Summary
Highlights
Aaron discusses the importance of making accurate passes, especially when under pressure. He states that if the space isn't clear, it's better to ensure a balanced and accurate pass than to rush an ugly one.
Aaron Smith introduces a session focusing on his passing game and box kicking. He emphasizes the importance of learning and understanding his approach to these skills, promising to share various drills and knowledge.
Aaron demonstrates a one-handed drill, focusing on placing the hand on top of the ball, rotating it underneath, and having the arm already up. He explains his technique for getting his hand under the ball early to create twist, contrasting it with common mistakes.
Aaron discusses the importance of finishing the pass. He likens an unfinished pass to a 'Tiger Woods' punch and emphasizes the need to extend fully for power. He also highlights the common mistake of halfbacks not fully extending their passes.
He explains his approach to body positioning at the ruck, focusing on staying low and listening to calls from teammates. He advises young players against cutting back and wanting to be 'squid,' instead advocating for staying straight and being ready for the next play.
Aaron talks about scanning the field and listening to teammates for opportunities. He emphasizes that while he might not be the best at looking for himself, he actively listens to cues from others.
Aaron emphasizes finding what works best for each individual's passing technique. He discusses how working on finger and thumb position helped him spin the ball faster and create a catchable pass, even at high speed.
He introduces a drill that uses full body engagement, comparing it to boxing breathing. This drill focuses on stabilizing the core and groins to generate power for the pass, ensuring all small muscles are working.
Aaron advises catching the ball ready to go. He stresses that an accurate catch is more important than rushing a pass, even if it means taking a fraction more time.
He demonstrates a technique for footwork at the ruck to clear a zone and avoid being tackled, emphasizing a leading foot for a powerful position when offloading the ball.
He explains the importance of blockers for box kicks, especially with modern rugby where opposing players are clued up on blocking strategies. He highlights the need to kick from a less square plane to avoid being charged down.
Aaron talks about improving his left-footed kicking, especially with teams now kicking to the right side to force scrum-halves to use their weaker foot. He focuses on a higher ball drop and even strike for this development.
Aaron reflects on the influential coaches in his career, including Dave Rennie, Jamie Joseph, Tony Brown, and Steve Hansen. He praises Tony Brown for his human-level coaching, ability to motivate, and encouraging 'firing a shot.'
He shares a humorous anecdote about a conversation with Dan Carter regarding kicking with his right foot in a World Cup final, and Carter actually doing it, illustrating the relaxed and confident nature of top athletes.
Aaron discusses a pivotal moment in his career where he was told his 'feet were slow' and missed out on Super Rugby contracts. This led him to a period of intense self-improvement, focusing on fitness, diet, and skill development.
He details his six-month transformation, which included rigorous road running, stair sessions, strict diet, and meticulous planning of his week. This period of intense work led to significant improvements in his fitness and game, making rugby fun again.