Receiving kick offs

What to do when your receivers "aren't working".

After his team's victory against Biarritz in the European Cup in May 2006, Munster hooker Jerry Flannery said that he was disappointed that his team didn't have the kick off at the start of the game. He bemoaned the fact that they were on the back from the start and were a try down in the first five minutes.
The Munster kick off receivers had failed to do their job.

The basics

Here we look at the basic tactics and skills of the kick off reception.

1. Best catchers, not just the tallest

The tallest players do have an advantage. However, as a general principle you must get your best catchers to take kick off catches and not just the locks.

2. Support and communicate

The supporting players must communicate to the catcher. They need to warn them of the pressure coming from the opposition and be there to bind once the ball has been caught.

3. Shoulders square

The catcher should have their shoulders square to the reception of the ball. These has two key benefits:

• A dropped catch goes backwards.

• Once the ball is caught, the catcher presents a strong body position to the oncoming opposition players.

4. Position and psychology

The catch has two elements which make it particularly difficult.
The first is getting the catcher properly positioned, when the ball could be caught by a number of players. A confident call is required as the catcher quickly moves into position.
If a potential catcher has to move backwards, towards their own touch line, then another potential catcher behind them must take responsibility.
The second element is in the mind. Players bearing down on you make you more uncomfortable and you are more likely to take your eye off the ball. My advice, relish the hit!
If you show no fear, take the hit and still have the ball, it's an amazing feeling. It also means the opposition will feel less inclined to land the ball on you again. This is a psychological victory scored.

5. Full back knows best

Any decent full back will tell you how to take the catch, but do you practice these skills with your kick off catchers?

• Concentrate on finding the manufacturer's name as the ball comes towards you. Don't take your eye of this until the ball is into your hands.

• Have your hands high to receive the ball. Make the catch, then bring the ball down to the body with the elbows in.

6. Kick offs usually come to you from the left

A normal kick off comes from the left, as the defenders face it. Therefore it is predominantly taken by the left arm/hand of the player as they face towards the kick.
Consequently, practice one hand high ball catches with the left arm/hand only.
The ball is best thrown high by a team member for this practice rather than kicked.

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