Make every kick contestable

More and more, we are seeing teams kick out of their 22m area with the intention of making the kick contestable - when the catcher has to jump to take the ball or risk losing it. Use this simple exercise and extension to put pressure on catcher and challenger alike - and don’t be put off by the fancy “padded man”shield.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-8

What to think about

This skill is about confidence. The confidence to jump and catch without taking focus away from the ball. If you can film this (say with your phone) to give instant feedback on the player’s eyes, you and the player can quickly see the level of confidence. Sports like Gaelic football emphasise the need for the catcher to win the space for the ball. A static player who then jumps will be unlikely to win this battle. So another element of this skill is timing the move into the jump. This session is good for all players but especially the back three, centres, 8s and locks. (Think of contestable kicks being 22m drop outs and some kick offs).

set-up

1. Keep your eye on the ball all the way – no matter what you expect to happen.
2. Jump into the space where the ball will be caught, keeping your elbows close and your hands up.
3. Bend your knees as you are airborne to land more safely.

What you get your players to do

Put two players holding ruck pads at head height about 5m in front of the catcher and no more than a metre apart. Get the catcher to run at the gap in the pads. From behind the pads, get a ball thrown over the pad holders so the player has to leap and catch the ball either just before, over or through the pads. Increase the distances and have the pad holders move forward and backwards to develop. The pad holders simulate attackers or defenders and are there to distract the catcher (see pictures 1 and 2).