw is coming from. Add another chaser to progress.

SEVEN+ PLAYERS

• Have four receivers and two chasers and a kicker.
• Give the receivers targets:
  • Secure the ball (1 point)
  • Secure and pass/kick (2 points)
  • Secure and run and go beyond  chasers’ starting point (4 points)
  • Secure and run and go beyond  the 10m cones (3 points)
• Add in chasers, up to four.

TECHNIQUE

• Make a clear call – to ensure that there’s only one player going for the ball.
• Focus on one point on the ball.
• Hands out, fingers spread.
• Turn the body, though for a kick off, this tends to be infield.
• Jump forward if under pressure.