Execute perfect miss passes
The miss pass is frequently misused. When executed at the right time, it releases attackers but too often allows defenders to drift out and push the attack towards touch. This session will develop the understanding of when to use a miss pass - or not.
The miss pass is frequently misused. When executed at the right time, it releases attackers but too often allows defenders to drift out and push the attack towards touch. This session will develop the understanding of when to use a miss pass - or not.
Warm up time: 7-10
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 8-10
Game time: 15-20
Warm down time: 7-10
What to think about
Focus with your players on when to use the miss pass as much as how to execute it. So, unless you are specifically developing the passing technique, always train with defenders in front of the players to encourage them to make decisions.
All too often a miss pass is called and run despite the defender having drifted out to cover. However, if players are constantly scanning the defence and communicating with each other they can react to defenders’ movements.
So, scanning the defence, making the decision, and communicating that decision are key.
set-up
- Deliver the miss pass when you are close to the defenders.
- Pass the ball in front of the receiver so he can accelerate on to it.
- Make accurate decisions about when to miss pass based on the actions of the defenders.
What you get your players to do
Start with three attackers (A1, A2, A3) running through a 10m square practising miss passes using spin (see picture 1).
Then add two defenders (D1, D2) starting on the opposite side. D1 runs at the ball carrier (A1). A1 has to fix D1 before passing. D2 runs at A2 (the middle player), leaving A3 free to receive the miss pass (see picture 2). Gradually build up the speed of the defenders to increase the pressure on the passer. Insist on accurate passes in front of the receiver.
Development
Allow D2 to decide which attacker to target. A2 must now make the decision about where the ball goes and communicate it to the ball carrier (see picture 3).
Allow D1 to drift across if the pass is given too early. This checks the timing of the pass is accurate.
Game situation
Play 8v4 starting from the 22m line. Attackers are only allowed one phase per attack. To score a try there must be at least one miss pass in the move. Add a defender each time a try is scored (up to eight). See which team can get the longest try-scoring sequence. Use two-handed touch tackling or full tackling.
What to call out
Ball carrier: “Follow through to the target”
Ball carrier: “Scan the defence before passing”
Ball carrier: “Pass as close to the defender as you dare”
Middle attacker: “Shout for the ball to fix the defender”