Practice makes perfect when it comes to kicking for Chiefs ace

EXETER Chiefs fly-half Danny Gray says he has noticed an improvement already from the extra kicking sessions he has undertaken.

New backs coach Ali Hepher has been doing some work with the squad on kicking techniques this summer.

And Gray has taken on extra training with Stu Alred in a bid to get some extra tips ahead of the new campaign.

Former Exeter player Alred has gone into business with Chiefs legend Tony Yapp to help players with their kicking.

The son of former England kicking guru Dave, Alred has had a few sessions with Gray at Sandy Park.

Ex-Bristol ace Gray said it was handy to have someone come in and look at what he is doing right and wrong.

"Stu (Alred) knows his dad's processes so well, I've had four sessions with him and I've really seen improvements from that.

"You can hit a plateau as a kicker and you don't really know what you're doing wrong and what you're doing right. Having someone come in and really explain the details to you is really good."

Gray ended last season on the treatment table as he picked up a knee injury.

Ex-Chiefs Yapp and Alred kick off coaching careers

IN these days of professionalism, rugby players have to have an eye on what to do with their life when they finish playing.

For two former Exeter Chiefs players that will involve running their own kicking coaching business.

Tony Yapp and Stuart Alred met when the latter joined the Chiefs while studying at the University of Exeter.

They spent many an hour training together at the County Ground and working on the finer points of kicking.

Now they are turning their attention to passing on their vast knowledge of kicking techniques to other players.

Yapp, who left the Chiefs at the end of last season after smashing the club's points-scoring record in his seven-year stint, has not retired just yet.

The 31-year-old has become player/backs coach at Launceston and is looking to carry on playing.

Alred also has his work cut out, even though he retired from the professional game a few years ago.

Recently married and with his first child born last month, the 25-year-old is also training to become a church pastor.

But both are starting to increase the amount of time they devote to Alred Yapp Kicking Coaching.

As well as their own natural talents, the duo have the expertise of one of the world's most renowned kicking coaches behind them. The fact it's Alred's father, Dave, helps a little.

The younger Alred, who also played for Launceston and Devon under-21s, said his dad had passed on the wealth of knowledge he has gleaned over the years working with England and the British & Irish Lions, among other teams.

"A couple of years ago, Tony and I decided to start up a business to offer coaching to youngsters and other players," said Alred.

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