ABSTRACT
Goal-kicking in rugby league and union is an important component of winning games. Goal-kicks are taken after a penalty has been awarded to the attacking team or after a try has been scored and are taken from different distances and angles from the goal. The goal-kick is performed by placing the ball on a tee and attempting to kick the ball over the crossbar and between the upright posts on the full. It comprises approximately 30% of total points scored in rugby league games (2007 Australian National Rugby League season) and is often the difference between teams. In rugby, Ortega et al. (2009) reported finding winning teams kicked more penalty goals compared to losing teams. Importantly, the same number of penalty kicks were awarded to winning and losing teams but winning teams kicked more penalty goals (2.76 compared to 1.76 goals, p = 0.001) highlighting the importance of accurate kicking.
