4 players line up next to each other about 5 meters apart. A defender with a shield is standing 10 meters from the 1st man (ball carrier).
The ball carrier runs in a straight line towards the bag, and passes just before the bag touches him. The receiving player needs to keep his depth, as the player with the pad will move across to his line of running, and he will need time and space to pass the ball on to the next receiver.
The defender must not press up, only move across, in a straight line.
Notes:
Position yourself facing the attackers in behind the defender working to give prerssure. Look at the hands and running line, make sure the player does not fall away when passing, and check that the receiver is deep enough to have time and space to perform his pass effectively.
Progression:
You can progress this drill by adding a rogue defender from the opposite side to rush any given player, this will force the attackers to make sure they use their vision to judge how deep they must be, to still have time and space, to negotiate the rushing defender!
in more ways than one
sportplan_netball
in more ways than one
sportplan_rugby
Tacklers are aiming lower, so carriers who dip late put heads at risk. Teach footwork, a strong early body height and leg drive to win the collision safely.
The hooker's brake foot moved from trial into full law in July 2026. Here is how to coach it so your front row stays stable, legal and safe.
Your players can pass beautifully in a warm-up grid. Then a defender closes, their lungs are burning, and the ball goes to ground. Here is how to build catch-pass skills that hold up when it matters.
