Spiral punt

The spiral punt is a valuabe kick in rugby. Mainly for long kicks to gain ground in general play, kicking for touch or penalties. Does have variations.

Torpedo basics

A kick is easier if you have good rugby handling skills (see core skills in main menu) and you know your rugby kicking basics.

.

Why use the this kick

The type of punt is an accurate kick used to make maximum distance gains.

The way you position the ball on your foot means a large area of contact between your foot and the ball. Minor variations in placement have only a small effect on the accuracy of your kick.

How to spiral punt kick a rugby ball

Spiral punt start

Spiral punt finish

The real starting position of the kick is a little earlier but see that in the video.

Hold the ball in both hands. Pretty level with the ground, slanting away from you, across your body.

One hand is over the ball. One hand is under.

Swing it up to shoulder height then remove your lifting hand from under the ball.

Now you have the ball at arms length perfectly positioned for the kick just as in the image.

As you step forward to kick, the ball hangs there under 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 you are also stepping into the kick.

You bring your leg through at the same time the ball arrives at foot height and WALLOP!

You strike the ball with the bony part high on your foot, the part covered by your laces.

Point your toes and kick in a straight line towards your intended target. Encourage the ball to roll off this bony part of your foot and be helped in spinning with a flick from your toes.

Spin is applied naturally to the ball. No other effort is required. Your leg and foot are working like the whip turning a spinning top.

Experiment with the angle you hold the ball. That angle and where the ball strikes your foot determine the amount of spin.

Remember to follow through for best accuracy and maximum distance.

Practice kicking along straight lines on the field. This gives you plenty of feedback about whether you are accurate and whether you kick a long way.

Go for accuracy first. Putting the ball consistently where you want it is most important. Distance will build.

Close-up views of this spiral kick

Spiral punt, foot about to strike

The ball would probably be better angled a bit more away from me but doing it specially for the camera affects my concentration!

Note the pointed toe presenting the bony mass of the foot.

Spiral punt, foot strikes

The ball does look to be too much across the foot. More angle would be better but most are good, long, accurate, spiralling kicks and this was no exception.

Main points

• good rugby handling skills required
• place the ball downwards onto the foot
• ball angled across foot

• strike with bony top of foot, toes pointed
• encourage the ball roll off the foot to create spin
• follow through for accuracy and distance

Add to you kicking toolbox. Follow the link below to find and master the other kicks that will help you shine.