7 Goal Kicking Tips Every Rugby League Player Should Know

People often ask me what separates good goal kickers from great ones.

Some expect the answer to be technique.

Others think it's talent.

The truth is, the best goal kickers aren't usually the most naturally gifted—they're the most consistent.

Throughout my career, I've learnt that goal kicking is built on repetition, confidence and trusting your routine.

Every kicker will have their own style, but there are a few fundamentals that never change.

Here are seven lessons that have helped me throughout my career and that I believe can help any player become a better goal kicker.

1. Build a Routine and Never Change It

Every successful goal kicker has a routine.

It doesn't matter what that routine looks like, as long as you repeat it every single time.

Your routine should include:

• How you place the ball.
• Where you stand behind it.
• How many steps you take back.
• Your breathing.
• Your approach.

The more consistent your routine becomes, the less you'll think when the pressure is on.

Pressure exposes inconsistency.

Routine creates confidence.

2. Focus on Clean Contact, Not Power

One of the biggest mistakes younger players make is trying to kick the ball harder.

Distance doesn't come from swinging harder.

It comes from striking the ball cleanly.

A relaxed, smooth swing with good timing will nearly always produce a better kick than trying to force it.

When you make clean contact, the football does most of the work.

3. Keep Your Head Down

This sounds simple, but it's one of the easiest things to forget.

Many missed kicks happen because players lift their head early to watch where the ball is going.

Instead, focus on the exact part of the football you want to strike.

Keep your eyes there until after you've made contact.

Trust the kick.

The ball will tell you everything once it's left your boot.

4. Practise Like You're Playing a Match

It's easy to kick fifty balls from directly in front after training.

The challenge is making your practice realistic.

Create pressure.

Kick after you've done a sprint.

Move to different angles.

Challenge yourself to kick five in a row before finishing.

The more your practice resembles game situations, the more comfortable you'll feel on game day.

5. Find Equipment You Trust

Confidence comes from removing variables.

Use the same boots.

Use the same kicking tee.

Follow the same routine.

The fewer things you change, the more repeatable your performance becomes.

That's one of the reasons we developed multiple kicking tee heights at 284.

Once you find the one that suits your technique, stick with it.

6. Learn From Your Misses

Nobody kicks at 100%.

Even the best goal kickers in the world miss.

The important part is understanding why.

Did you rush?

Did your plant foot land in the wrong spot?

Did you lose your routine?

Every missed kick is an opportunity to improve if you're willing to learn from it.

7. Enjoy the Responsibility

Goal kicking comes with pressure.

That's part of what makes it so rewarding.

Instead of fearing those moments, embrace them.

The more opportunities you put yourself in, the more confidence you'll build.

Pressure isn't something to avoid.

It's something to prepare for.

 

My Favourite Practice Drill

One drill I always recommend is simple.

Place five balls around the field:

• Left sideline
• Left hash
• In front
• Right hash
• Right sideline

You only get one kick from each position.

If you miss one, start again.

It's a great way to build pressure and consistency while simulating different match scenarios.

 

Common Goal Kicking Mistakes

Avoid these common habits:

• Changing your routine every week.
• Looking up too early.
• Trying to kick too hard.
• Practising only from easy positions.
• Constantly changing equipment.

Consistency beats perfection.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I practise goal kicking?

Even two or three focused sessions each week will make a huge difference if you're practising with purpose.

Should I change my routine if I'm missing?

Usually no. Stick with your routine and identify the real cause before making changes.

Does my kicking tee matter?

Absolutely. It should suit your technique and remain consistent throughout the season.

What's the most important part of goal kicking?

Confidence built through repetition.

 

Final Thoughts

Some of my favourite memories in rugby league have come from standing over a kick when the game was on the line.

Those moments can feel intimidating.

But they're also the reason we practise.

Trust your preparation.

Trust your routine.

Trust yourself.

If you do that often enough, you'll become a better kicker every single season.

See you out on the field.

– Jarrod Croker (Draft for review and approval)

 

Keep Improving Your Game

The right routine starts with the right equipment.

Explore the 284 Viper, Boom and Elevate kicking tees and find the setup that helps you kick with confidence.