Returning kicks

Returning kicks is an aspect of the game that does not always get the same emphasis as tactical kicking and chasing.

Top level games are characterised by many phased rugby. However, the kicking game remains a key tactic.

"A kick is only as good as its chasers", is a well quoted rugby coaching mantra. Maybe when returning kicks, we should say that "a return is only as good as its supporters".

Support play

It is not just the wingers and full back (15) that need to support, but as many players as possible. However the support does not need to charge back towards the ball, but move into spaces that will become strategically important as the player returning the ball starts their run.

The quicker players will need to be behind, but not necessarily directly behind, the ball as soon as possible. Some teams will get players to move to set parts of the pitch, so the returner has more than one option.

Slower forwards should move to the perceived point of impact, in a sense pre-empting the moment of contact. This is normally in the central part of the pitch.

A pre-determined strategy

The return of a kick may benefit from a pre-determined strategy. Unless you are a team that is likely to be videoed by the opposition, this makes sense since you can move your playing resources quickly to the place where it is more likely to be needed.

Most top sides favour pushing the ball in field with a couple of long passes, therefore opening up the options.

From a kick, the centres (12 and 13), the winger (in this case 14) and the full back (15) run to the ball. The centres provide "traffic", making straight running from chasers more difficult. Of course, they are not doing this on purpose.

The other winger (11), the scrum half (9) and fly half (10) run to designated places to provide width, each marked by an "S" (the "support areas"). They enable 14 and/or 15 to get the ball wide and to the other side of the pitch.

The scrum players move to "PC" (the "perceived contact" point). Where the players' run can be called by the fly half.

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