passing Rugby Drills, Videos and Coaching Plans -

Passing Technique Progression

category: Handling

Rugby Passing Technique Progression Handling 1. Square on: one hand Stand square on, in your partners pass the ball back and forth no more than 5m aw...

2 V 1

category: Passing

Rugby 2 v 1 Passing This is a simple 2 v 1. The two players have to get past the one defender without being touched, that's it. The defender will sta...

Passing Reps

category: Sevens

Rugby Passing Reps Sevens The sequence of passing on this exercise is as following...... P2 passes to P1, who passes to P4. As the same time P3 passe...

Break

category: Passing

Rugby Break Passing Keep your player briefing short. Tell your players the following.... Pass the ball left, clockwise for 2 passes. Then right (anti...

2 Hand Passing Hip Drive

category: Passing

Rugby 2 Hand Passing Hip Drive Passing The aim of the drill is to develop players wrist strength. Start with the ball sitting on the outside of the h...

3 V 1 Grid

category: Passing

Rugby 3 v 1 Grid Passing 6x6m Grid Ball Players line up in 3s opposite sides of the grid. Simply pass the ball along the line. 1 defender is in the m...

Serious Fun

category: Passing

Rugby Serious Fun Passing Tell your players the following, keeping your player briefing, brief! It's vital to get the players moving as quickly as po...

Quick Hands

category: Passing

Rugby Quick Hands Passing Tell your players the following..... The first player runs out with the ball to the first set of cones and passes the ball ...

L-Shaped Passing

category: Passing

Rugby L-Shaped Passing Passing Lets get the ball and the players moving with lateral passing through the hands. Each training area only needs one bal...

Developing The Spin

category: Passing

Rugby Developing The Spin Passing Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other, spinning the ball. They should make 10 passes on one h...

2 Hand Passing Stomach

category: Passing

The aim of the drill is to develop players wrist strength.

2 V 1 Drawing The Defender

category: Decision-making

One attacking team and one defending team.
Exercise focused on decision making when in a 2 v 1 situation.
Each team lines up e...

2 Vs 1

category: Decision-making

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play.

The player in the mid...

2 Vs 1 Gauntlet

category: Decision-making

Set up two 1m wide gates of cones (green and red) either side of a feeder, with a line of attackers opposite (5m away). Have a number of defenders ...

2 Vs 1

category: School

continuous attack wire is handling under pressure and incorporates a large number of players.
Emphasis on the execution of the skill...

2 X Hit Then Pass

category: Contact-Skills

Set up the practice as shown inside a 30m x 30m Grid.

6 Shields and 1 Ball.

Player 1 carries the ball before passing the ball to play...

2 X Hit Then Pass

category: Off-Loads

Set up the practice as shown inside a 30m x 30m Grid.

6 Shields and 1 Ball.

Player 1 carries the ball before passing the ball to play...

2V1 Around The Coach

category: Decision-making

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play.

The player in the midd...

2V1 Around The Coach

category: Handling

Coach starts with the ball and can throw the ball to either one of the outside players of the 3 players ready to play.

The player in the midd...

2V1 Relay

category: Decision-making

One set of cones set wide, another set narrow opposite.
Ball

Players line up opposite each o...

2V1 Relay

category: Handling

One set of cones set wide, another set narrow opposite.
Ball

Players line up opposite each o...

3 'V' 2

category: Passing

This is a simple 3 v 2.
The three attackers have to get past the two defenders without being touched, that's it.
The defend...

3 Man Pass

category: Practices-for-Juniors

4 cones in a square area.

7 players.

2 players on cone A & B with 1 player (the worker) in between the cones, and 1 player each o...

3 Touch Kick

category: Warm-Up

Split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of coloured bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your players the followin...

3 V 1 Grid

category: Catching

6x6m Grid
Ball

Players line up in 3s opposite sides of the grid.
Simply pass the ball along...

3 V 1 Grid

category: Handling

6x6m Grid
Ball

Players line up in 3s opposite sides of the grid.
Simply pass the ball along...

3 V 2 Fixing Defenders

category: Passing

This is a backs moves passing exercise, aimed at drawing and fixing up a defender, to give a supporting teammate more space and take the defen...

3 V 2 Into 2 V 1

category: Passing

Drill to practice overlap situations.

Set up a grid roughly 10m x 10m, with another grid roughly 5m x 5m adjacent to it (see diagram - red co...

3 V 2 Reverse Drill

category: Passing

Drill to practice 3 v 2 attacking scenarios.

Set up a channel 20m long and 15m wide with cones every 10m along the length (red, yellow, green...

3 Vs 2 - Support Running

category: Decision-making

3 vs 2 in a grid.

