How to Kick a Football in Oztag

Oztag is the noncontact version of rugby. It's most commonly played as practice for the full contact game, and as such, most of the strategies and techniques that are used in oztag correlate directly to rugby. Kicking the ball in both games is a technically challenging action, but with practice and an understanding of the mechanics of kicking, you will learn to do it competently and effectively.

Things You'll Need

  • Rugby ball
  • Rugby equipment
  • Cleated shoes
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Instructions

  1. The Mechanics of the Kick

    • 1

      Grip the ball in a position with the left hand forward, gripping the front of the ball, and the right hand holding the rear. Move the hands sideways away from the ball to release. This smooth release correctly positions the angle of the ball as it falls toward the foot.

    • 2

      Kick the ball with the front of your foot, paying attention that it strikes the laces of your shoe. Be aware that the spiral and direction of the ball comes from the angle at which it is placed upon the foot.

    • 3

      Leave your chest open and make sure your form is perfect. The kick will extend your leg significantly; your right foot and your left hand should be close to touching. This might take practice because this level of flexibility is not always innate. Keep your left arm stable so it doesn't either cross your kicking leg or swing outside of your core area. Keep your chest square and rigid.

    • 4

      Kick through the ball. Practice your kick so your point of contact is not the ball itself but the area directly behind it. This gives your kick much more fluidity,and you exert a continuous flow of force to the ball, rather than bluntly impacting it.

    • 5

      Keep your foot as straight as possible. This will allow you to determine the angle and direction of your kick. The best results for accuracy and distance are achieved by kicking at a 35-degree angle. As you practice, your results will get more and more predictable the more you maintain good posture and consistent form.