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how can you improve your hand off

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Simon JonesCoach, England

Brian

The key with the hand off is to ensure that it is legal first of all! No stiff arm blow to the face will be tolerated by a referee. You may end up giving away 3 points!

I would advise you to practise in training going around a tackler. As they come into your space you will need to lean into them with an open palm and a straight arm. Plant your open palm against their chest, if they are upright, or shoulder, if they are coming in low which should be possible as they will have their arms wide to make the tackle. By pushing them away, with your open palm and straight arm, you use their attacking energy to propel yourself on and so leave them behind.

The danger is, a wiley attacker will grasp your hand off arm and use it as a fulcrum to pull you down. So a swift push back and disengage is essential.

I hope this helps you.

Simon

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