Chain-gang passing

Develop a chain of passes with players running different angles and coming from different depths to challenge defences.

ACTIVITY

1. ŒCall which colour cone to run around
2. Three attackers run into the box
3. ŽA feeder waits by the side of the pitch

1. The attackers run around the coloured cone and then readjust to each take a pass
2. The feeder passes to the attackers

GAME SITUATION

1. ŒFour attackers start either side of a corner, entering the box to receive a pass
2. Three defenders start on the side of the opposite corner to the attackers
3. Use touch tackling

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.