The Best Examples of Diverse Kicking Drills for Rugby (From Beginner to Match-Day Ready)

Game-Ready Examples of Diverse Kicking Drills for Rugby

Before we talk theory, let’s start with live-fire situations. The strongest examples of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby are the ones that look like real match moments: pressure, fatigue, defenders, and decision-making.

Below are several game-scenario drills that coaches around the world are using in 2024–2025 to mirror modern attacking and defensive kicking.

1. Exit-Kick Pressure Grid (Territory and Distance)

This drill is a classic example of a kicking drill built around field position. Mark three horizontal “zones” on your field with cones:

• Red zone: inside your own 22
• Amber zone: between your 22 and halfway
• Green zone: between halfway and opposition 22

Start with a scrum-half feeding the fly-half (or designated kicker) under light pressure from two defenders holding shields. The kicker must:

• In the red zone, clear long to touch or deep infield
• In the amber zone, kick contestable high balls
• In the green zone, use attacking chips or grubbers

Rotate players through each zone, adding more defenders or a time limit for extra pressure. This is one of the best examples of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby because it forces players to link decision-making with kicking choice, not just technique.

2. Box-Kick Contest Ladder (Halfback Mastery)

Modern rugby in 2024–2025 still leans heavily on box kicks for territory and contest. Here’s an example of a drill that builds both accuracy and hang time.

• Set a line of cones along the touchline at 10, 20, and 30 feet from the ruck area.
• Scrum-half sets up behind a tackle bag (acting as a ruck), with a chaser 5 yards away.
• A catcher stands opposite, between the 10–30 foot cones.

The scrum-half box-kicks to a designated cone zone while the chaser and catcher compete in the air. Score points for:

• Hitting the right distance zone
• Hang time (use a simple phone stopwatch if you want to get nerdy)
• Chaser’s ability to compete without fouling

This is a strong example of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby because it blends technique, timing, and aerial skills in one sequence.

3. Chip-and-Chase Chaos Drill (Attack-Focused)

Attack-minded teams in recent Rugby World Cups and professional leagues have leaned into short attacking kicks behind the line. To mirror that trend:

• Set up a defensive line of 4–6 players with tackle shields.
• Behind them, place three attacking targets: two flat cones and one mini “end zone” marked by a larger box.
• The kicker stands with two support runners.

On the whistle, the defense rushes. The kicker must quickly choose between:

• Chip over the line for a chase
• Grubber through the line into the box
• A short cross-kick to a wide cone

Score points for clean regathers or controlled pressure on the defense. This drill is a real example of how kicking is now used as a weapon, not just a way to get rid of the ball.

Technique-First Examples of Diverse Kicking Drills for Rugby

Not every session needs defenders flying at you. Some of the best examples of kicking drills are quiet, repeatable technique builders that you can run on your own.

4. Target-Box Accuracy Drill (Place Kicking & Drop Kicking)

If you want an example of a simple but powerful accuracy drill, this is it.

• Use cones or flat markers to create 3–5 “target boxes” in the in-goal area, each about 6x6 feet.
• Place balls at different points on the field: near touch, center, and wide on the opposite side.
• Practice both place kicks and drop kicks into those target boxes.

Start close, then move further away. Track your hit rate over time. This is one of the best examples of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby because it works for all levels: beginners can stand 15–20 yards out, while advanced kickers can push the range and angle.

If you want a bit of science behind repetitive skill learning, the NIH has published work on how motor learning improves with structured, repeated practice: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

5. One-Step and No-Step Striking Drill (Pure Contact)

When players struggle with shanks or mishits, I often go back to this drill as a clean example of isolating the strike.

• Set the ball on a tee or on the ground for a punt.
• Start with no run-up: plant foot next to the ball, swing through, and focus on a clean strike.
• Progress to a single-step approach.

The goal is to feel the contact point on the ball, the follow-through line, and the body balance. You can use this for:

• Place kicks
• Punts
• Drop kicks

It’s a simple example of a drill that strips away the noise and lets players rebuild their strike from the ground up.

6. Hang-Time and Height Drill (High Ball Specialists)

With more aerial battles in elite rugby, hang time matters. Here’s an example of a drill that focuses purely on height and hang, not distance.

• Stand on the 10-meter line and aim to land kicks on or around the 22.
• Use a stopwatch (or a teammate with a phone) to time the ball from foot to catch.
• Aim for consistent hang times and repeatable ball flight.

Chasers can join later, but early on, keep it about repeatable height and trajectory. This is one of those examples of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby that quietly separates good kickers from great ones.

Positional Examples of Kicking Drills for Rugby

Different positions need different kicking habits. A prop doesn’t need the same skill set as a fullback (no matter what they tell you at practice).

7. Fullback Clearance and Counter Drill

Fullbacks live on a knife edge: one moment you’re clearing under pressure, the next you’re launching a counterattack. This drill is a realistic example of how to train both options.

• A coach or teammate kicks long balls toward the fullback standing around the 22.
• On each catch, the fullback hears a call:
  • “Clear!” – immediate long kick to touch or deep field
  • “Counter!” – run 10–20 yards before choosing a chip, grubber, or pass

The decision is late, just like in a real match. This is one of the best examples of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby because it ties catching, scanning, and kicking into a single flow.

