How do you teach a goal kicker to get more distance?

Rugby CoachCoach

Hi George, Have you tried coaching using an extendable kicking tee and practice striking the ball on the point. This will help by kicking the ball lower and further. The kicker can then concentrate on rhythum through the ball. Remember it is the speed of the foot through the ball that produces long distances. I hope this helps.

Phil KeddieCoach, Wales

I have a similar issue with an U14 player. We have improved things by using the higher tee and striking the point of the ball but have worked on building a clean strike by starting with no run up and enabling the boy to get a feel for the best strike - we then have started to gradually build a full run up to increase foot speed through the ball but all the time emphasising the 'cleaness' of the strike.

Rugby CoachCoach

Whenever I encounter this issue, like Phil, I start with a no-run up kick. In addition, at this stage, both the kicker and I work hard to ensure the strike is made with the main bone of the foot (where it points up). This is rather like making sure a golfer hits the ball in the middle of the club. The other thing to do is ensure that the body is completely over the ball at the moment of strike, and that there is no leaning away to the opposite side (e.g leaning to the left with a right footed kick). If the head is down, and the other aspects are good, after the kick is completed, the player will naturally follow through - taking an extra step or two forward - like a javelin thrower. Then progress to one step and kick, then three, then go to however many steps the kicker feels comfortable with. Hope this helps.