Rugby Kicking Techniques
Chip Kick
The chip kick is a versatile and strategic weapon in the rugby arsenal. At its core, the chip kick is a deft, lofted kick that sends the ball over an opposing player, allowing the kicker or a supporting runner to regather it and continue the attack. But this understates its nuance and power.
When executed well, the chip kick can create all kinds of problems for the defense. By lifting the ball up and over the first line of defenders, you force them to make snap decisions – should they commit to trying to catch it, or drop back and cover the potential regather? This split-second hesitation is gold for the attacking team. It opens up space, disrupts the defensive line, and forces the opposition to react rather than dictate the play.
The mechanics of a successful chip kick are simple, yet demand precision. You want to strike the lower third of the ball, using a relatively flat approach angle and a firm but controlled swing of the foot. This gives the ball just enough hang time to clear the first tackler, without over-kicking it and sending it too deep. Timing and weight of the kick are critical – put too much on it and you risk sending it too far; not enough and it won’t clear the target. It’s a delicate balance that separates a clever tactical play from a wasted possession.
So when is the chip kick most effective? I find it’s a great option when the defense is blitzing aggressively, crowding the gain line and looking to shut down your attack at source. By floating the ball over the first wave, you can bypass the congestion and get the ball into space behind the line. It’s also handy when your team has numbers out wide – the chip allows you to isolate a defender and put the winger or fullback into a favorable one-on-one situation.
Regathering the Ball
Of course, the chip kick is only the first part of the equation. What you do after the ball is kicked is just as important. Regathering the chip is a vital skill, and one that separates the good teams from the great.
Timing the run to meet the falling ball is crucial. You want to be accelerating onto it, eyes locked on its flight path, ready to take it cleanly at the highest point. Too early and you risk losing momentum; too late and the window of opportunity closes. The best chip chasers seem to have an innate sense of where the ball will land, allowing them to time their run to perfection.
But it’s not just about the run – handling technique is paramount. You need to be ready to take the ball at full speed, with soft hands that can cushion the catch. A bobbled regather can quickly undo all the hard work of the chip. It takes practice to develop that combination of anticipation, acceleration, and secure handling under pressure.
When the regather is successful, the attacking team is instantly on the front foot. The defense has been caught flat-footed, and now has to scramble to recover their shape and defensive integrity. This is where the real pressure can be applied.
Applying Pressure with the Boot
Chip Kicks and Tactical Pressure
The chip kick is a formidable tactical weapon because it forces the defense into making difficult decisions under pressure. Where should they position themselves to cover the chip? Who should try to catch it, and who should drop off to cover the regather? These split-second calls can make all the difference.
By varying the length, placement, and timing of your chip kicks, you can keep the opposition guessing. A well-placed chip over the fullback may lead to a foot race to the bouncing ball. A shorter, sharper chip into the channels could isolate the wingers. And a deft chip behind the line, into the space vacated by charging forwards, may find an unmarked supporting runner hitting the line at pace.
The key is to identify the opposition’s defensive vulnerabilities and exploit them ruthlessly with your kicking game. Where are they over-committed or out of position? What spaces are opening up that you can target? Rugby is a game of chess, and the chip kick is one of your most valuable pawns.
Regather and Counterattack
Of course, the chip kick is only half the equation. What you do after regathering the ball is where the real pressure can be applied. A successful regather instantly puts you back on the front foot, with the defense scrambling to recover their shape.
This is your golden opportunity to strike. Look for the gaps that have opened up – whether that’s an exposed defensive line, isolated defenders, or unstructured back field cover. Accelerate through the hole, drawing in additional defenders, and then unleash a well-timed pass to a supporting runner hitting the line at pace. The suddenness of the counterattack, combined with the chaos created by the chip kick, can be devastating.
Alternately, you might spot an opportunity to kick again – perhaps a crossfield kick to find space on the other side of the field, or a grubber kick into the in-goal area. The regather gives you the initiative, and you can keep the defense guessing by varying your options.
The key is to be alert, decisive, and ruthless. Don’t give the defense time to regroup. Pounce on any opportunities, and keep the tempo and intensity high. That’s when the chip kick becomes a truly potent weapon.
