To curve a rugby place kick, strike the ball slightly off-centre with the instep so it spins sideways, and aim outside the posts so the curve brings it back between them. A right-footed kicker striking the right side of the ball with the inside of the boot will draw it from right to left; hitting across the ball the other way produces the opposite curve. Kickers use a curve most from wide angles near the touchline, where a straight kick would need to be perfect to go through the posts.
This guide covers the basics of place kicking, how to set up the tee for a curving kick, the technique step by step, how to read the wind, the relevant laws, and drills to build a reliable kick from any angle.
Straight kick vs curved kick
| Feature | Straight (round-the-corner) kick | Curved kick |
|---|---|---|
| Contact point | Sweet spot, low on the ball, through the middle | Slightly off-centre to create sidespin |
| Aim | Directly at the target, usually the middle of the posts | Outside the near post, letting the ball curve in |
| Best from | Central positions and short range | Wide angles, and to counter a crosswind |
| Risk | Small errors send the ball wide | Too much or too little curve misses by a lot |
Place kicking basics first
A curved kick is built on a sound basic technique. Most modern kickers use a kicking tee, place the ball upright or angled slightly toward the posts, and use a “round the corner” approach, coming in at an angle and striking with the instep. Consistency comes from a repeatable routine: the same number of steps back and across, the same breathing, and the same focus on a small spot on the ball.
- Place the ball. Set the tee and angle the ball so the sweet spot faces your approach.
- Pick a target. Choose a precise spot beyond the posts, not just “the posts.”
- Measure your run-up. Take the same number of steps back and to the side every time.
- Plant the standing foot. Place it beside the ball, pointing toward your target line.
- Strike and follow through. Keep your head down, strike through the ball and let your leg swing toward the target.
How to curve the ball, step by step
- Decide the shape. From the left touchline, a right-footer usually aims outside the right post and curves the ball back in, or aims left and draws it right, depending on their natural shape.
- Angle the ball on the tee. Some kickers lean the ball slightly away from the target to expose more of the side they will strike.
- Adjust the approach. Approach from a slightly wider angle so the boot comes across the ball.
- Strike off-centre. Hit slightly to one side of the sweet spot with the instep. The further off-centre, the more spin and curve.
- Follow through across the body. Let the kicking leg swing across your body in the direction you want the spin.
- Trust the aim point. Commit to aiming outside the posts. Changing your mind mid-kick usually produces a slice.
Reading the wind
Wind can make or break a kick from distance. Before each kick, look at the flags on the posts, the grass, or a light object dropped from your hand. A crosswind pushes the ball sideways, so many kickers aim into the wind and use a curve that fights it. A headwind shortens the kick and exaggerates any spin; a tailwind adds distance but reduces control.
| Wind | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Crosswind left to right | Aim further left or use a curve that bends against the wind |
| Crosswind right to left | Aim further right or curve against it |
| Headwind | Strike lower and flatter; reduce spin |
| Tailwind | Aim for the centre; the ball will carry further |
Laws that affect place kicks
- A conversion is taken on a line through the point where the try was grounded, parallel to the touchline, so tries scored wide give harder angles.
- Under World Rugby law, a conversion must be taken within 90 seconds of the try being awarded, and a penalty kick at goal within 60 seconds of the kicker indicating the intention to kick.
- The ball may be placed on the ground, on sand, sawdust or an approved kicking tee.
- For a conversion, defenders stay behind their goal line until the kicker begins the approach, then may charge.
Drills to build a curving kick
- Angle ladder: kick from the 15-metre line at increasing angles, five kicks from each spot.
- Target outside the post: place a cone or flag beyond one post and aim at it, watching the ball curve back.
- Two shapes: practise curving both ways from the same spot so you can choose depending on the wind.
- Pressure routine: finish every session with five kicks against the clock, using your full routine.
Common mistakes
- Lifting the head early: leads to a thin or skewed contact.
- Standing foot too far from the ball: reduces power and control.
- Over-curving: aiming too far outside the posts so the ball never comes back.
- Changing routine under pressure: speeding up or skipping steps when a big kick matters.
Rules reference: World Rugby Laws of the Game for rugby union. Rugby league and local competitions have different rules for kicks at goal.
Practising in different conditions
Place kicks often decide close matches, and they rarely happen in perfect weather. Kickers should practise in wind, rain and cold so they know how the ball behaves when it is wet or heavy. On windy days, spend part of the session kicking from both touchlines to learn how much curve and aim-off you need. A short note after each session, recording the wind direction and where kicks finished, builds a personal guide you can use on match day.
Building a consistent pre-kick routine
- Place the ball on the tee at the same angle every time, adjusted slightly for the curve you want.
- Pick a precise target beyond the posts rather than aiming at the posts themselves.
- Walk back the same number of steps and to the same side for every kick.
- Take a breath, look at the target once, then focus on the spot you will strike.
- Commit fully to the kick and follow through toward the target.
Keep the routine short enough to fit within the time limits set by World Rugby’s laws for conversions and penalty kicks.
Frequently asked questions
How do rugby kickers curve the ball?
They strike the ball slightly off-centre with the instep, creating sidespin that bends the ball in flight.
Where do you aim when curving a conversion?
Outside the near post, letting the curve bring the ball back between the uprights.
How long does a kicker have for a conversion?
Under World Rugby law, 90 seconds from the moment the try is awarded.
