Kicking in rugby league is an art form that requires precision, timing, and strategic thinking. From setting up attacking opportunities to gaining territory or even securing crucial points, the various types of kicks employed in the game serve diverse purposes and require different techniques. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of kicking in rugby league, exploring the different types of kicks, their purposes, and highlighting some of the players who have mastered these skills on the NRL stage.
1. The Punt Kick:
The punt kick is one of the most basic and commonly used kicks in rugby league. It involves striking the ball with the top of the foot to send it high and long down the field. Punt kicks are primarily used for gaining territory, relieving pressure on the defensive line, or finding touch from penalties or restarts. Players who excel at the punt kick possess a strong kicking leg, accuracy, and the ability to read the game well.
Iconic Players:
- Darren Lockyer: The former Brisbane Broncos and Australian captain was renowned for his pinpoint punt kicks, often turning defense into attack with his booming kicks downfield.
- Cameron Smith: As one of the most decorated players in NRL history, Smith’s tactical kicking game, including his adept use of the punt kick, played a crucial role in his team’s success over the years.
2. The Grubber Kick:
The grubber kick is a low, bouncing kick along the ground that is used to evade defenders and create attacking opportunities. It is often employed close to the opposition’s try line, with the aim of catching defenders off guard or finding space behind the defensive line for attacking players to chase onto. Grubber kicks require precise execution and timing to be effective, as well as the ability to judge the bounce of the ball accurately.
Iconic Players:
- Andrew Johns: Widely regarded as one of the greatest rugby league players of all time, Johns was a master of the grubber kick, regularly setting up tries for his teammates with his astute kicking game.
- Cooper Cronk: Renowned for his exceptional kicking skills, Cronk’s proficiency with the grubber kick has been a key weapon in his arsenal throughout his illustrious career.
3. The Bomb Kick:
The bomb kick, also known as the high bomb or up-and-under, involves kicking the ball high into the air, allowing attacking players to contest for possession. Bomb kicks are often used as attacking weapons close to the opposition’s try line, with the aim of putting pressure on the opposition’s defensive line and creating scoring opportunities. They require precise timing and accuracy to pinpoint the desired target area for contesting players.
Iconic Players:
- Johnathan Thurston: A legendary figure in the NRL, Thurston’s bomb kicks were renowned for their height, hang time, and pinpoint accuracy, often resulting in try-scoring opportunities for his teammates.
- Daly Cherry-Evans: The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles captain is known for his exceptional kicking game, including his ability to execute perfectly weighted bomb kicks to put pressure on opposition defenders.
4. The Chip Kick:
The chip kick is a short, delicate kick that is used to bypass defensive lines and find space behind the opposition. It involves chipping the ball over the heads of defenders and into open space, allowing attacking players to chase onto it and regain possession. Chip kicks require deft touch and precision to execute effectively, as well as the ability to read the defensive line and identify gaps in the opposition’s defense.
Iconic Players:
- Benji Marshall: A mercurial talent with a flair for creativity, Marshall’s chip kicks have been a trademark of his playing style, often catching defenders off guard and setting up scoring opportunities for his team.
- Shaun Johnson: The New Zealand international is known for his exceptional skill and vision, with his ability to execute perfectly weighted chip kicks making him a threat to opposition defenses.
Conclusion:
Kicking in rugby league is a multifaceted skill that plays a crucial role in shaping the flow and outcome of matches. Whether it’s gaining territory, setting up attacking opportunities, or executing precision kicks under pressure, the various types of kicks employed in the NRL require different techniques and levels of expertise. From the punt kick to the chip kick, each type of kick serves a specific purpose and requires mastery to execute effectively. As we celebrate the players who have mastered the art of kicking in rugby league, we continue to witness the evolution and innovation of this essential aspect of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kicking in the NRL
1. What types of kicks are commonly used in the NRL?
In the NRL, players use a variety of kicks to gain territory, create attacking opportunities, and apply pressure on the opposition. Common types of kicks include the punt kick, grubber kick, bomb kick, and chip kick.
2. What is a punt kick?
A punt kick is a basic kicking technique where the player strikes the ball with the top of the foot to send it high and long down the field. It is primarily used for gaining territory and finding touch from penalties or restarts.
3. When is a grubber kick used?
A grubber kick is a low, bouncing kick along the ground that is used to evade defenders and create attacking opportunities. It is often employed close to the opposition’s try line to catch defenders off guard or find space behind the defensive line.
4. What is a bomb kick?
A bomb kick, also known as the high bomb or up-and-under, involves kicking the ball high into the air to allow attacking players to contest for possession. It is often used as an attacking weapon close to the opposition’s try line to put pressure on the defensive line and create scoring opportunities.
5. When is a chip kick used?
A chip kick is a short, delicate kick that is used to bypass defensive lines and find space behind the opposition. It involves chipping the ball over the heads of defenders and into open space, allowing attacking players to chase onto it and regain possession.
6. Who are some of the players famous for their kicking skills in the NRL?
Several players in the NRL are renowned for their exceptional kicking skills, including Darren Lockyer, Andrew Johns, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Benji Marshall, and Daly Cherry-Evans.
7. How important is kicking in rugby league?
Kicking plays a crucial role in shaping the flow and outcome of matches in rugby league. It can be used to gain territory, set up attacking opportunities, apply pressure on the opposition, and secure crucial points through conversions and penalty goals.
8. How do players develop their kicking skills?
Players develop their kicking skills through practice, repetition, and studying the techniques of experienced kickers. They work on improving their kicking accuracy, distance, and timing through drills and exercises designed to hone their skills under various game scenarios.
9. What role do kickers play in NRL teams?
Kickers play a significant role in NRL teams, as they are responsible for executing kicks during matches and determining field position. They must possess the ability to read the game, make split-second decisions, and execute kicks accurately under pressure to contribute to their team’s success.
10. How has kicking evolved in the NRL over the years?
Kicking in the NRL has evolved alongside changes in playing styles, strategies, and rule interpretations. As the game has become faster and more tactical, kickers have developed new techniques and strategies to adapt to evolving game conditions and exploit opposition weaknesses.
