Many of today's modern day rugby union superstars are often blessed with a great kicking game that they base their overall skills around. Players such as Daniel Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Francois Steyn and Ronan O'Gara have all succeeded by being masters of kicking.
The recent (and continuous) changes to rugby union rules has had quite a large effect on the strategy of how the kick in a game of rugby union is utilised. As such, players who predominantly kick throughout the game have had to adapt their physical and mental application of this skill.
Generally speaking, players who play in key kicking positions are required to master the following:
Ability to transfer play to deep into the opposition territory with the screw-kick or torpedo-kick
Put the opposition under pressure by launching "bombs" or "up and unders"
Score drop goals and put points on the board by learning the specialised skill of drop kicking
Learn how to chip kick the ball over an onrushing defender which will have you go past untouched and recover the ball
Upset the opposition defence, or make quick kicks towards the sideline with the grubber kick
Master the art of straight-line, or round-the-corner goal kicking and establish your place in any team by being the first player picked
In the past very few players in the team had to be masters of each of these types of kick, but with rugby having evolved, many players are required to be multi-skilled with the expectation they may be required to kick the ball at any given time of the game.
I'm a born and bred New Zealander, where rugby union is in my veins. Having been involved as a fan and coach alike, I have seen too many players simply turn up for training expecting to become the best player on the team.
These set of articles provide pointers to a number of great resources that can help you develop your rugby union game and become the games next superstar!
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