Chip Kick and Regather Strategies
Integrating Chip Kicks into the Gameplan
Effective use of the chip kick requires it to be a carefully considered part of your overall attacking strategy, not just a random tactic. As a coach, I work closely with my kickers to identify the specific game situations where a chip kick could be valuable, and then hone their execution to perfection.
For example, we might look to target the opposition fullback, who is deep in the backfield, with a well-placed chip over the top. Or we might use the chip kick as a way to release our dangerous outside backs, isolating them against drifting defenders. Certain weather and field conditions might also lend themselves to more frequent chip kicking.
The key is to have a clear plan, and then give your players the freedom and confidence to execute it. We’ll do intensive skills work on the mechanics, but also plenty of situational training – practicing chip kick scenarios in attack, defense, and transition. That way, when the moment arrives in a match, they’re ready to pull the trigger without hesitation.
Defensive Considerations
Of course, the flip side of the chip kick is how to defend against it effectively. As a coach, I’m always mindful that our opposition will be working hard to negate this part of our game. So we have to be equally diligent in our preparation.
Anticipation is crucial. We study the tendencies and patterns of our upcoming opponents, looking for clues as to when and where they might chip kick. Is their flyhalf particularly adept at it? Do they target specific areas of the field? Identifying these trends allows us to position our back three accordingly, ready to cover the likely kick zones.
Communication and decision-making under pressure are also key. When a chip kick is in the air, our backfield has to work in sync – who is going to compete for the high ball, who is dropping off to cover the regather, and how are we going to transition from there? It’s a split-second decision that requires rock-solid organization and training.
And of course, we can’t forget the basics – strong positioning, good technique, and unwavering concentration. No matter how clever the attacking kick, a well-drilled defensive unit can often nullify it through sheer effort and execution. It’s a constant battle of wits and skill.
Mastering the Chip Kick and Regather
Skill Development and Practice
As with any rugby technique, mastering the chip kick and regather requires dedicated, deliberate practice. It’s not enough to just work on the mechanics in isolation – you have to integrate it into full-field, game-speed scenarios to truly develop that instinctive feel.
I like to start with the fundamentals – controlled kicking drills to hone striking the ball consistently, with the right trajectory and weight. Then we’ll progress to more dynamic, pressurized kicking exercises – kicking off the ground, under fatigue, with defenders closing in. The key is to build that muscle memory and confidence so the technique becomes second nature.
From there, we layer in the regather work. Players practice timing their runs, reading the bounce, and securing the catch at full speed. We might even have them make a decision after the regather – run, pass, or kick again. The objective is to eliminate any hesitation or uncertainty when faced with a live, unpredictable situation.
And of course, we integrate the chip kick and regather into our broader team training. Scenario-based drills, live matches, and video analysis all help cement its place within our overall attacking framework. The more our players experience it in game-like contexts, the more natural and instinctive it becomes.
Coaching Considerations
As a coach, my role is to provide the clear vision, tactical understanding, and technical expertise that allows my players to truly excel with the chip kick and regather. It’s a nuanced skill, and one that requires a multi-faceted approach.
First and foremost, I need to articulate the specific situations and objectives where I want my team to utilize the chip kick. Is it a weapon to exploit space behind the defense? A way to draw in the line and free up our outside backs? Or perhaps a means of transitioning from defense to attack? Getting that strategic intent right is critical.
From there, it’s about breaking down the technique, drilling the fundamentals, and giving players the confidence to execute. I might use video analysis to highlight successful chip kick examples, or bring in specialist kicking coaches to refine the mechanics. The key is to demystify the skill and give players the tools to make it their own.
Equally important is fostering an adaptable, game-sense approach. The chip kick is not a one-size-fits-all solution – its effectiveness depends on reading the opposition, identifying opportunities, and making split-second decisions. So I work closely with my playmakers to develop that rugby intelligence, helping them recognize and capitalize on the right moments.
Ultimately, it’s about striking the right balance – having a clear strategic framework, while also empowering players to trust their instincts and make the right choices in the heat of battle. That’s when the chip kick becomes a true weapon in our attacking arsenal.