5 Tips To Improve Your Kicking Game
Kicking a footy with precision and power is a crucial skill for rugby league players. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, honing your kicking abilities can make a significant difference in your performance on the field. In this blog, we’ll explore five essential tips to help you improve your ball kicking skills.
1. Perfect Your Technique
The foundation of a powerful and accurate kick lies in your technique. To kick the footy effectively, follow these steps:
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Stance: Stand with your non-kicking foot pointing towards your target, about shoulder-width apart. Your weight should be evenly distributed.
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Grip: Hold the ball with both hands, with your non-kicking hand under the ball and your kicking hand on the side, slightly behind the ball.
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Stationary: Start off by kicking the footy up to yourself practicing your ball drop and your ball hitting the sweet spot of your foot. Then you can move on to the next step.
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Contact: Swing your kicking leg through, making contact with the ball using the inside top part of your foot (sweet spot). Ensure a clean strike on the ball by executing your grip and ball drop.
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Follow Through: After striking the ball, let your kicking leg follow through naturally, ensuring your toes point toward the target.
2. Practice Consistently
Improving your kicking skills requires regular practice. Dedicate time to practicing different types of kicks, including punt kicks, drop kicks, and grubber kicks. Practice on various surfaces, such as grass, turf, or even sand, to become adaptable to different playing conditions.
3. Focus on Accuracy First
When you’re starting, prioritise accuracy over distance. Begin by aiming for a specific target, like a cone, a post or a teammate. As you become more accurate, gradually work on increasing the power behind your kicks. Precision is key, and once you can consistently hit your target, you can work on adding distance to your kicks.
4. Work on Your Weak Foot
While it’s natural to favour one foot over the other, developing your weaker foot can make you a more versatile player. Practice kicking with your non-dominant foot to improve your overall kicking ability. Start with short kicks and gradually work your way up to longer kicks. This will also balance out your body ensuring that you are getting load through both legs preventing overload and injury.
5. Learn from the Pros
Watching NRL players kick can provide valuable insights into kicking techniques. Pay attention to their form, approach, and follow-through. You can also find online tutorials and videos that break down the mechanics of kicking. Incorporate their tips and strategies into your practice routine.
Improving your kicking skills is a journey that requires patience, practice, and dedication. Perfect your technique, practice consistently, prioritise accuracy, work on your weak foot, and draw inspiration from professional players. Whether you’re aiming for pinpoint accuracy or booming kicks down the field, these tips will help you become a more confident and effective kicker. So, grab your ball, head to your local oval, and kick your way to success!
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