Two ways to contesting your own kick-off

SHORT AND WIDE

The kicker aims to put the ball where the forwards can reach and challenge for it in the air. The ball should land just beyond the 10-metre line. Each forward has a specific role to play. 

The chaser 

They follow the ball and attempt to catch it in the air as it descends. If they cannot catch it, they try to knock it back towards the supporter or at the very least, hassle the catcher. 

The supporter 

They follow the chaser to help once the ball is caught. 

The cleaners  

They follow behind the supporter to provide defence if the opposition wins the ball and runs straight back. 

The hyena 

The “hyena” runs past the point where the ball will land to collect it if it is knocked backwards by the receiving team, or missed by everybody. 

Your team can use one player as deep support should the receivers win the ball and kick it back. Any other forwards can operate as further hyenas or chasers, depending on your forwards speed or ability in the air. 

Individual skills required

• Kickers need to be able to kick with good precision and with so that the ball descends as the chaser arrives underneath it. 
• Chasers need to be able to leap and catch in a crowded area. 
• Hyenas need speed to run beyond the ball. 
• Clearers need to be able to make a good tackle. 
• Supporters need to be able to react quickly to the outcome of the chase, to support or defend. 

Think right, not left sometimes 

Most teams kick to the left because they have a right-footed kicker but this leaves the chaser controlling a catch with the left hand; most players are right-handed. The receiving catcher has the benefit of a strong hand in the catch. If the kicker can kick to the right this benefit is reversed. 

THE DRIBBLE

The kicker drop kicks the ball softly along the ground and straight ahead. It rolls over the 10m line into an undefended space. Forwards line up to the side similar to the “short and wide” kick-off to draw the opposition pack away from the kicker.

Two chasers, backs, chase the ball to claim it or tackle a receiver then challenge for the ball. The forwards will need to then cover across in case the receivers win the ball and run back. 

Individual skills required

• Kickers need to be able to kick with enough weight so that the ball just rolls to the 10 metre line  
• Chasers need to be able to pick up on the run. Good tackling and rucking skills are also beneficial. 

Considerations

This is really a surprise strategy but can be devastatingly effective. After you have done it once in the game, the opposition will be wary of it happening again. 

How good is your kicker? 

Often kickers are unable to drop kick long with any precision. These strategies provide the best opportunities for winning the ball back and allow the kicker to concentrate on accuracy rather than power. 

 

Don’t forget goal line and 22m drop outs are also kick-offs, just without the distance to kick.