And international level the pressure on players is intense, but the key factors the skill remain the same. But once again, it's the outcome that really counts key factors for the lateral pass are the receiver should reach towards the ball. Present the target with relaxed hands catch the ball with hands up. Move the ball across the body in one movement. Release from falling through to the intended target for the player rather than at the player coaching points to the lateral pass. Are the receivers hands up presenting a target for the ball carrier and ready to take the pass is the past accurate. Is it in front of the target for the player rather than at the player? Does the pass of follow-through firmly with their hands? run activities so players pass off both hands left and
Ball control is the key element to an effective offload. Jim Evans from Harlequins uses some fun games to coach this skill
This video takes you through the basics of why and how we pass in Rugby! Use these explanations and simple progressions to help your players.
Elite Sixth form players showcase that good passing technique is essential to become a good rugby player. The pass has some simple but very important components that need to be practised
The quality of passes from Ford and Farrell to enable Elliot Daley to slide past his defender was the difference in the Wales V England match. The skills required to perfect these passes were honed on the training ground over several years. See what type of drills they did and still do
The deep "Out The Back" pass is a play that is becoming more popular with several options and progressions. In this clip players from Harlequins run through a simple practise to improve their accuracy
Using different angles of running confuses tacklers and pulls a defensive unit out of line. Learning the skills to both run these lines and pass the ball accurately is key to any ambitious team looking to attack and offload
Here we take a look at a simple drill and Graham Steadman discusses the importance of getting the basics right. If every player can do this well your attacking speed will really improve.
Harlequins pride themselves on their attacking play and the foundation to this philosophy is the quality of their passing. Attack coach Colin Osbourne runs skills session on passing accuracy.
Harlequins pride themselves on their attacking play and the foundation to this philosophy is the quality of their passing. Attack coach Colin Osbourne runs skills session on passing accuracy.
Working in waves of three, break down the components to catch and pass technique.
Working in waves of three, break down the components to catch and pass technique.
A clever exercise that keeps the players involved and moving constantly with an emphasis on depth and accurate passing. Players need to concentrate, communicate and be accurate if the drill is to continue. Coaches can add width, more players or in this example another ball to increase difficulty
This clip reinforces the importance of passing and especially accurate passing. The coaches use a variety of practises to test the players skills and help them progress
Create space by fixing defenders. This is one of the toughest skills to learn and in this clip Colin Osbourne from Harlequins explains some of the challenges coaches face and how to "Stay square"
This clip demonstrates the skills and movements required to fix and beat defenders. Using a combination of passing accuracy and physical agility can significantly improve your attacking options. The coach uses questions to help the players learn
This 4-man handling grid tests the coordination and peripheral vision of the central player. They have to accurately pass two balls quickly among the other 3 players. Change the central player regularly. Key factors : Communication - Concentration - Timing - Use wrists and not arms
This 4-man handling grid tests the coordination and peripheral vision of the central player. They have to accurately pass two balls quickly among the other 3 players. Change the central player regularly. Key factors : Communication - Concentration - Timing - Use wrists and not arms
Passing progressions are based upon the ability of players to fix defenders. Always insure your exercises reflect match situations and refrain from just doing drills because they look good
Stand side-on to progress towards the lateral pass. Push the ball rather than swinging so your hand is pointing to the target after the ball has been passed. Maintain soft hands when catching the ball
Stand side-on to progress towards the lateral pass. Push the ball rather than swinging so your hand is pointing to the target after the ball has been passed. Maintain soft hands when catching the ball
Running straight and changing your running line will make players better attackers and underpins an effective 2 v 1. Dave Walder from Newcastle Falcon's run's through a new style exercise that all coaches can use.
A progression to build passing technique. The ball should be pushed from the waist rather than the player swinging the arm back first. Push through the ball so your arm finishes pointing at your target. Don't forget to practice on both hands.
A progression to build passing technique. The ball should be pushed from the waist rather than the player swinging the arm back first. Push through the ball so your arm finishes pointing at your target. Don't forget to practice on both hands.
This clip outlines some of the fundamental techniques required to become a good passer of the ball from the ground, an essential skill for scrum half's. Simple and easy instructions for both coaches and players to benefit from
Players must pass through gate before passing to supporting player before they reach the gate. This helps to ensure supporting players hold their depth and maintain a straight running line.
