A drop-out is a restart in rugby union in which the defending team drop kicks the ball back into play after it has become dead in their in-goal area. There are two types. A 22-metre drop-out is typically awarded when the attacking team sends the ball into the defenders’ in-goal, for example with a kick, and a defender grounds it or it goes dead. A goal-line drop-out, introduced to the laws more recently, is typically awarded when an attacking player is held up in in-goal, knocks on in in-goal, or when defenders ground a ball that attackers carried or passed into in-goal. The kick is taken from on or behind the relevant line, and the ball must cross that line. Kickers can go long for territory or short to try to regain possession, which makes drop-outs an important tactical moment.
Rulebook note: Laws referenced here follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union. Drop-out laws have been updated in recent years, and rugby league, sevens and domestic competitions may differ, so check the current laws for your competition. The situations described below are simplified summaries rather than the full legal text.
Types of drop-out
| Drop-out | Typically awarded when | Taken from |
|---|---|---|
| 22-metre drop-out | The attacking team kicks or sends the ball into in-goal and the defenders ground it or it goes dead | Anywhere on or behind the 22-metre line |
| Goal-line drop-out | An attacker is held up in in-goal, knocks on in in-goal, or defenders ground a ball the attackers carried or passed in | Anywhere on or behind the goal line |
The 22-metre drop-out
The 22-metre drop-out is the traditional form. It commonly follows a kick by the attacking team that goes into the defenders’ in-goal and is either grounded by a defender or goes over the dead-ball line or touch-in-goal line. It also often follows an unsuccessful kick at goal that goes dead. The defending team restarts with a drop kick from anywhere on or behind their 22-metre line. The ball must reach or cross the 22-metre line. The opposing team must stay on their side of the line until the ball is kicked, preventing them from charging down the kick at the source.
The goal-line drop-out
The goal-line drop-out was added to reward good defense near the try line and to encourage attacking teams to take risks. Instead of a scrum to the attacking team five meters out, a defending team that holds an attacker up over the line, forces a knock-on in in-goal, or grounds a ball carried or passed in by the attackers restarts play with a drop kick from their own goal line. This gives the defending team the chance to clear their lines, often by kicking long downfield. It changed the tactical balance of goal-line situations, since a failed attacking drive can now hand territory back to the defense.
How a drop-out is taken
- The referee awards the drop-out and signals the relevant line.
- The kicker chooses a spot anywhere on or behind the line, across the width of the field.
- The kicker drops the ball onto the ground and kicks it as it bounces up, making a drop kick.
- The ball must cross the line from which it was kicked.
- Opponents must stay behind the line until the ball is kicked.
- Play continues as soon as the ball is legally kicked.
The kick must be taken without undue delay. If the ball does not travel far enough, goes directly into touch or is kicked incorrectly, the laws give the non-kicking team options, such as a scrum or another restart, depending on the offense.
Drop-outs versus kick-offs
Drop-outs are easy to confuse with kick-offs, since both restart play with a drop kick. A kick-off starts each half and restarts play after points are scored. It is taken from the center of the halfway line and must travel at least ten meters into the opponent’s half. A drop-out, by contrast, is taken by the defending team from their own 22-metre line or goal line after the ball becomes dead in their in-goal. The tactical goals are similar, balancing territory against the chance to regain possession, but the field position is very different. A drop-out starts deep in the kicking team’s own half, so a poor kick can quickly put them under pressure.
The drop kick technique
A good drop-out depends on a clean drop kick. Hold the ball upright or slightly angled, drop it so it lands on its point just in front of your kicking foot, and strike it on the half-volley as it rises off the ground. Keep your head over the ball and your eyes on the contact point. For long kicks, drive through the ball with a full follow-through to generate distance and height. For short kicks, use a softer, more controlled contact aimed at a precise target. Practicing the drop itself is essential, since an uneven bounce is the most common cause of a poor drop kick.
Tactics: long or short
Long drop-outs: Kicking deep downfield gains territory and relieves pressure. The kicking team then chases to pressure the receiver and try to force a mistake or make a tackle high up the field. Long kicks are especially common for goal-line drop-outs, where the priority is to escape the defensive zone.
Short drop-outs: A short kick that just crosses the line, often toward a tall teammate or a gap in the receiving team’s setup, aims to regain possession immediately. It is riskier, since a failure hands the opposition good field position, but it can be effective when the kicking team needs the ball, such as late in a close game.
Placement: Kickers often aim toward the side of the field where the receiving team is weakest or where their own chasers are best positioned. Varying placement keeps opponents guessing.
Receiving a drop-out
The receiving team organizes players across the field to catch the kick and start an attack. Tall forwards often stand closer to the line to handle short kicks, while backs position deeper for long kicks. Clear communication about who is catching, and supporting the catcher quickly, reduces the risk of losing the ball.
How to practice drop-outs
- Drop kick technique: practice dropping the ball consistently so it bounces predictably.
- Distance kicks: work on long kicks with good height for chasers.
- Short kicks: practice precise kicks that just cross the line into a target zone.
- Chase drills: rehearse the timing of chasers with the kicker’s signal.
- Receiving drills: practice catching under pressure and setting up the next phase.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Kicking the ball short of the line.
- Kicking directly into touch.
- Chasers advancing in front of the kicker illegally.
- Receivers failing to communicate about who catches.
- Taking too long to restart.
- Using the same kick every time and becoming predictable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 22 drop-out and a goal-line drop-out?
They are awarded in different in-goal situations and are taken from different lines: the 22-metre line or the goal line.
Does a drop-out have to be a drop kick?
Yes. In rugby union, drop-outs are taken as drop kicks, where the ball touches the ground before being kicked.
Why was the goal-line drop-out introduced?
It was introduced to reward defenses that prevent tries on their line and to encourage attacking play.
