To catch a high ball in rugby, call loudly and early, get under the ball quickly, keep your eyes on it all the way, and catch with your hands up and elbows close together before pulling the ball securely into your chest. If the catch is contested, leap off one leg with the knee raised for protection and land balanced. Turn side-on to the chasers as you land so your body protects the ball, and be ready for the tackle. Inside your own 22 or in-goal, catching an opponent’s kick cleanly and calling mark earns a free kick, which can relieve pressure. High-ball catching is a vital skill for fullbacks and wingers, but every player needs it, since contestable kicks are a major attacking weapon in modern rugby.
Rulebook note: Laws referenced here follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union, including the rules on the mark and on challenging players in the air. Rugby league, sevens and domestic competitions can differ, and laws are updated regularly, so check the current laws for your competition.
Health note: Aerial contests carry a risk of falls and collisions. Learn jumping and landing technique progressively from qualified coaches, and never tackle or tip a player who is in the air.
Technique at a glance
| Step | Key point |
|---|---|
| Call | Shout mine early so teammates clear space |
| Position | Move under the ball, side-on to the chasers |
| Hands | Hands up, fingers spread, elbows tight |
| Jump | Leap off one leg with the knee raised if contested |
| Secure | Pull the ball into the chest and land balanced |
| Next action | Brace for contact, counter-attack or call a mark |
How to catch a high ball step by step
- Track the kick early. Watch the kicker’s body and the ball’s flight from the moment it is struck.
- Call loudly. Shout mine or your team’s call so teammates know you are taking it and move away.
- Move quickly under the ball, aiming to arrive early so you can adjust rather than lunge.
- Turn side-on to the oncoming chasers, with your shoulder facing them.
- Raise your hands early, fingers spread and pointing up, elbows close together to form a basket.
- Watch the ball into your hands, keeping your head steady.
- Catch at the highest safe point, then pull the ball into your chest.
- Land balanced, on both feet if possible, with knees bent.
- Secure the ball and prepare for contact or your next play.
Contested catches
When chasers compete for the ball, timing and body position become critical. Approach the ball with momentum and leap off one leg, driving the opposite knee upward. The raised knee helps protect your body and creates space. Catch with both hands at the top of your jump, then bring the ball into your chest before landing. Stay strong through the core so you are not knocked off balance in the air. Both players are allowed to compete for the ball, but the laws protect players in the air, so opponents must not tackle, push or tip a jumping player. Challenging legally requires a genuine attempt to play the ball.
Calling the mark
If you catch the ball cleanly from an opponent’s kick while standing inside your own 22 or in your in-goal area and call mark at the moment of the catch, the referee awards you a free kick. This allows your team to restart play without being tackled immediately, which can relieve pressure near your own line. The mark cannot be claimed directly from a kick-off, and the catch must be clean. After a mark, the player who made it usually takes the free kick, often kicking for territory.
Types of high kicks you will face
Understanding the kick helps you catch it. A box kick is a high kick from the scrum half near a ruck or scrum, usually aimed toward the touchline so chasers can compete. An up-and-under, also called a Garryowen, is a very high kick into midfield designed to give chasers time to arrive. A bomb or contestable kick from the fly half often targets the space between the fullback and wingers. Long territorial kicks travel farther with less height, giving the receiver more time but more ground to cover. Each type requires slightly different positioning: contestable kicks demand an aggressive, early arrival and a strong jump, while long kicks require good reading of flight and wind.
What to do after the catch
Catching the ball is only the first step. Once secure, you need to decide quickly whether to counter-attack, kick back, set up a ruck or pass to a teammate. If chasers arrive immediately, turn your body to protect the ball, lower your height and look for support. If there is space, a quick counter-attack can exploit a disorganized chase line. Communicating with teammates before the kick lands helps everyone know the plan. Many teams have simple rules, such as kicking back when under pressure deep in their own half and attacking when they have numbers.
Communication in the back field
Many dropped high balls come from confusion rather than poor technique. The back three, fullback and wingers, need to agree who covers which areas and call early. The player best positioned, usually coming forward onto the ball, should take it. Teammates should clear the space and position themselves to support the catcher, either as a pass option or to protect them from chasers. Clear, early calls prevent collisions between teammates and ensure someone always attacks the ball.
Practice drills
- Partner high kicks: one player kicks, the other practices calling, positioning and catching, with gradually higher and longer kicks.
- Tennis ball catches: improve hand-eye coordination by catching small balls thrown high.
- Contested catches: add a chaser at controlled intensity to practice jumping and securing the ball.
- Back three communication: practice calling and covering in groups of three with kicks to different areas.
- Catch and counter-attack: after the catch, attack immediately to practice decision-making.
- Wet ball practice: train with a damp ball to prepare for bad weather.
Catching in difficult conditions
Wind, rain and floodlights make high balls harder. In wind, the ball can move late, so get into position early and be ready to adjust. In rain, the ball is slippery, so focus on soft hands and bringing the ball securely into the chest. Under lights or bright sun, practice tracking the ball against different backgrounds. Many players practice in the same conditions they expect on match day to build confidence.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Calling late or not calling at all.
- Arriving late and lunging for the ball.
- Taking the eyes off the ball to look at chasers.
- Catching with the chest instead of the hands.
- Facing the chasers square-on, which exposes the ball.
- Landing off balance after a contested catch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you call a mark in rugby?
Catch the ball cleanly from an opponent’s kick inside your own 22 or in-goal and shout mark at the moment of the catch.
Why do players raise a knee when catching a high ball?
It helps protect the body and create space during a contested jump.
Who usually catches high balls in rugby?
Fullbacks and wingers most often, but every player should be able to catch safely under pressure.
