by Nigel Melville
Nigel Melville Direct

I am not sure if its the conditions or a tactical adjustment, but at this World Cup there appears to be a return to the box kick. In recent years the box kick seemed to be used less and less, but in recent weeks, there isn't a team at this World Cup that hasn't been using it - in attack and defense!

The box kick has a lot going for it, as its probably the quickest way to get the ball in front of your forwards - and we all know how they enjoy that!

It also keeps the ball in front of your pack where an effective chase can prevent the opposition taking the ball wide - and that's the key to an effective box kick. The kick must have an effective chase, and that's where some teams have been going wrong. The kicker has to communicate with the chasers otherwise you are simply giving away possession, ideally two chasers, one goes for the ball, the other looks for the knock back ball.

Obviously a poor box kick can cause problems, so execution is key. It has to be high enough and short enough for the chaser to compete for the ball. A long flat kick provides the opposition with an attacking opportunity in midfield.

Finally, protect your kicker from the fringe defense, a charged down kick can cause problems.

One thing i like seeing in a attack is the short chip over the top when a defensive wing is standing too deep, or not there at all, its a powerful attacking option for a bright and awake half back and wing combination.

Keep a look out for how this is being used at this years Rugby World Cup, take a look at which foot the kickers use, they are nearly all right footed...
 

With an impressive resume as player, coach and administrator, Nigel David Melville took over as CEO and President of Rugby Operations of USA Rugby, the National Governing Body of the sport in America, in 2006.  In addition to his full time job promoting the sport in the U.S., Melville has launched his own blog, Nigel Melville Direct, to further the discussion and his passion for what it will take to make the U.S. a great rugby playing nation.

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