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Up and under

The up and under is a valuabe kick in rugby. Mainly for medium to long kicks to gain ground while aiming for height to advantage the kicking side.

Start your good rugby with the basics

Build good rugby skills from the ground up.
A kick is easier if...
...you know your rugby handling...

...and your rugby kicking basics.
.

Why use the up and under

The up and under is used...
...primarily to get out of...
...difficult defensive positions...
...where the kicker is somewhat isolated.

It is also used in attacking situations...
...where other options are reduced...
...or non-existent.

Using this kick provides the potential...
...to make ground rapidly...
...and put the defense under pressure.
You kick the ball to a great height...
...and when it descends from the clouds...
...it is difficult for defenders to catch...
...especially when attacking players...
...are racing in to tackle.

You may also create chaos if the ball bounces...
...shooting off unpredictably...
...and possibly being mishandled by players.

How do you do an up and under

Up and under kickt of a rugby ball starting position

This kick is similar in action...
...to the spiral punt kick...
...differing only in where...
...the ball points...
...and what you do with your toes.

Hold the ball in both hands,...
...ball pretty level with the ground...
One hand is above the ball...
...one hand below

The length of the ball...
...is facing straight across your chest.

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. Up and under starting position
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... Up and under kick of a rugby ball finishing position

Up and under kick of a rugby ball finishing position

...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.
Up and under finishing position
Avoid pointing your toes...
...keep your toes pulled back.
In the follow through ending to the kick...
...have a near 90 degree angle at your ankle...
...toes pulled up towards you.
Kick in a straight line...
...towards your intended target.

Remember to follow through...
...for best accuracy and...
...maximum height.

Practice kicking along straight lines on the field.
This gives you plenty of feedback...
...about whether or not you are accurate...
...and just how far you are kicking.

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

Close-up view of the up and under kick

Up and under close-up, foot having struck the ball

Up and under close-up

After the ball has gone.
Note the toes pulled back...
...encouraging the ball to go high in the air...
...rather than travel forward for distance.

Main points

good handling skills required
place the ball downwards onto the foot
ball straight across the foot
strike with top of foot, toes pulled back
follow through keeping toes pulled back

Return from Up and under to Rugby kicking

Evtechs Sports Training
Sydney, Australia