Passing & Handling
When it comes to coaching fundamentals, you don’t get much more fundamental than passing. Players aren’t all blessed with lightning pace or accurate kicking skills, but every player should be able to pass. The passing drills and handling activities in this section provide countless ways to improve your players passing and handling skills.
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Use these two exercises to develop and progress your players' handling skills when they are facing a drift defence. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Work on timing the run onto the ball and whether the ball carrier needs to step inside the covering defender. This session develops attacking with a flat alignment – with pace at the end of the line. MORE
in Footwork and evasion, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Taking a pass close to the defensive line needs the receiver to step away from the contact, and quickly. If they have a supporting player behind them, they can also step and pass into the space they left behind. Use this exercise to develop the footwork, handling and support skills needed. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Using two first receivers enables you to exploit mismatches or attack weak defenders on either side of the ruck. You can even attack space from deep if opposition wings drop back for the clearing kick. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Use the tunnel drill to help give players individual feedback on their handling and passing skills. You can be more specific on each player's technique. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Having to receive a low pass at knee level or below (a “daisy cutter” pass) happens no matter how much your team practises. Help your players prepare to cope with this type of pass so they never drop the ball or knock on and keep the attack moving.
This is achieved by turning a poor pass into a good pass in one smooth movement. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Use this four-player, two-ball exercise to hone your passers' accuracy and ball transfer. The gentle pressure of movement, aligned with the skills of keeping the head and the body square will also help players to pass quickly. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Passing is not a regulation activity. There are different distances to pass depending on the defence in front of the player. Mix up these distances in exercises to challenge your players in more game realistic situations. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Practice plans
Dropped passes are often the result of pressure being put on the receiver. Simulate this pressure in training to encourage better technique and concentration in the match. I use this session to teach my players to keep their hands out to catch early and yet still look ahead. MORE
in Attack, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
By running in rather than straight, the ball carrier can get “under” the defender and create a space for the next support player. Use this activity to work on the best lines and passes. MORE
