Put kicking into a game

WHY USE THIS GAME

We want to find spaces where the opposition have not covered in the backfield. That could be just in behind the defensive line or further back.

The progression in this skill practice will improve an attacking kick chase, defensive chase back and also opportunity to punish a poor kick. 

A good kick turns defences and hits grass. Dependent on skill level, the game can be manipulated in space.

ACTIVITY

Isolated practice

Passer throws ball and calls out an area. The kicker aims for that area.

Progression

Active defender that moves in one direction forward and back along a line to force the kicker to scan where opposition is.

Final progression 

Active defenders try to punish a poor kick with a chasing group. If the ball is caught, play touch rugby. It stops if the ball carrier cannot pass within two seconds of being touched (or an error).

GAME SITUATION

• Play approximately 8v8. The pitch can be between the 5m sidelines. One team with ball start with the ball in ruck (set up a 1v1) on their own 10m line.
• The defence set up in defensive line and a pendulum back three.
• Attackers aim to identify what is the best type of attacking kick option dependent on the defence lineup. Play touch rugby, where the touched attacker goes to ground and presents and one defender stands by this player. Play until the attack kicks.
• The attack needs to manipulate the defence to create the best option.
• For instance, the attack won’t attempt a 50-22 if the defence has a deep back three and well inside their own half. They could use a few phases to draw in defenders to create space deep to attempt a little chip into the space behind the defensive line. Or they attack from deep to bring up defenders to create the opportunity for the 50-22.
• The defensive team needs to be constantly reorganising to make sure all the backfield options are covered. Better teams will look for who might be kicking and which foot they might use.

GAME SCORING

Attacking

50-22 kick = 10 points. A chip over the top to recover the ball and score over 22 = 10 points. A kick straight into touch = -5 points.

Defensive 

Turnover for the defence 5 points. Punishing a poor kick by scoring over halfway = 10 points.