Chain-gang passing

CHALLENGE

Passing “chains” rarely run in straight lines. A series of passes might have players attacking from strange angles and require different passes.

SET UP

A 20m box, cones, one ball.

how to do it

Activity

• Spread out at least six cones in one half of the box.
• Put a feeder halfway up one side. Put three attackers in the corner on the same side as the feeder.
• Get the attackers to run into the box, each one going around one of the coloured cones called out. The nearest player to the feeder receives a pass, then passes to another attacker who in turn offloads to the last attacker who scores a try.

Developments

• Make the box shorter and/or wider to offer different challenges such as shorter/longer passes and narrower running channels.
• Put two defenders at the far end who come forward to pressurise.

Game situation

• Put four attackers at one end of the box with a feeder at one side. Put two defenders on the side about 5m away from the feeder and another defender at the far end of the box.
• When you shout “GO” the players come forward to attack and defend.
• Use touch tackling, with the aim that the attackers should run and pass untackled to the try line. Remove one defender if they find it too difficult.

TECHNIQUE

• Hands up when you are ready to receive the ball.
• Look where you are passing.
• Look ahead when you are running into position.

ACTIVITY