Re-start Kicking

The Aim of the Re-start:

Let’s start with the basics here- for the kicking team, the aim of any re-start is for that team to recover the ball from the kick off cleanly, or put the opposition deep in their own red zone – forcing them eventually to play into touch and you get the advantage of the throw in the li ne out

There are a number of variation of re-starts, but we are going to look at the two basic options, and the detail behind executing them well.

1. The Long re-start:

This generally the most favoured option- as the kicking side you are looking to get the ball high and as deep as possible to the corner, and use your chasers to force the receivers to clear to touch on your terms. A reasonable gain from this type of kick off is a line out anywhere from the opponent 10m line to their own goal line.

2 aspects of this type of kick are worth considering- firstly, the hang time- there’s a good 40 m for your chasing forwards to cover. Therefore the longer the hang time generally the better. However, also understand that an overly long hang time can allow the opposition time to defend in numbers under the ball and form a pod.. So the very best sides work out exactly the optimum hang time for their rushing chasers to get to the landing point of the kick, and aim to have those chasers there as the ball lands- and able to get high into the air after overcoming the momentum of the run.. Equally if that hang time is too long, those chasers can even overrun the ball, thus losing momentum and potentially becoming out of the game – the defending side as plenty of time to compose themselves and weigh up their most effective option..

If you cannot get the ball back your objective is to allow the opposition as little time and room to make their touch find.

2. The Short re-start.

This is a good option for a team with players who are strong, fast aerial challengers (Lewis Moody, Mike Tindall  are great examples) and should be considered as a forward pass! The kicker should be aiming for the ball to land  within 5m of the opposition 10 ms line. Hangtime is crucial- you are looking not for maximum hang time, as is the popular misconception, but the OPTIMUM hang time- enough time for your chasers to get there, and as little time as possible for the opposition for form a catching ‘pod’ of two playing s lifting a catcher.

Executing this is about choosing the right players to chase and also knowing that a second wave of chasers should be behind the primary chasers a) to pick up any loose or dropped ball b) to apply pressure to the opposition if they get possession.

Defending against these kicks is about getting your key catchers to the ball as quickly as possible. Some teams try to get a couple of players gently lumbering innocently in the way of the rushing chasers. This can sometimes help but its high risk with sharp referees. The aim is to get your players under the ball early then use lifters to gain a height advantage from a static position.

Those are the basic re-start options used by most teams. However, a good side always has a number of variations of the two major options. In really wet conditions a useful alternative, is the hard hit diagonal grubber kicked hard, skidding and low into the opposition defensive line up. It can be very difficult to gather the ball and get control. A knock on is often the result in a good attacking scrum position.

Teams spend a great deal of time working on defensive systems – to try to create turnovers – an emphasis on restarts can have a real impact on possession – if you can get your own back  -it’s a turnover!

Enjoy the game

Dave.