Flag Rugby Grubber Kick Chase
A progression that teaches the rugby grubber kick, which sends the ball tumbling along the ground behind the defense, and the chase to win it back. It ends in a flag rugby game with one kick allowed per possession. It builds kicking skill, quick reactions, and decisions about when to kick.
How to play
- Pairs with one ball in two facing lines 10 m (about 11 yd) apart, all kicking the same direction (2 min).
- Technique: hold the ball upright in both hands, drop it onto the laces, and strike softly so it tumbles along the ground. Ten kicks each (5 min).
- Kick and chase in threes: the kicker grubbers past a cone 5 m (16 ft) away and races a teammate to the ball ahead of a defender starting 3 m (10 ft) behind the cone (5 min).
- Five-on-five on 40 x 25 m (about 44 x 27 yd) with 5 flag pulls per possession and one grubber per possession; a ball above knee height is a turnover (6 min).
- Only players behind the kicker at the kick may chase. A try is 1 point; after recovering a kick, 2. Finally, 2 minutes: when was kicking worth it?
Rules
- The kicked ball must roll along the ground; a high kick gives the ball to the other team.
- Always pick up the ball on your feet by bending down: no diving on it.
- Safety: during partner practice everyone kicks in the same direction, and nobody crosses another group's kicking line.
Variations
Easier
Kick from a standing position, and the only goal is to roll the ball to a partner.
Standard
Partner technique, kick and chase in groups of three, and a game with one grubber per possession.
Harder
The kick must go between two cones 3 m (10 ft) apart to count.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can roll the ball with a hand instead of kicking, or be the one who fields a teammate's kick.
- Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell or a bright color and call out when kicking.
- Fitness or skill level: slower students may start the chase with a 2 m (6 ft) head start.
Learning goals
- Perform a controlled grubber kick with the laces.
- Chase a kicked ball while staying onside.
- Decide when a kick improves the team's situation.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam rugby ball: 12
- cones: 16
- pinnies: 12
- flag belts: 25
Teacher tip
The typical mistake is kicking with the toe and lifting the ball: have students drop the ball very close to the foot and use a short strike.
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