Where Have All The Spirals Gone?

In this post we will be taking a look at two of the most commonly used kicks in the game today, the spiral and drop punt. One travels with beauty and grace covering great distances, while the other possesses pin point accuracy at closer range. With this in mind, we can start to understand that both punts are important and that the type of kick you chose should
be dependent on the situation.

Both kicks certainly have their place in the game of rugby as they are executed differently and achieve different results. However, it must be noted that it is the ability to perform both which separate a good kicker from a great one.

As a punter you need to offer consistency and success to your team in a variety of situations - this means having the ability to produce the appropriate kick required of the situation. A quality kicker has the ability to execute both a spiral and drop punt consistently.

A kicker’s level of mastery over the punting mechanics are measured by how well they can kick a spiral punt. The Spiral is a harder punt to execute, therefore distinguishing itself and earning its status as the ‘ultimate’ punt.

However, in more recent times the drop punt has taken over not as being the best punt, but certainly the most popular. I'm concerned the spiral punt is becoming a dying art as the drop punt becomes the preferred choice of kick with many players at all levels of the game.

If you develop a high level of mastery over the punting mechanics, especially the variables that affect the height, distance and accuracy of your punts, then you will be able to achieve the desired result from any kick you produce. The point I’m making is that there are no real disadvantages to each of the kicks, it comes down to decision making and choosing the right kick for the right situation and then executing it with success.

A spiral punt is where the ball is held and dropped on an angle across the foot and travels in a spiralling motion through the air. This enables the ball to slice through the air resulting in greater distance on your punt.

 

 

A drop punt is where the ball is held and dropped in a vertical position on to the foot and travels in a back spinning motion through the air. This type of kick provides greater accuracy.

 

Soo… to decide which type of kick to use, think of the distance, accuracy, and height required, and transfer that to specific examples on the rugby field. For tactical kicks while on the run like ‘plugging the corners’ - use a drop punt. To clear the ball when deep in your own half - use a Spiral punt!

As in any sport there are many variables that affect decision making and the best players can execute a variety of skills under pressure. Too many kickers limit themselves by concentrating all their efforts on the Drop Punt alone - this results in a player not realizing their potential and a team with limited options. Many coaches will agree that there is no substitute for a consistent kicker who can spiral!

 

Agree or Disagree? Leave your comments below.