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Rugby term

Tap kick

Definition

A kick where the player taps the ball with their foot to themselves (or lets it go a short distance) and then picks it up or plays on.

Used to restart from penalties or free-kicks.

Related laws

Law 20Penalty and Free-KickPenalties are awarded for serious infringements and allow the kicker to attempt a goal or kick to touch. Free-kicks are for minor infringements and cannot score directly.

Related terms

Charge-downA charge-down is when a player blocks an opponent's kick with their hands, arms or body just as it is kicked, and it is not penalised as a knock-on.Free kickA kick awarded for less serious infringements.Penalty goalA goal scored by kicking at the posts from a penalty mark.Penalty kickA penalty kick is awarded after a serious infringement and lets the team kick at goal for 3 points, kick to touch, tap and play, or take a scrum.