Why Professional Rugby Players Use Different Height Kicking Tees

If you've ever watched a weekend of rugby league, you might have noticed something interesting.

Not every goal kicker uses the same kicking tee.

Some players prefer the ball sitting low to the ground. Others like it a little higher. Some even change their setup throughout the season as their technique evolves.

That often leads to the question:

"If the professionals don't all use the same tee, which one should I be using?"

The simple answer is that there isn't one perfect height.

Every kicker has their own technique, rhythm and preferences. The best players aren't successful because they all use the same equipment—they're successful because they've found equipment that complements the way they naturally kick the football.

That's exactly why we created three different kicking tee heights at 284.

Rather than asking every player to adapt to one design, we wanted our tees to work with different kicking styles.

 

Every Goal Kicker Is Different

One of the biggest lessons I've learnt throughout my career is that goal kicking isn't about copying someone else's routine.

It's about building your own.

I've played alongside and against some outstanding goal kickers over the years, and one thing always stood out.

No two routines were exactly the same.

Some players had a long, deliberate approach.

Others barely took a few steps.

Some stood behind the ball for several seconds before walking in.

Others trusted instinct and kicked almost immediately.

The same applies to kicking tees.

Just because one player prefers a lower tee doesn't mean it's automatically better for everyone else.

Your goal should always be to find what gives you the most confidence.

 

What Does Tee Height Actually Change?

Many people assume the only difference between kicking tees is how high the football sits.

In reality, tee height can influence several parts of your kick.

A different height can affect:

• Your strike point.
• The launch angle of the ball.
• How easily you get underneath the football.
• Your body position through contact.
• The confidence you feel during your setup.

These differences might seem small, but goal kicking is a game of small details.

Sometimes moving the ball just a few millimetres can completely change how natural your strike feels.

 

Low Profile Tees

A lower-profile kicking tee places the football closer to the ground.

Many kickers like this because it creates a very stable setup and encourages them to strike cleanly through the middle of the ball.

Players who naturally generate plenty of height with their kicking action often prefer this style.

Benefits include:

• Excellent stability.
• Strong control.
• Natural ball contact.
• Great for compact kicking actions.

Our Viper (91.5mm) is designed for players who enjoy this lower setup while still providing outstanding stability.

Medium Height Tees

A medium-height tee sits right in the middle.

It offers the balance of a lower tee while giving the football slightly more elevation.

For many players, this becomes the easiest option to adapt to because it suits a wide variety of techniques.

Benefits include:

• Balanced ball position.
• Versatility.
• Consistent setup.
• Suitable for most players.

That's exactly why the Boom (111.5mm) has become such a popular choice across different age groups and skill levels.

Higher Tees

Higher kicking tees raise the football slightly more, giving players easier access underneath the ball.

This doesn't automatically mean you'll kick further, but it can suit players whose technique naturally works better from a higher starting point.

Benefits include:

• More confidence over long distance.
• Easier access underneath the football.
• Comfortable for players with longer kicking actions.
• Helps certain players create elevation.

Our Elevate (115mm) was developed for players who prefer this higher setup while maintaining excellent stability.

Does A Taller Tee Mean More Distance?

This is probably the biggest myth in goal kicking.

The answer is no.

Distance comes from:

• Good technique.
• Timing.
• Clean ball contact.
• Leg speed.
• Body position.

A taller tee doesn't magically make the football travel further.

It simply changes where the football starts.

For some players, that setup makes it easier to produce clean contact.

For others, it actually makes kicking harder.

That's why choosing a tee should never be about chasing extra metres.

It should be about finding consistency.

 

Confidence Is Everything

When you're standing over an important conversion, you don't want to be wondering whether you've chosen the right equipment.

You want to know.

Confidence comes from repetition.

Using the same tee week after week helps build familiarity.

Your body starts recognising exactly where the football will be sitting before you even begin your approach.

That removes doubt.

And removing doubt is one of the biggest advantages a goal kicker can have.

 

Should You Change Tee Heights?

Sometimes.

Especially if you're still developing your technique.

Junior players often grow quickly.

Your kicking action changes.

Your strength changes.

Your confidence changes.

What worked when you were 14 might not be what suits you at 18.

That's perfectly normal.

The important thing is making changes with purpose.

Don't swap equipment after one bad game.

Give yourself time to practise before deciding whether a different height genuinely suits your style.

 

Why We Created Three Options

When we started building the 284 range, we spent a lot of time talking about one question:

Should we only make one kicking tee?

The more testing we did, the clearer the answer became.

Every kicker had different preferences.

Some naturally gravitated towards a lower setup.

Others immediately preferred something higher.

Rather than forcing players to adapt, we decided to build three tees that all shared the same quality, durability and performance—just with different heights.

That way, players can choose the tee that feels right for them.

 

Finding Your Perfect Tee

If you're not sure which tee suits you, start by asking yourself a few questions.

Do you naturally generate plenty of height?

Do you prefer striking through the middle of the football?

Would you like the ball sitting slightly higher?

Do you feel more comfortable with a compact kicking action or a longer approach?

The answers will usually point you in the right direction.

And remember, there isn't a wrong choice.

The best kicking tee is the one that helps you kick with confidence.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do professional rugby players use different kicking tees?

Because every player's technique is different. Tee height should complement your natural kicking style rather than force you to change it.

Which tee height is best?

There isn't one "best" height. The right choice depends on how you strike the football and what feels most comfortable.

Should beginners use a taller tee?

Not necessarily. Many beginners start with a medium-height tee because it offers the most versatility.

Can changing tee height improve accuracy?

It can, if the new height better suits your natural technique. The goal is to improve consistency rather than make dramatic changes.

How do I know when I've found the right tee?

When your setup feels natural, your routine becomes repeatable and you're no longer thinking about the equipment—you're simply focusing on the kick.

 

Final Thoughts

Throughout my career, one thing has become really clear.

There isn't one perfect way to kick goals.

Every player develops their own routine, their own rhythm and their own style.

Your kicking tee should support that—not change it.

Take the time to experiment, practise and find the setup that gives you confidence.

Once you do, stick with it.

The more familiar your routine becomes, the more consistent your goal kicking will be.

See you out on the field.

– Jarrod Croker (Draft for review and approval)

 

Find the Tee That Matches Your Style

Whether you prefer the low-profile Viper (91.5mm), the balanced Boom (111.5mm) or the taller Elevate (115mm), the 284 range has been designed to suit every type of goal kicker.

Explore the full range and discover the tee that fits your game.