A Chip Kick in Rugby
The chip kick is an attacking weapon used to unlock solid defences, find space, keep the opposition guessing and ultimately to score tries.
A chip kick is used to kick just over the top of an advancing defence, when the kicker sees space behind the defence. Either the kicker or the chasing players from behind the kicker can attempt to either catch the kick before the ball hits the ground or as it hits the ground wait for the ball to bounce up.
You can prefect the chip so that you can make the ball bounce backwards into your hands as it hits the ground.
How to do a chip kick
Step 1
Hold the ball straight out in front of you, with the tips pointing up and down. You can also hold it slightly towards the side, over your kicking foot.
Step 2
Guide the ball onto you foot. With your foot pointing upwards kick the ball up and forwards towards the sky.
Step 3
Try and catch the ball before it bounces but if not wait until it bounces up waist high before regaining the ball.
Step 4
Kick through rather than at the ball, this will give you a far greater sense of direction and distance.
The kick concludes with a high follow-through, with the foot above head height. The kicking leg should remain straight, and the toes pointed.
Basic Drill- Spiral Kick to Partner
Divide the group into pairs, one football per pair.
Mark out a channel for each pair, who face each other approximately 10m apart
Each player in turn spiral kicks the ball to their partner.
To kick with the right leg take the first step with the left leg and vice versa.
It may be necessary to group children on the basis of ability.
To increase the difficulty of the drill, increase the distance the players are required to kick the ball.
