The passing player in Sevens needs to support in a different way than in normal rugby. He becomes the “pocket” player, offering another pass straight behind the new ball carrier. Once the ball is passed on again, the pocket player forms part of a line of players should the ball be passed back the other way.

Warm up time: 5-7
Session time: 8-10
Development time: 10-15
Game time: 10-15
Warm down time: 5-8

What to think about

This is an excellent pre-match warm-up because it increases the heartrate while also working on a game-specific skill. The pass and support skill is an important attribute. The passer is often the closest player in support and if he runs into the “pocket” he can be in a good position to drive out opposition threats, as well as take offloads.

set-up

1. Run straight and then pass.
2. Once you have passed, move in behind the receiver to act as a support player.
3. Hold your depth, ready for the ball coming back.

What you get your players to do

Put four players across one edge of a box and three players behind the first three. The ball starts with player 1. Make him run forward 10m then pass to the player next to him (see picture 1). After he passes, he runs to where the receiver started from. All passers and receivers repeat until it reaches the end player (see picture 2). Make the last player on the end of the line turn around and pass the ball back inside (see picture 3). The players not involved in the first set of passes now move forward to repeat the exercise with the ball being passed in the other direction.