The kicking game has been under a lot of pressure in rugby union recently as it has become the attacking weapon of choice for many teams after changes in the breakdown laws.

However, there are lessons to be learned from rugby league, and your team might well benefit from a more kicking-oriented game. There are many benefits to be had for your team, both in defence and on the attack. Here a few reasons you might consider switching from a more ball in hand game, and a few ways you might do this with your players.

A smart kicking game brings with it the opportunity to gain significant territory without the bruising physical encounters up front that are required in a running game. In particular with potential rule changes, you stand to seriously improve your field position at little cost – if you have intelligent kickers.

A good kicking game puts pressure on the opponents' backs, particularly the full back. If they are not confident under high ball, the constant pressure of a good kicking game can force errors and earn good attacking opportunities. Be careful however, a confident and talented backline can respond to a kicking game with counter-attacking and if your team is not prepared they can lose territory and give away points.

Kicking can be particularly useful against a team with a strong defensive line, and can generate great line breaking opportunities – a very high percentage of tries are set up by a good kick, be it a cross-field chip, a bomb or a grubber kick. Used in the right way, a kick can take a defending team totally by surprise. Many elite teams have a few set moves like this practised and ready to deploy when necessary, or when the opportunity to break the line presents itself.

Kicking should not just be the responsibility of the back line, but be practised by hookers as well as wide running forwards. The most practised kick should be the drop punt, as this is the one most used in open play and the most accurate for long distances as well. Make sure your players avoid common mistakes by maintaining a correct grip, dropping the ball over the kicking leg, making sure the ball falls the right way to be kicked, and following through fully. These simple points will greatly increase accuracy and distance.

There are of course many different types of kick and many different techniques for each of them. Spend time practising them all with the appropriate players and make sure they are practising themselves – this is the best way to learn. You will also find as you begin to integrate kicking into your game plan more fully, that players will naturally improve their skills – a competitive environment is undoubtedly the best teacher. After all, for all the benefit of a drill, your players will not be allowed to take kicks independently of the rest of the game and without distractions when the time comes – try and make practise more representative of in game pressures.