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Drop kick

The drop kick is valuable in rugby. It is used for starting and restarting games. If you get one over the opposition cross-bar during general play points are awarded.

When, where and why you use a drop kick

The laws of the game specify
this kick must be used
   when starting each half
and for 22 metre re-starts of the game

Also, points can be scored.
Put the ball over your
   opponents cross-bar with a this type of kick
   during the general course of play
   and 3 points are awarded to your team.
You are allowed to do it at any time during play
and from anywhere on the pitch.
It's rare to be successful
from beyond the half-way line and
the nearer the touch line
the more difficult it becomes.
An attempt at goal tends to be
regarded as an admission that the opposition defence
is too good for you to score tries.

You may also use this kick to convert tries
   to save time when that is important.

How do you do a drop kick

Hold the ball in both hands
   about waist height
   either vertical
   or pointing down and away from you
   as you prefer. Drop kick starting position Drop kick of a rugby ball starting position

Drop kick of a rugby ball starting position

One hand is high and behind
   steadying the ball
   one hand below
   balancing the ball
   on your fingertips.

Swing it gently upwards
   and slightly outwards
   to about chest height
   then remove your lifting hand
   from under the ball.

Now you have the ball
   at bent arms length
   perfectly positioned for the kick
   just as in the image.
As you step forward to kick,
   the ball hangs there in front of
   your out-stretched fingers and thumb
   moulded to the shape of the ball.
Gently remove your hand
   as the ball starts to drift down
   towards your foot
   which is coming through to kick

This guides the ball down
   towards your foot
   maintaining the correct positioning
   of the ball.

As you are positioning the ball Drop kick in progress Drop kick of a rugby ball in progress

   you are also stepping
   into the kick.

You bring your leg through
   at the same time the ball arrives
   at foot height
   after bouncing on the ground
   and Whack!

Your foot strikes the ball.
You can hit the ball straight on,
   with the boney top of your foot
   or use your instep.

You may want to kick the ball higher
   to allow chasers
   time to get under the landing area
   of the ball.
If so, pull your toes back
   to form a scoop at your ankle joint
   and use a scooping action
   with your leg/foot as you kick.

For distance
   hit the ball harder
   and on a lower trajectory.

Always follow through
   whichever action you are using
   for accuracy and distance.

Practice with two balls.
Kick one away the required distance
   as a target
   then do the kick you are practicing,
   trying to land the ball
   on the target ball.

This gives you plenty of feedback
   about whether or not you are accurate
   and when you are kicking well to the target area.

Main points

use your good rugby handling skills
build on your foundation of good rugby kicking basics.
place the ball downwards to bounce before striking
ball upright or leaning back towards you
foot action depending on requirements

Return from Drop kick to Rugby kicking

Evtechs Sports Training
Sydney, Australia