Dan Carter: Don't Sweat the Technique
If you read or follow the outstanding kicking coach Stuart Lierich you'll learn to understand and master the 'small details' which separate the competent kickers from the great.
This practice goal-kicking session by All Blacks maestro Dan Carter underlines some of the core principles Stuart and other kicking coaches emphasize in their methods.
In Stuart's words,
Contrary to popular belief, kicking is an all of body movement requiring much more than a leg swing. For effective execution coaches will develop a player’s ability to shift weight “through” the kick via the pillar, rather than rely on the raw power of leg alone. Remember: Smoother, not Harder
Other details I have learnt to look out for when watching goal-kickers:
Heel strike on the plant foot with good stretch on final stride
A controlled balance arm
'Compact' technique
Launch angles and Set height
Maintaining a square lead shoulder
Using a consistent mental rehearsal before each kick
Foot speed at ball impact
If technical gold nuggets are your bag, give Stuart a follow or tweet, he sure knows his stuff!
Go well.