Perfect pop passes

by Dan Cottrell in Passing & Handling

Develop the pop pass to a support player running at pace into space created by the ball carrier. Just before contact, a pass is flicked up off the fingertips to a support runner.

It keeps the ball alive and draws defenders out of position to maintain go forward.

Four players line up in a single file with the ball carrier at the front. The remaining three players stand in a row 5m apart as defenders.

The ball carrier attacks the first defender and, 2m away from them, steps to one side.

The defender follows them to make the tackle, creating space where they have been.
The ball carrier gives a pop pass off their fingertips into this space to a support player who is running at pace.
The new ball carrier then attacks the second defender with the third runner in support.

TECHNIQUE

The ball carrier runs at the defender at pace then veers left or right.
Support players run on to the pass at pace.
Ensure all the passes go backwards.

Share this: Share

PRINT
[favorite_button]

Deck hands

in Passing & Handling, Small-sided games

Ged Hall challenges players to be effective in finding space and passing, either on their feet or from the ground (the deck!). Good for fitness as well as decision-making. Deck hands is seemingly a very simple game to play, but beneath its simple exterior is a game that challenges players physically, mentally, tactically and technically. MORE

3D square attack and pluses

in Attack, Passing & Handling, Small-sided games

Keep the players thinking about where to attack as the defence move around dynamically, adding in players as the attack becomes more successful. MORE

When you don’t need defenders for passing improvements

in Backs moves, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills

In Hard and Fast with the Miss Pass, we set up a “miss pass” training session. The miss pass is a long pass which skips one player, with the missed player drawing a defender in the process. MORE

Hard and fast with the miss pass

in Attack, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills

A hard and fast flat miss pass can cut out defenders before they have a chance to change their running angles. It can lead to clean breaks as your attackers exploit the gaps. By scanning the line and hitting the ball at an angle towards a space, the ball carrier is going to be almost impossible to stop. MORE

Three passes

in Passing & Handling

In Minis rugby, especially in the younger age groups, putting together three successive passes in the same play is an outstanding achievement. Here’s how to make it easier. MORE

Clearing pass

in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills

The clearing pass from a ruck isn’t always made by a scrum half. Every player in your team needs to be able to perform it as it is unrealistic to expect the 9 to be at every breakdown. This activity is designed to make as many clearing passes as possible to allow you to see everyone’s ability. You then help players improve. MORE