Former Springbok flyhalf Braam van Straaten has given struggling Stormers goal-kicker Peter Grant a few kicking tips.
Grant’s goal-kicking has been way off line this season, with the pivot missing six out of 14 attempts at goal in 2014.
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It is a far cry from the 2012 season when he was successful with 50 out of 54 kicks.
Van Straaten said that some technical flaws have crept into Grant’s kicking.
“The fundamental errors that Peter currently makes are that he is too close to the ball which then badly influences his alignment (the direction his body is pointed before kicking).
“By that I mean he does not have enough space between himself and the ball in his run-up. It means the leg with which he follows through is not properly extended when he strikes the ball.
“For the regular guy on the street it looks like he doesn’t follow-through, but just chips the ball. Due to this, he is missing on both sides of the uprights.
“Peter is about 10-15cm too close in his stance. As there is not enough space, it activates the second mistake of his alignment.
“He consciously moves to the left to try and correct the error in direction, but doesn’t realise that by doing this, he activates nine other errors.
“Space is the principle foundation of place kicking. If you don’t have enough space, it creates a snowball-effect. The closer you then get to the ball, the more mistakes you will make,” concluded Van Straaten.
Meanwhile, coach Allister Coetzee will reportedly spring a surprise by picking Grant at fullback for Saturday’s clash against the Lions.
Demetri Catrakilis will play flyhalf so it would be interesting to see who is entrusted with the goal-kicking duties. Catrakilis was successful with 13 out of 15 kicks at goal this season.