Improve forwards’ desire to pass

First, we need a big reality check here. While we would love all our players to tackle like a flanker, scrum like a prop, pass like a scrum half and step like a winger, such a hybrid-player rarely exists at the level we coach at.

However, that doesn’t mean we should ignore the opportunities to improve our player skills in areas that they don’t often use them. It’s also important that we don’t let it compromise their key impacts in the game. For example, a 16 stone (101 kg) prop should be employing their bulk in the contact area when you want to win or contest rucks, lifting effectively in the lineout, and providing a solid scrum base.

Yet, if that same prop can make a pass before contact, then you have the chance to do the following:

• Add more width to your game.
• Change the point of contact.
• Create defensive uncertainty.

Against France in the 2023 Six Nations, Ireland prop Finlay Bealham shaped to pass outside, then popped the ball back inside to Hugo Keenan, who burst through to score. The pass only travelled a couple of metres, but Bealham held it just long enough for Keenan to hit the gap at pace.

The mindset should be:

• Am I confident to make a short pass when I’m moving forward, attacking a defender?
• Are my supporting players in a position to take that pass?
• Can I make the defender believe I’m going to attack them or that I might pass?

The final point is crucial. If a defender has any doubt about whether a forward will be trying to drive through them and might pass instead, they won’t set up in such a strong position.

The fact that they can dominate a potential tackler must be the best reason to give a forward who you want to pass, to pass.

Sharpen up short passing skills in a congested area with Chris Chudleigh’s fun activity on page 4. Then, look at common scenarios for the forwards with Sean Holley’s activity on page 5.