The drop kick: Four steps to getting your match off to a perfect start

The drop kick - when kicking off - has the potential to make or break your match plan. If done well it can place the opposition under extreme pressure. If done poorly, it can hand them free possession, from which they can launch an attack. It is a skill that needs to be practised regularly for consistency and can be split into four key areas.



Illustrated by Jonny Sexton kicking off for Ireland...

1. Addressing the ball: How and where to hold it

• For the right-footed kicker, the hands should be either side of the ball with fingers relaxed but spread out.
• The right hand should be slightly higher up the ball than the left.
• This helps show the kicker the contact zone/impact point of the ball.
• The left hand is slightly lower for balance and ease to guide the ball towards the foot.
• The ball needs to be held with the points of the ball facing up and down.
• The kicker should crouch slightly so the ball is closer to the ground than if the kicker was stood tall.

2. Dropping the ball

• The ball needs to be dropped carefully so that it drops still and steady with the ball remaining vertical as it drops and makes contact with the ground.
• There must be no “wobble” or change in the ball shape from holding it to foot contact.

3. Balance and foot contact

• The kicker should crouch slightly over the ball and remain focused on the ball contact point.
• The sweet spot is the same as for a place kick - about a quarter of the way up the ball. The contact point on the boot should be as for a place kick - the instep, where the big toe meets the foot.
• The head needs to stay down and the chest bent forwards slightly.

4. Follow through

• It is important not to look up too early. Keep the head down after the kick.
• Once the kick is done, step through and directly towards the intended line of kick.
• If this can be done the balance and power is being channeled in the correct line. If not, balance has been compromised.