Which rugby ball is best for kicking drills?
You line up the conversion, the angle is fine, the distance is manageable, and yet the ball drifts wide. Again. The technique feels right, the run-up is consistent, but something is off from session to session. Before you change your approach, it is worth asking: is it the ball?
For kicking drills you want a ball that behaves consistently with every kick: a stable flight path, good energy transfer from foot to ball, and enough grip to hold it correctly before the drop. A match ball with the valve in the seam gives you the most accurate spiral, but for daily training with multiple balls a good training ball is the smarter choice. Below we explain exactly why, and what to look for.
What makes a ball suitable for kicking drills?
Kicking is technical work. Whether you are working on your punt, your drop goal or your box kick, the ball must respond the same way every time. That starts with the properties of the ball itself.
Three factors contribute most to consistent kicking behaviour:
- Valve position. On high-quality balls the valve sits in the seam. This distributes weight as evenly as possible, so the ball rotates more stably during a spiral kick. On cheaper training balls the valve is in the middle of a panel, causing a slight imbalance and a marginally irregular flight path.
- Ball shape and tip sharpness. A ball with slightly sharper tips gives more control on passes, but is a little harder to kick. A ball with rounder tips is easier to kick and control, but slightly slower to handle for passes. For kicking drills a standard size 5 with moderately round tips is ideal.
- Outer material and inner bladder. Synthetic rubber is more durable but picks up slightly less energy from the foot than a ball with more natural rubber. The best match balls use specialist materials for better energy transfer, so your kick travels harder and further with less effort.
Training ball or match ball for kicking drills?
This is a question coaches ask regularly, and the answer depends on your goal.
| Situation | Best choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Daily kicking training, multiple players | Training ball | Robust, withstands heavy use, multiple balls needed |
| Refining conversions and penalty kicks | Match ball | Valve in seam gives more accurate rotation and flight |
| Building technique with beginners and youth | Training ball size 3 or 4 | Lighter, easier to hold, lower injury risk |
| Match preparation warm-up | Match ball | Match feel on the real ball just before kick-off |
| Practising grip and foot-hand coordination | Gripper training ball | Extra surface grip helps players feel the correct hand position |
For most clubs a simple principle applies: train with a solid training ball and reserve your match balls for matches and specific technique sessions. A good training ball also makes your players more effective with the match ball, because they are used to a ball with slightly less grip and therefore less margin for error.
Which kicking drills require which ball?
Not every kicking exercise makes the same demands on the ball. Here is a practical overview by kick type:
Place kick (conversions and penalties)
For place kicks you want a ball that behaves exactly the same way every time it leaves the tee. A match ball with the valve in the seam gives you the most consistent rotation. Align the seam towards your target; it also gives you a visual reference point during your run-up.
Punt and spiral kick
For punts and spiral kicks, ball shape is what matters most. A ball with the right ratio between length and width gives you more control over the axis around which the ball rotates. Hold the ball at a 45-degree angle, fingertips over the seams, and kick across the ball with the front of your foot. A standard training ball works perfectly for daily repetition.
Box kick and grubber
For the box kick you want a ball that goes high and hangs in the air. For the grubber you want a ball that bounces unpredictably after hitting the ground, to trouble your defenders. Both kicks can be practised fine with an ordinary training ball. A ball with more grip on the surface helps beginners release the kick correctly.
Drop goal
The drop goal demands the best foot-to-ball energy transfer. Here the quality of the inner layers really makes a difference. For drop-goal-specific exercises, preferably use a match ball or a higher-grade training ball with a synthetic inner construction.
How many kicking balls does your club need?
A practical question for coaches and club managers. In kicking drills players often work individually or in small groups, meaning you need fewer balls than in passing drills. As a rule of thumb:
- 1-on-1 kicking technique session: 2 to 4 balls per player (so you do not have to walk back after every kick)
- Group session with 6 to 10 players: 8 to 12 balls
- Match preparation warm-up: 1 to 2 match balls per kicker
Clubs training with Gilbert balls often opt for a combination: multiple robust training balls for daily volume, supplemented by a few match balls for specific technique work and pre-match warm-up.
Checklist: is your ball suitable for kicking drills?
Run through these points before starting your kicking session:
- Always check: Correct air pressure. A ball that is too soft or too hard behaves differently than in a match. Always pump to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
- Always check: No damaged seams. A loose seam changes the ball's weight balance and flight path. Check before every session.
- Important: Dry surface for technique training. A wet ball behaves differently. If you specifically want to train in wet conditions, use a ball with a coarser grip texture.
- Important: Correct size for the age group. Youth players up to 13 train with size 4, younger children with size 3. A ball that is too large leads to poor technique.
- Handy: Valve checked. Know where the valve sits on your training ball. For place kicks it helps not to position the valve directly in the contact zone.
- Handy: Tee to hand. For place kick training you need a good tee that holds the ball stable. The ball determines the flight path; the tee determines the starting position.
Questions from coaches and players
Can I use a passing-specific ball for kicking drills too?
You can, but it is not ideal. Balls designed specifically for passing sometimes have a more aggressive grip and a slightly different shape. That affects the flight path when kicking. For technical kick training a standard training or match ball is the better choice.
My players complain that the ball flies differently every time. What could that be?
Three common causes: the air pressure is not equal across all balls, the balls are old and have become misshapen, or the valve sits in the middle of a panel on a cheaper training ball. Check the air pressure first. If that does not help, it is probably time for new balls.
Do professional kickers have a preference for a particular brand or type?
Professional kickers generally train with the same ball used in matches. This builds muscle memory that translates directly to match situations. For club players training at multiple levels, consistency within the training session is most important: use the same balls from start to finish.
Is a heavier training ball good for kicking?
Extra-heavy training balls exist that strengthen muscles. These are useful for strength and conditioning work, but not suitable for technical kicking drills. For technique you need a ball that behaves as it would in a match. Use extra-heavy balls only as a supplement in conditioning sessions.
How often should I check the air pressure of kicking balls?
Balls with a latex bladder regularly lose some air, even without use. A weekly check for training balls used intensively is advisable. Especially in winter, when cold reduces air pressure further, this is an important point to watch.
The right ball for your kicking drill
We offer a complete range for players and clubs training seriously on their kick. In our range you will find:
- RAM Gripper 2.0 Pro Trainer: a training ball with extra grip, ideal for developing the correct hand position for kicks
- RAM Victor Elite Match Ball: a match ball with valve in the seam for maximum precision on place kicks and spiral kicks
- Gilbert balls: a wide range for clubs looking for proven quality
- All RAM Rugby balls: from training ball to match ball in one overview
Not sure which ball best suits your training or club? Send us a message and we are happy to help.
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