HOME Rugby Drills Passing

Rugby: Simple Passing Grid

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Eifion, Rugby Coach

DESCRIPTION

Brief your players one what you would like them to do.
Start the activity by having all players pass the ball around the grid in any direction, they should moving around the grid as they do so. The only restriction is that they must pass in order 1 - 2, 2 - 3, 3 - 4, 4 - 5, 5 - 1 and so.
Progress this exercise by having player 1 become a defender. The other players move the ball to avoid being touched by the defender. So in this example the ball would move in the following sequence: 2, 3, 4, 5, 2, 3, 4, 5.
After some time, change the defender. Player 2 should now be the defender, the passing sequence changes to: 1, 3, 4, 5, 1, 3, 4, 5 etc.
Progress this exercise further by choosing random defenders, attackers will quickly need to work out the passing sequence.
If attackers get the passing sequence wrong, they do 1, 2, 3 etc. press ups - the defender does not.

COACHING POINTS

You don't have to focus on all of the following coaching points, you may have some of your own. Choose the coaching points that best support your session and training goals.

Players move into and attack space.
Good communication is essential. Attackers support the ball carrier by calling out their number, indicating that they are the next receiver.
Communication should be effective, efficient, and encouraging. The timing of communication is also important e.g. 'I am 2, I am 2, short left, short left'.
Ball receivers have their hands out ready to receive the pass.
Passers make the pass to where the receiver will be, not where they are. THe exception to this is when the defender is no close enough to be a problem.
Passes are weighted correctly in terms of speed, distance, and accuracy.
Players don't use spin passes over short distance.
Passers are sympathetic to the receiver and only consider the pass a 'good pass' when the ball is caught.
Defenders track the ball seeking to close done attackers quickly.
Attackers use changes in foot speed, spins, sides steps etc. to avoid contact.
Attackers keep the tempo of this exercise high and seek to move the ball quickly.

PROGRESSION

Tag Variation: All players have tags, and the defender tries to tag the players with the ball. Change over after every 30 - 60 seconds.

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OFTEN USED WITH...

Catch me if you can:

Up to 10 in a group. Each player should have a tag belt.

Each player partners up with someone and then stand side by side.

On the coach's call the players run to that sideline. If the coach calls 1 for example they have to run to the sideline before the 2s can catch them and take their belt.

Tag Rugby

Hula Slalom Relay:

On the coach's call players run through the slalom.

As they pass each cone they have to pass the ball around their waists.

Handling

Single File Running:

Groups of 5

1 Ball per group.

Ball at the front of the group.

The first player runs out to the 5 meter line then stops, turns slightly and gives a little pop pass to player 2 and holds the ball for player 2, who then runs on for 5 meters and stops, turns slightly and gives a little pop pass.

When player 5 gets the ball a try is scored and the group will have travelled 25 meters in total in a straight line.

When the group has finished they will be standing in a straight line in a chain 5 meters apart.

Tag Rugby

Rugby Rounders:

Split group into 2 - Batters and fielders.

Setup as shown above.

Each batsman will either pass or throw the ball into the fielding area and run around the bases immediately to score. Nobody can be caught out.

To get a batter out, fielders must get the ball to a player standing in the bowling area whilst the batter is running between the bases. If a batter reaches the safety of a base, before the ball reaches the bowling area, that player cannot run again until the ball is passed by the next batter.

Tag Rugby

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