Develop a World Class Rugby Union Kicking Game

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!

How to Develop a Sound Rugby Union Fitness Training Programme

A sound rugby union fitness training programme includes a solid routine to cover the physical side of the game. However and often overlooked factor to consider is the mental training that parallels your physical training.

You must create planned mental skill workouts to develop a level where you are able to achieve peak performances consistently in competition.

You will never get to the top without developing your mental toughness.

Achieving consistency and performing to your limit is heavily reliant on your mental state, which, like physical skills, can be developed through training.

Learn how to determine your aims and ambitions, identify conflicting interest and convert aims into goals by being committed


Learn how to improve your confidence by feeling and being competent in your ability


Learn how to control the potentially disruptive emotions of stress and anxiety which will have a positive effect on your playing performance


Learn how to improve your concentration by focussing on appropriate cues and being aware of changes as they take place
Combined with your physical training routine and healthy diet, these provide the keys to improving your rugby union game and getting you into some good habits for the years ahead.

Today's top rugby unions players, the likes of Richie McCaw, Brian O'Driscoll, Lewis Moody and Victor Matfield have spent years refining their mental game in order to compete at the top level over a long period of time. It is no fluke that these players ended up where they are today, they have worked hard behind the scenes to ensure that they are psychologically prepared for the rigours of professional rugby union.

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!