Coaching players to pass with variety and accuracy is one of the most important challenges a coach faces. The Harlequins academy players are presented with some very challenging exercises to help this process
The best players and the best teams can all run straight and fix defenders. For some it is the most important technique to master. This clip features three different practises
Being able to catch is fundamental to rugby and the majority of sports. Catching in rugby is slightly different due to the shape of the ball and understanding the technical points of "How to catch" is a very important area for all young players. This clip explains some of the finer points and why a good catch is the basis of a good pass
Good players have more time on the ball? What they do do is prepare accurately with depth, width and run good lines. This sets them up to catch & pass with time and options. The practises in this clip outline some of the disciplines required to get you "More time"
When a defensive line is 'bunched up', a single pass can take several defenders out of the game. Here, Richard Hale benefit from a bunched Filton College defence, executing lateral passes along the line to attack space out wide.
Seven's is about creating chances and then taking them. In this clip the Blue team take the ball up the middle of the pitch to draw in defenders, after recycling the ball they have a 2 v 1 opportunity, a straight line of running and a flat wide pass creates the try. Key factors : Call early - Run straight - Wide spin pass - Catch and swerve to score
Adding variations to a basic lateral passing drill is a solid foundation to build into strike moves. Players should concentrate on pass accuracy and the timing and direction of their running lines. Add defenders to progress.
To practice the core passing technique before integrating into a moving drill or game.
An essential drill for new players, or a simple but relevant one for experienced players. New players should make sure their passes are not forward and are targeted in front of their teammate's chest. More experienced players can focus on speed of pass and footwork. In this example, a large group is split into two adjacent drills to ensure players aren't stationary for too long.
At the JWC 2012 is was clear that more forwards were passing the ball.
Developing lines of running to attack the inside shoulder of defenders
Developing passing skills with more pressure and intensity
A core skill that needs constant development and practise Key Factors : Communicate loudly - Present a target with your hands - Run straight - Pass the ball across your body - Use wrists to keep the ball on a flat level - Move back ready to repeat
All players need to timing the pass and communicating at all times
A drill that develops running with the ball in tight spaces with changes of direction and effort
Develop a players ability to make an effective pass under pressure with support players trailing
To develop an understanding of the switch
To develop handling skills
Giving players plenty of opportunities to practice the technique is essential to achieve competence. This cyclic exercise works on the ball carriers having sympathy for the pass to the supporting runner.
To develop the lateral passing and take a look at the fundamental movements
A closed skill drill for the scrum half, that incorporates repetative passes, the prone position simulates match-like conditions where a player has to get to their feet before passing the ball away. This drill can also be used for conditioning.
The ability to realign quickly is important to developing the back play and counter attacking. Coaches can vary the numbers and timing of the first pass to make this exercise easier or more demanding. Key factors : Run straight - Comunicate early - Uniform distance and depth - Catch & pass in one movement - Hips straight - Hands & armes across the body - Realign quickly - Aerobic fitness
A lateral handling drill that involves 12 players working with one ball, in a 20 metre grid. Great for a pre-match warm up drill, you can expand this drill to include more players or a larger/smaller area to work in.
The drop kick is used to restart from the twenty-two or the halfway - it is also used to score three points from open play.
A great progression for the development from previous drills and includes a fun competitive element.
This is a standard drill for you to coach the lateral pass. Always ensure the key points are being reinforced - do not accept poor standards.
Wingers positional skills. A kick straight down the channel on the run
Developing our lateral passing skills. The coach can alter the width, depth and number of players
A positional skills for half backs - this drill requires the player to get their feet into position after general movement oocurs such as in running to the ball or ruck from open play.
A great drill for small groups, lots of passes and practice.
Pulling the pass backwards allows the creation of depth from a flat line to be achieved and pace to be put onto the ball. coaches can use poles / Tackle bags or people as static defenders
For all players to experience and learn the scrum half pass.
A good way to start developing lines of running and communication skills.
The ability to pass the ball off the floor is predominantly a scrum halfs domain, but all players should be competent in this skill - especially from rucks.
To develop core handling skills
A good drill for young players learning how to catch and pass to targets with the added difficulty of having to use a longer pass.
This is a great method of developing good habits when catching and passing a rugby ball.
The ability to run, catch and pass is fundamental to excellence in rugby. The faster you can do it, the higher the level you will play
A drill that is a good progressive drill for young and new players including looking where you are passing
Getting ball wide quickly is key to developing a wide game. This drill allows the team to develop such a game plan.
The development of positional skills is very important for all players. Here the scrum half has to master the specialist box kick, a method of applying pressure and hopefully creating turnover opportunities.
A really effective drill for developing ball holding passing skills, with plenty of opportunities for practice and learning. These closed skills are effective only when put into a gamesense context. Can the good technique become a good skill?
Practice the different styles of drop kick.
Wingers positional skills.
Wingers positional skills.
To develop your players kicking technique. This drill allows continual repetitive practice which is essential to skill development. This can be progressed to greater distances to increase difficulty. Can also be integrated into pre-match warm-ups for the relevant positions.
The grubber kick is a closed skill that requires regular practice in drill form and games to be used competently.