Place kicking in rugby is used for conversions after a try and for penalty goals. To place kick well, set the ball on a kicking tee, follow the same pre-kick routine every time, approach with a consistent run-up while keeping your head still, plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball pointing at the target, strike the lower part of the ball with the instep, and follow through toward the posts. In rugby union, a successful conversion is worth two points and a penalty goal three points. Accuracy comes from repetition of a reliable routine rather than power, so most improvement happens through structured practice from different angles and distances. Kickers must also be aware of time limits under the laws, which require the kick to be taken promptly.
Rulebook note: Laws referenced here follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union. Rugby league, sevens and domestic competitions can differ, including in scoring values and time limits, and laws are updated periodically, so check the current laws for your competition.
Place kicking technique
| Step | Key point |
|---|---|
| Tee | Ball upright or angled slightly forward on the tee |
| Routine | Same number of steps back and to the side every time |
| Approach | Curved or straight run-up, head still |
| Plant | Non-kicking foot beside the ball, pointing at the target |
| Contact | Instep strikes the lower part of the ball through the sweet spot |
| Follow-through | Kick through toward the posts |
Setting up the ball
Most kickers use a kicking tee, which comes in various heights and shapes. Some place the ball upright, pointing straight up; others angle it slightly forward, toward the posts, or tilt it to expose a larger sweet spot. The seam or valve is often lined up with the target as a visual guide. The right setup depends on your technique and preference, so experiment in training and then keep your chosen setup consistent. Take a moment to check the wind and choose an aiming point, perhaps a spot just inside one post if the wind is crossing.
Building a pre-kick routine
A routine helps you repeat the same movement under pressure. Many kickers take a set number of steps back from the ball, then a set number to the side, creating a consistent starting position. They may take a breath, visualize the ball’s flight and focus on a target behind the posts. Once the routine is set, use it for every kick in training and in matches, whether it is an easy conversion in front of the posts or a long penalty from the touchline.
The approach and plant
Right-footed kickers usually start behind and to the left of the ball, approaching on a slight curve, which allows the hips to rotate through the kick. Others prefer a straighter approach. Keep your head steady and eyes on the ball. The plant foot, the non-kicking foot, lands beside the ball, a comfortable distance to the side, with the toes pointing toward the target. Planting too far in front or behind the ball often causes the kick to rise too steeply or skim along the ground.
Contact and follow-through
Strike the ball with the instep, the hard bony part on top of the foot, aiming at the lower part of the ball’s sweet spot. Keep the ankle locked and toes pointed down and out. Keep your chest over the ball at contact for a driving trajectory. After striking, let the kicking leg follow through toward the target, and allow your body to move forward. A strong follow-through helps keep the ball on line and adds distance without extra effort.
Kicking styles: round the corner and straight on
Nearly all modern rugby kickers use the round-the-corner, or soccer-style, technique, approaching at an angle and striking the ball with the instep. This style generally offers more power and accuracy than the older toe-poke or straight-on method, in which the kicker ran directly at the ball and struck it with the toe. Straight-on kicking was common in earlier eras, but it is rarely seen at senior levels today. Beginners should learn the round-the-corner technique from the start, since it is what coaches teach and what most kicking resources describe.
Reading wind and conditions
Weather has a large effect on place kicking. Before each kick, check flags, the tops of the posts or nearby trees to judge wind direction and strength. A crosswind can move the ball significantly over longer distances, so kickers often aim inside the near post and let the wind carry the ball across. Kicking into a headwind reduces distance, while a tailwind can add meters. Wet conditions make the ball heavier and more slippery, so a clean strike and firm plant are even more important. Practicing in a range of conditions helps you learn how your kicks behave and builds confidence for match days.
Strength and flexibility for kickers
Consistent kicking relies on a strong, stable body. Hip flexor and hamstring flexibility allow a full swing, while core and glute strength help keep the plant leg and trunk stable at contact. Many kickers include mobility work and single-leg strength exercises in their training. Warming up properly before kicking practice, including dynamic stretches and gradual build-up kicks, helps reduce the risk of strains.
Conversions and penalty goals
After a try in rugby union, the scoring team attempts a conversion. The kick is taken from any point on a line through where the try was scored, parallel to the touchlines, which is why players try to ground the ball near the posts. A successful conversion adds two points. Penalty goals can be attempted from the mark of a penalty and are worth three points. For both, the ball must pass over the crossbar and between the posts. The laws set time limits for taking these kicks, and many professional competitions display a shot clock. Kickers who exceed the limit can lose the kick.
Practice drills
- Close-range routine kicks: 10 kicks in front of the posts focusing only on routine and contact.
- Angle ladder: kick from the same distance at gradually wider angles.
- Distance progression: move back five meters after each successful kick.
- Pressure kicks: have a teammate set a time limit or a score target.
- Wind practice: kick in different wind conditions and note how the ball moves.
- Video review: film kicks to check plant foot placement and follow-through.
Mental skills for kickers
Place kicking is as much mental as physical. Focus on the process, your routine and contact, rather than the result. If you miss, reset calmly and trust your routine on the next kick. Many kickers use a simple trigger word or breath to refocus. Practicing under simulated pressure helps build confidence for matches.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Changing the routine from kick to kick.
- Lifting the head too early to watch the ball.
- Planting the foot too far from the ball.
- Trying to kick too hard, which reduces accuracy.
- Leaning back at contact, causing the ball to balloon.
- Taking too long and exceeding time limits.
Frequently asked questions
How many points is a conversion in rugby union?
A successful conversion is worth two points.
Where is a conversion taken from?
From anywhere on a line through where the try was scored, parallel to the touchlines.
Do rugby kickers have to use a tee?
No. Kickers may use a tee, sand or kick from the ground, and in some formats, such as sevens, conversions are taken as drop kicks.
