Quick hands warm-up

WHY USE IT

As the players move into position they have to work extra hard to be in a position to take the ball going forward.

It also focuses them on good handling habits so they don’t end up running into the box, which in match terms would mean being on the tackle line.

Set up

A 6-12m square and ball.

You can adjust the size of the square to suit your players’ skillset.

TECHNIQUE

• Hands up ready to receive.
• Look at the receiver’s hands when passing.
• Look at the ball when receiving.
• Pass in front of the player.
• To realign: Run into position quickly by looping around after passing. This promotes “pass and support” - where the passer follows the receiver to provide close support if needed.

HOW TO DO IT

• Play starts with the scrum half on one corner. Players pass the ball to each other down the line.
• The end player (4) places the ball on the cone in front of them and all four players run around to realign.
• Players realign to form a new backline starting at the cone where the ball was placed and repeat the passing sequence down the line.
• Do this around the entire square, starting with passing to the left.
• Most players are right-handed and they will find this easiest. Make the square larger to make the players pass further and use passing to the right as well.