Why young rugby players struggle with the grubber kick and how to fix it

The grubber kick is one of the most exciting attacking options in rugby. When it’s executed well, it’s a moment of real control and creativity, sliding the ball into space, asking difficult questions of the defence, and setting up a clean line break or try-scoring opportunity.

But when young rugby players try to use it, it often doesn’t work.

They toe-poke it too hard. They strike the ball too high. They hesitate on the follow-through. Or they second-guess the decision altogether and end up stuck between passing and kicking.

Why young rugby players struggle with the grubber kick

It’s not because they’re not good enough. It’s because they haven’t been shown how to build it properly.

The grubber kick is a skill that looks simple on the surface, but it’s anything but. Unlike other forms of rugby kicking, it combines technique, timing and decision-making in one smooth movement. A player needs to strike the ball accurately, stay balanced, follow through with purpose, and immediately react to the unpredictable bounce. That’s not something you learn by accident.

Most players try to pick up the grubber instinctively. They watch others do it in matches or clips online, then head out to the pitch and give it a go. But without clear coaching, they don’t know how to hold the ball, how low to strike, how to generate a clean roll, or how to chase and recover the kick on the move.

The result? Messy mechanics and low confidence.

And once a player loses confidence in the grubber, it’s hard to get it back. They might avoid trying it again. Or worse, they pick up bad habits that become harder to fix over time.

How to build the grubber kick step by step

The key is structured learning. The grubber kick isn’t mastered in one go. It’s built step by step.

Before we expect a young player to use it in a match, we need to give them the right foundations: clear, progressive drills that focus on one element at a time. That means starting with body position. Getting used to dropping the ball. Understanding strike mechanics. Learning how to pick the ball up cleanly while moving forward. Then, and only then, layering in the decision-making and match scenarios that make the grubber such a powerful tool.

This kind of structured approach doesn’t just improve technique. It builds confidence. It gives the player a roadmap they can follow, repeat and improve with. And because each step leads naturally into the next, they’re more likely to stay engaged and feel successful as they go.

Grubber kick drills to build confidence

If the first time a player tries a grubber is in a game, the pressure is huge. But if they’ve already nailed the movement through short, focused drills, starting with a tennis ball or a football, and progressing through to a rugby ball under pressure, they know what to expect. The movement is familiar. The technique is sound. And the decision feels easier.

That’s the difference the right drills make.

We’ve seen it time and time again: when young rugby players are given structure, their progress accelerates. When they understand why they’re doing each drill, not just what to do, they develop faster and more confidently.

Turn the grubber kick into a deadly attacking weapon

That’s why we built the grubber kick guide. It’s not about turning players into kicking specialists overnight. It’s about giving them the right starting point. Helping them build strong habits from day one. And guiding them through the skill in a way that feels achievable, enjoyable and game-ready.

Ready to give your child a deadly attacking weapon?

👉 Get The Grubber Kick Guide today for just £7 and help your young player use the grubber with confidence in matches.

FAQs on the grubber kick

What is a grubber kick in rugby?
A grubber kick is a low, rolling kick that forces the ball to bounce unpredictably, making it difficult for defenders to gather and creating attacking opportunities.

Why is the grubber kick effective?
It exploits space behind the defensive line, keeps defenders guessing, and can lead to line breaks or tries when executed well.

How do you teach kids the grubber kick?
Start with simple drills focusing on ball drop, striking low, and chasing through. Progress gradually to rugby balls under pressure, always building confidence before introducing it into games.

👉 The grubber changes games. Get the guide today and help your child use it with confidence – only £7.