Kick pass to the wing

The kick pass is becoming more prevalent at the top level and there is no reason why your players cannot use the same tactic. There are risks, but the possible rewards are great because the ball literally flies out to wing.

Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 10-15
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7-10

What to think about

The danger with coaching kicking is that is becomes a “default setting” for the players. They want to kick rather than pass. If this becomes the case, then use a kick pass as a set play in certain parts of the field only. For instance, between the 10m lines. The players also have to recognise when to use it. If the opposition tend to keep their wingers wide, then it won’t be as effective. Using the kick pass can shape the defence though. Even if it does not work the first time, the defence becomes wary of the move, allowing more time for a passing movement to the wing.

set-up

1.  Punt the ball in front of the chasing wide player. Give it some height so it carries all the way to the chaser.
2.  Follow through with your kick.
3.  Chase the kick. Always look at the ball and accelerate onto it over the last 5 metres.
4.  Jump to catch the ball, especially if you are over the try line.

What you get your players to do

First, develop your players’ kicking technique. Put a kicker about 20m away from a target area of cones. Pass him the ball and have him kick the ball into the target area. Rotate the kicker after three goes. Develop the skill with longer kicks. Next, split your players into two groups of four, set about 20m apart, with one clearing passer. One group are the kickers. Each player receives a pass from the clearing passer to kick for a chaser in the second group. The kick is for the chaser to the receiving player sprint onto the ball without having to check his run. He then scores over a line in front of him.