Being able to punt a rugby ball is an important skill that I believe all rugby players should have no matter what position you play in. There is a correct way to punt a rugby ball that will produce the best outcome. This hub will teach you how to punt a rugby ball.

You must have good balance and timing to be able to punt accurately. Select where you want the ball to land. Now you want to point the ball in the direction of where you want the kick to land.

You should be holding the ball at about waist height. It should also be at arm's length away from the body. The ball should be on an angle of approx 45° to the axis of the foot.

For a right footed kicker hold the ball underneath with the right hand close to the body. The left hand you want to position farthest away at the top and the side of the ball. For a left footed kicker just do the opposite of this.

Now in one controlled movement at waist height place the ball like you are stacking something on a shelf then drop the ball. You want to have the toes pointing down. Try to make contact with the centre of the ball and just above the boot laces. The ankle should be extended and the hard upper bridge of the foot to impart full power. To be effective you want the other leg to provide a nice firm foundation for an accurate kick. The kicking leg should accelerate as soon as the foot contacts the ball to maximise the impact.