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Kicking the Ball |
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For a summary of how to play the game - and the rules that govern it - click on the links below.
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Kicking is an essential part of rugby. It is a tactic for gaining territorial advantage or relieving pressure on a defence experiencing a sustained offensive attack.
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The kick-off or restart
A game or a half begins with a drop kick behind the centre line. It must land in the field of play and travel at least 10 metres. This type of kick also occurs after a score.
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Kicking into touch
A ball kicked directly into touch - without landing first in the playing area or touching a player - is considered out of bounds. The opposing team restarts play with a lineout.
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Kicking into touch from outside the 22
A ball kicked from outside the kicking player's 22-metre line directly into touch - without first bouncing in the field of play -- is turned over to the opposing team with a lineout. The opposing team restarts play with a lineout horizontal from the point where the ball was kicked. This can become a significant territorial and possession advantage for the receiving team.
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Kicking into touch after a penalty
After a penalty, a kick that goes directly into touch is given to the kicking team as a territorial advantage. The kicking team then restarts play with a lineout. This is a territorial and possession advantage for the non-offending team.
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Kicking indirectly into touch
A ball kicked indirectly into touch - landing first in the playing area or touching a player before it goes out of bounds - is given to the non-kicking team where it goes out of bounds. The kicking team restarts play with a lineout at that point.
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Kicking a drop-out
When an attacking player has put the ball into touch from inside the end zone, play is restarted with a drop-out. A drop-out is a drop-kick taken by the defending team and is taken on or behind the defending team's 22-metre line.
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Catching a kick
A player that catches a kicked ball can continue play by running, kicking or passing the ball. In some cases, a player can also stop play by calling a mark. That player must catch the ball cleanly behind his own 22-metre line (which can include his own try line) and call "Mark" before/as he or she catches the ball. A player can also call for a mark on a knock-on or a forward pass. After the catch, the catching player must kick the ball. If the player who caught the ball is injured during the play, a scrum will form instead.
For the complete set of rugby laws, check the International Rugby Board (IRB) website by clicking here.
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