Quick Coach: Try scorers
in Attack
There’s more than one way to score a try and more than one way to gather the ball to score a try. Let the players discover lots of options. MORE
EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
Dummy scissors pass (DSP) is a simple move that can be used by all the players, not just the back line. It is still used by the top sides in a number of situations. These teams have added extra decoy runners and other variations, but at the core is the DSP.
This move will add an attacking edge to your team from all phases.
Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 5-8
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7-10
The objective of playing this pass is to penetrate an organised defence. Changing running angles in addition to the dummy scissors will, at worst, check the defenders, if not cause their formation to break.
The key to success is the angle of run and the weight of pass given to the receiver. This is where the passer must give a quality, sympathetic pass as the receiver is focusing on finding space and using an angle of run to beat the defence.
Ensure your passer is aware of this and adjusts the delivery of the ball to the receiver.
Organise the players into groups of three in an attacking line, with a ruck pad or poles opposite each player acting as a defensive line of three defenders. Each group of three attacks the pads/ poles using a dummy scissors pass.
Ensure all the players start in a different position so they experience each role. Vary the length of pass so the defence is beaten with a tight angle of run and a wide angle.
It is important the dummy scissors is as realistic as possible. By turning his body and hiding the ball, the ball carrier creates indecision in the defence.
Set up against ruck pads or poles. In this case the penetrator has decided to angle in and take a short pass.
Split your squad into two teams of eight. Play a contact game with all re-starts being a tap and pass. All attacks from a re-start or off a ruck/ maul must include a dummy scissors pass or a scissors. However, it does not need to be off the first pass.
Two or three passes can be made, and then the DSP. Or it could be done with no first pass, using the clearing passer who dummy scissors and passes.
Develop the DSP by adding two more attackers. Using an extra pass brings another dimension to this ploy.