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    Kicking drill

    Cross-Kick to the Corner

    Build the flat cross-field kick and the one-handed leaping catch that finishes it.

    Time
    25 minutes
    Players
    7 to 12 players
    Intensity
    High
    Equipment
    Ball, cones
    Space
    Try line to 22m, full width
    Positions
    Fly-halves, wings, fullbacks

    Setup

    Near the try line, with the target area marked in the tramlines close to the line. Seven players: kicker, feeder, charge-down player, catcher, support player and two defenders.

    How to run it

    1. Start with no defenders - the ball is passed to the kicker who aims for the target area close to the try line, 8 reps.
    2. Then let attackers compete to score, either catching for a try or knocking the ball down for a supporter, with defenders tackling but not contesting the ball, 8 reps.
    3. Then go fully live with defenders competing for the ball, 8 reps.
    4. Finally move the defenders well inside the 15m line and remove the requirement for a clean catch.
    5. The winger must be told the kick is coming before the ball leaves the boot, and the catcher runs inward and leaps with the outside arm extended.

    Coaching cues

    • Communicate that the kick is coming, before it happens
    • Square shoulders for a low fast trajectory
    • Catcher runs inward and leaps with the outside arm

    Common mistakes

    • No communication, so the winger is still on the touchline when the ball arrives
    • Shoulders opening, which lifts the trajectory and lets the covering fullback get across

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