The Grubber Kick
with Stu Lierich
The grubber kick is a "short game" option that should only be considered if space exists behind the defensive line during offensive play.
The grubber should only be considered if used in an attempt to regain possession, either by the kicker or an onside teammate.
This kick is delivered along the ground, so ensure enough space between defenders as well.
For a team with good field position and attacking momentum, this kick will expose an opposing team lacking defensive alignment.
The object is to produce a kick that will roll and bounce in such a way that will present easy retrieval for the kicker or intended teammate.
This is a running kick, and best executed with deception.
A quick transition from grip to set and drop will prevent defences from foiling your plans.
The ideal grip is held with the tips of the ball running north-south, and flat running down the foot. This flat nature allows for softer contact, assisting the travel path, spin and bounce.
This kick is most often performed whilst hips and shoulders are positioned square to the oncoming defence.
The aim with this kick is to position the ball so as to make impact in the top half, encouraging an end-over-end spin.
By pushing the foot out and through impact, the ball is more likely to take a true roll and travel path.
A kick to the right of an oncoming opponent will see the ball guided to the foot on a 45 degree angle pointing towards intended target space.
The ball will be pushed off the outside for a right foot kick to the right, whilst kicking foot swings through straight.
The angle is derived from ball orientation, not a leg swing out of alignment.
Reverse the instruction for kicking off the inside (left for right footer).
Important to know where the knee, ankle, foot and ball follow the same path an effective kick is the most likely result.
As this is a kick in motion, fast reaction time is required to chase and regather possession.
For the shortest of grubbers make sure the foot pushes the ball out and "skims" across grass rolling forward, end over end.
This will minimise risk to the true bounce and roll you require to regain. A first bounce from foot that is too far away, although not necessarily a bad kick, is most like to "sit up" or provide an unpredictable bounce.
If you are in a position to align yourself square to the target space, then ensure you understand the way in which a kick "behaves".
For this I recommend kicking with the ball "neutral", aligned running down your foot to create a straight-on result.
A right foot kick pushing out to the right has an arcing travel path that comes back to the left.
Vice versa for inside kicks.
You will need to practice, first by yourself, and then with defensive pressure to get a feel for the weight required for various distances.
