Pace passes

Passing at pace is a real skill and a defence splitter. By teaching players how to do this at a young age you are arming them with an effective weapon they will use for the rest of their rugby lives.

Set-up

A 50x15m channel with a line of cones 10m from either end. Four players wait at one end (picture 1).

The rules

You throw the ball to the nearest player and the four players advance.

The ball must be passed three times (handled by everyone) before the first 10m line of cones is reached. The final player sprints to the far set of cones with the other three in support. Once there, the ball is passed to everyone in the end zone as before and a try is scored (picture 2).

Progress by adding a defender to ensure ball carriers run at space – draw the defender and make a scoring pass (picture 3).

Scoring

Race teams against each other to find a winner. Also race against the clock to find the quickest team.

Tell them

“Arms across body when passing to a target given by the receiver, or to an area in front of them while running.”

“Tell the ball carrier where you are – call for the ball.”

Coaching tips

Gets players catching and passing while under pressure and looking for support from team mates.