EXPERT SESSIONS AND ADVICE FROM QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GRASSROOTS RUGBY COACHES
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.
Think long-term and develop your players because stringing together three or more passes will be crucial to them scoring and becoming a rounded team as they move from Minis to Juniors and beyond.
Spaced out at 2m intervals in a staggered line, the players run, passing the ball along the line. The last receiver scores a try.
Next, use ruck pads or tackle tubes as static defenders and leave the pass until as late as possible.
Finally, finish with two defenders running across from deep and get the ball wide quickly.
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
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
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
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Test out whether support players are in place by having the ball carrier use a “no-look pass”, confident their support will be there and responding only to a call. The ball carrier passes as normal without looking, responding to a call knowing the support player is in place. This maintains go forward and speed in the attack. MORE
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. MORE
in Passing & Handling, Rugby drills
Handling a rugby ball is more than just being able to catch and pass. It’s also just as crucial to know when to pass and which pass to use. Create better skills transference by adjusting your training sessions. MORE
