Contents - The Science of Kicking

Contents

The Science of Kicking presents an up-to-date scientific analysis of the skill of kicking.
Special emphasis is given to the drop punt kick, but includes the torpedo punt, stab punt, and checkside punt.
Answers every question you ever wanted to ask about kicking, dispels many old coaching myths and introduces new concepts to make you the expert.
Comprehensive section on coaching guidelines and exercise programs.
Over one hundred diagrams and sequential photographs.

Chapter
1	Finding Success in Kicking
		The 3R’s – Rigor, Routine, Repetition
2	Stance
		Preparatory Stance Gripping the Ball
3	Aiming
		The Target Focus Point Kicking Mark The ‘Big Arrow’ Knee and Foot Line
4	Approach
		Pelvic Stability How Many Steps? A Straight, Oblique or Step Across Approach?
5	Final Stride
		Length of Stride Support Leg Stabilization
6	Ball Set and Drop
		Set and Drop Technique The Balancing Arm Inertial Balance Reaction Balance
7	Priming the Kicking Leg
		The ‘V’ position Elastic Stretch and Stored Energy Inertial Speed
8	Leg Drive
		The Muscular Engine The ‘Kicking Muscles’ The ‘Muscular Team’ Pointing the Toes Accelerating Through the Ball Core Strength Leg Whip Leg Speed and Mass Thigh Reaction

Chapter
9	Impact
		Hard Foot Distance and the Effective Mass Sweet Spot
10	Follow through
		Knee Joint Cartilage and Injury
11	Types of Kick
		The Drop Punt The Stab Punt The Torpedo or Spiral Punt The Banana Kick or Checkside Punt The Floater
12	Coaching Practises
		Preparatory Stance Gripping the Ball Aiming Approach Final Stride Ball Set and Drop Priming the Kicking Leg Leg Drive Impact Followthrough
13	Kicking Exercises
		Basic Training Principles Strength Exercises Stretching Exercises