Passing Drills

Rugby requires being able to pass while performing other activities. These are generally running and having people moving in to tackle you.

But before we throw our player into the 'fray' we can look to help them experience what it is they need to do.

Catch First, Pass Second

This first drill is really simple but highlights an important point. We need to catch the ball first before thinking about passing it.

Simply have the player throw the ball high in the air, wait for it, catch it and make a pass. That time waiting for the ball to fall and concentrating on that first is a good simulator.

Main Points

• Catch it first, in the hands, not any part of the body.
• Eyes on who you are passing to.
• Get the ball to the starting position of the pass, on the hip.
• And make the pass.

Running & Passing

One habit a lot of kids get into early is running in the direction they are passing. If they are passing left they turn their bodies to the left and start running sideways to the left as they make the pass. This effectively helps a drift defence and closes out the space for the players on the wings.

To avoid that we can start practising by setting up two points about 15-20 meters apart from which they have to run to and from. Around the centre point, they have to make a pass to a standing receiver.

Main Points

• The player should be watching the receiver as they start to run.
• They should get the ball into position, (ball on hip) early.
• Concentrate on running a straight line.

Another thing we want to avoid is a forward pass. To help stop this set a cone to indicate where the player must run past before throwing the pass. Ensure the receiver is standing back from that point so that the pass is backwards.