Rugby: Box Kicking Practice

The box kick is a very dangerous tactic for attack and defense.

When attacking it can apply immense pressure on a team by putting the ball behind them. It also isolates the receiver making them vulnerable to turnover.

It can also be dangerous if not executed correctly as you can end up giving away possession.

Practice short kicks while attacking forward (not standing still).

The attackers are aiming to land their kick in the target area (yellow cones). Adapt the size based on their ability (e.g. senior players 5m x 5m, junior players 10m x 10m).

Set up two cones (red) to simulate the area of a ruck/scrum/line out and give a defensive offside line. Two defenders (red) position themselves on the offside line opposite two attackers (blue).

One attacker (1) acts a scrum half and passes the ball to the first receiver (2). The first receiver (2) catches the ball and tries to perform a chip or grubber kick into the target area . The second attacker (3) chases the kick and tries to regather it.

The two defenders aim to put pressure on the kicker.

Once the attack have gathered the kick they should return it to the feeder and join the back of the line to start again.

PROGRESSION:

Defenders to start passive and increase pressure as attackers gain confidence

Start with a chip kick and progress to grubber or vice versa.

Drill to warm up/practice different types of kick.

Players form two lines in the 15m channels with all the balls starting on one side.

The player with the ball at the front of the line runs out and does a cross-field punt to a partner on the opposite side of the pitch - kick labelled 1.

The partner catches the ball, and does a chip kick which they chase and gather themselves - kick labelled 2. 

Once they have gathered their chip kick they perform a grubber kick to their partner who has continued their run. Aiming to kick the ball between the posts for their partner to gather and score - kick labelled 3.

Players jog back to join the back of the opposite line.

Once the first pair have performed the chip kick, the next pair in line can go.

Drill to practice kicking accuracy and contesting the ball in the air.

Split the players into two even teams with different coloured bibs (red and blue).

Set up two squares (roughly 15m x 10m, with a 5-10m middle zone - see diagram). Split each team in half so half of each team is in each square.

Players have to try to kick the ball to a player on their team in the opposite area to score a point.

For each kick that is caught on the full by a team mate in the opposite area the team scores one point.

The opposition team are trying to disrupt the catch by competing in the air or trying to distract the player catching the ball.

PROGRESSION:

Use one ball to start with then introduce multiple balls.

Players kick with the ball with their less dominant foot.

Catch with one hand only.

Set a time limit on the time a player is allowed to hold the ball for before kicking it back (e.g. 2 seconds).

The catcher has to pass to another player in their team to kick the ball.