Kicking the Ball Away Meaning in Rugby Union

Kicking the ball away happens when a player punts the ball to the opponent. This choice seems strange to beginners because it gives up possession. However, teams do this to gain a better position on the field. They bet that their defense can stop the return attack. Kicking high allows teammates to chase the ball and tackle the receiver immediately. This tactic forces the other team to make mistakes under high pressure. For example, a scrum-half might box kick the ball into the air during a stalemate. This creates a fifty-fifty contest for the ball in a new location. It is often safer than trying to run through a thick defensive wall. Smart teams only kick when they have no room to run. They use the boot to turn the defenders around and make them run backward. Effective kicking requires great timing and a fast defensive chase. It is a game of territory rather than just keep-away.