8. Fly-Half Kick-Choice Flow Drill

Modern fly-halves are more like quarterbacks, constantly reading and choosing. Here’s an example of a drill that forces variety.

Set up three zones:

• Short zone: 10–15 yards out, with runners for chips or grubbers
• Middle zone: 25–30 yards for contestable kicks
• Deep zone: 40+ yards for territory kicks

The fly-half receives passes from different angles (9, 12, or a forward pod). On each ball, the coach calls a zone at the last second. The fly-half must:

• Adjust their depth and footwork
• Choose the correct kick type
• Execute under mild defensive pressure

This is a strong example of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby that builds situational flexibility instead of one “favorite” kick.

9. Scrum-Half Exit Drill with Moving Shield

For scrum-halves, box kicks and short relieving kicks are part of everyday life. Here’s a simple example of a drill that adds realism.

• Use a tackle shield to represent a charging defender.
• The shield carrier starts 10 feet away from the “ruck” and rushes on the coach’s call.
• The scrum-half must box-kick, snipe and chip, or pass long before the shield arrives.

Rotate the direction of the rush so the scrum-half learns to kick off both feet and adjust their body position. This drill reflects the current trend toward two-footed halfbacks at the pro level.

Conditioning-Based Examples of Diverse Kicking Drills for Rugby

Kicking when you’re fresh is one thing. Kicking when your lungs are burning is another. Some of the best examples of kicking drills combine conditioning and skills.

10. Fatigue-to-Accuracy Shuttle Kicks

For this drill, you’ll combine short sprints with immediate kicks.

• Set two cones 20 yards apart.
• Player sprints there-and-back twice (80 yards total).
• Immediately receives a pass and must:
  • Kick to a target zone (e.g., between two touchline cones)
  • Or land the ball inside a marked box

Track accuracy under fatigue. Over time, increase the running load or narrow the target. This is a prime example of how to prepare players for late-game pressure.

If you’re building conditioning volume, remember to manage overuse injuries. General guidance on overtraining and soft-tissue injuries can be found from sources like Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org

11. “Last Kick to Win It” Pressure Drill

This one is simple, but players remember it.

• End practice with a single kick that “wins” or “loses” the session.
• Rotate kickers: place kick from the sideline, drop kick from 30 yards, or a high-pressure clearance.

Teammates watch, maybe even add a little friendly noise. The goal is to simulate the psychological stress of big moments. It’s a small example of a drill, but it builds mental resilience and routine under pressure.

Sports psychology research consistently shows that practicing under realistic pressure improves performance in real competition. The American Psychological Association has accessible summaries on performance and stress: https://www.apa.org

How to Organize These Diverse Examples of Kicking Drills for Rugby

You don’t need to cram every example into one practice. Think of these drills as ingredients. A simple 60–90 minute kicking-focused session might look like this:

• Warm-up technique: one-step striking and short target-box kicks
• Positional focus: fly-half kick-choice flow and scrum-half box-kick ladder
• Game simulation: exit-kick pressure grid or chip-and-chase chaos drill
• Pressure finisher: “last kick to win it” challenge

Rotate which examples of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby you use each week so players stay engaged and develop a wide toolbox instead of just one or two comfort kicks.

As always, match the drill to the player’s level. Youth or beginners might spend more time on basic striking and target accuracy. Advanced club or college players can lean into complex decision-making, fatigue, and pressure.

FAQ: Real Examples of Kicking Drills for Rugby

Q: What are some basic examples of kicking drills for rugby beginners?
For beginners, start with no-step and one-step striking, short target-box accuracy kicks, and simple punt-and-catch with a partner. These examples of drills build confidence in contact, ball flight, and balance before adding defenders or pressure.

Q: Can you give an example of a kicking drill that improves both fitness and skill?
The fatigue-to-accuracy shuttle kicks drill is a great example of this. Players run short shuttles, then immediately kick to a target zone. It builds conditioning, decision-making, and accuracy under fatigue, much like the closing stages of a match.

Q: How often should players practice these diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby?
Most kickers benefit from 2–3 focused kicking sessions per week, even if they’re only 20–30 minutes. Mix in different examples of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby so you’re not repeating the same pattern every time. Quality and consistency matter more than sheer volume.

Q: Are there examples of kicking drills that can be done alone?
Yes. Solo-friendly examples include target-box accuracy, one-step striking, hang-time and height drills, and simple distance markers where you try to land the ball on or beyond certain lines. You can also film yourself to check technique.

Q: What’s a good example of a drill for improving box kicks specifically?
The box-kick contest ladder is a strong example. It focuses on distance zones, hang time, and aerial competition. Pair that with the scrum-half exit drill with a moving shield, and you cover both technique and real-game pressure.

The bottom line: the best examples of diverse examples of kicking drills for rugby are the ones that connect clean technique with real match situations. Start simple, add layers of decision-making and pressure, and keep tracking your progress. Over a season, that steady, thoughtful work turns average kickers into genuine threats from anywhere on the field.