Kicking

 

Coaching Cues:

  • Opposite shoulder forward
  • Keep eyes on the ball
  • Swing through the line of the ball

Key Factors - Punt Kicking

  • Stand holding the ball in a relaxed, athletic position
  • Shoulder forward: right-footed kicker - left shoulder forward; left-footed kicker - right shoulder forward
  • Hold the ball in both hands with the point of the ball aligned with the right foot
  • Allow the ball to fall to the striking position and maintain alignment and at the same time:
    • Step on the non-kicking foot, which points to the target
    • Swing the kicking foot through the line of the ball, striking the ball in the sweet spot
      • Adjust the flight of the ball by changing the angle of the foot and the height at which the ball is struck
    • Follow through with kicking foot
  • Extend the arm on the opposite side of the body for balance
  • Keep the head down and eyes on the ball

Key Factors - Drop Kick Restarts

  • Hold the ball with point toward ground for consistent bounce
  • Step forward with the non-kicking foot so the in-step of the kicking foot points to target
  • Drop the ball to bounce off the ground hips-width from the non-kicking foot
  • Turn shoulder of non-kicking foot towards target
  • Swing the kicking foot through the line of the ball
  • Kick with the bone on top of the instep
  • Follow through onto the toes of the non-kicking foot
  • Use the arm of the non-kicking side for balance

Key Factors - Place Kick

  • Set up ball on tee
  • Account for environmental factors and aim at goal posts
  • Approach the ball with shoulder forward: right-footed kicker - left shoulder forward; left-footed kicker - right shoulder
  • Place the non-kicking foot hips-width from the ball pointing at the target
  • Swing the kicking foot through the line of the ball
  • Follow through with the kicking foot
  • Extend the arm on the non-kicking side of the body for balance
  • Keep the head down and eyes on the ball

Coaching Cues:

  • Move forward towards the ball
  • Turn your body side on to present hard parts
  • Watch the ball into hands

Key Factors - Catching a Kick

  • Position with room to move forward towards the ball
  • Decide whether to attempt to catch the ball on the ground or by jumping into the air
  • Extend arms in the direction of the ball
  • Position body side on with shoulder and hip towards opposition
  • Call "my ball"
  • Watch the ball into hands
  • Catch the ball at eye level with hands, then arms and pull the ball into the body
  • Tense the body in anticipation of contact