Defenders must stay in position to start.

Once skills progress defenders can move to try and stop attackers either ...

3 Vs 2 - Support Running

category: Match-Related

3 vs 2 in a grid.

Defenders must stay in position to start.

Once skills progress defenders can move to try and stop attackers either ...

4V3 Passing Channel

category: Passing

This is a 4 v 3 overload drill in favour of the attackers
The area is set out, with four attackers spread out across the back line, th...

5 V 5 Tag Rugby

category: Practices-for-Juniors

2 teams. 5 players on each team in a large coned area. Area size depends on age, ability, and number of players in each team.

Team with the ...

5 Vs 5

category: Tag-Rugby

Pitch 20m x 20m. All players wearing tag belts

Start the game with a free pass, defenders must be 7m back at the start

Attacking play...

7'S Fitness Handling

category: Sevens

Tell them the following......

The ball carrier will run forward with the ball, their partner will go with them in support.
Th...

A Cheeky Little Number

category: Passing

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

Let's just get the ball moving down the line. Give the playe...

A Cheeky Little Number

category: Sevens

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

Let's just get the ball moving down the line. Give the playe...

Another Defender Bites The Dust

category: Warm-Up

Normal laws of rugby apply; a knock on etc. results in a turn over.
The attacking team gets unlimited touches.
A player is ...

Avoid The Tackler In A Line

category: Practices-for-Juniors

5 players and 1 ball.

4 players in a staggered line in a coned area with 1 player in the middle as the tackler.

Ball Presentation And Handling

category: Ball-Presentation

This drill is designed to get your players in good habits when presenting the bal...

Ball Presentation And Handling

category: Handling

This drill is designed to get your players in good habits when presenting the bal...

Ball Presentation And Handling

category: Warm-Up

This drill is designed to get your players in good habits when presenting the bal...

Ball Presentation Drill

category: Ball-Presentation

The ball carrier and one support player runs towards the other group and, at the middle the ball carrier goes to ground and presents the ball. The...

Battle Ships

category: Kicking

Fun game to practice passing/kicking accuracy.

Set up a grid with lots of different objects (tackle bags, hit shields, tyres, cones etc) insi...

Beat The Runner

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners ...

Beat The Runner

category: Sevens

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners ...

Beat The Runner

category: Warm-Up

Divide your players into groups of five, with one player acting as a running. Each grid will need a runner. The runner starts on the runners ...

Beating The Ball And Rucking

category: School

Decision-making in contact.
The aim is to get the ball carrier beyond the tackler and the support of players making decisions...

Behind The Posts

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.......

One team of 7 will be in attack, the attack should start behind the 22 meter line and they will...

Box Back

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

Pass the ball around, clockwise.
After each circuit of the ball, take one half step back...

Building Speed Onto The Ball

category: Passing

The speed of the pass should be reasonable and provide the interceptors with a chance of success.
Tell the players the following.......

Building Speed Onto The Ball

category: Sevens

The speed of the pass should be reasonable and provide the interceptors with a chance of success.
Tell the players the following.......

Building The Loop

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....

One group of 4 players will be in defence.
The other two groups of 4 will be in attack, ...

Building The Pass Out Of The Tackle

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

One player will be a ball carrier.
The player directly opposite will make a half tackle...

Building The Switch Pass

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing short and tell your players the following....

3 attackers line up on the first three cones, the rest fall in...

Catch And Pass Channel

category: Catching

8+ players
Ball

Players stand at equal distance away at differnt points along the grid.
One working p...

Catch And Pass Channel

category: Handling

8+ players
Ball

Players stand at equal distance away at differnt points along the grid.
One working p...

Catch And Pass Channel

category: Passing

8+ players
Ball

Players stand at equal distance away at differnt points along the grid.
One working p...

Catch Confidence

category: Passing

Passing in partners.

One player brings their hands up to in front of their face. The other player passes hard to their hands. This is to catc...

Chasing The Pass

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing short, and get the ball moving around the circle as quickly as possible.

First have the players move the bal...

Clapping Game

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.

Lets just get the ball moving clockwise for a while, just to get the ball moving through the hands.

Clockwork Passing

category: Catching

4 + groups
Balls

All players have a ball, start by passing the ball once left then twice right, then 3 times l...

Clockwork Passing

category: Handling

4 + groups
Balls

All players have a ball, start by passing the ball once left then twice right, then 3 times l...

Clockwork Passing

category: Warm-Up

4 + groups
Balls

All players have a ball, start by passing the ball once left then twice right, then 3 times l...

Coach Says!

category: Warm-Up

Coach gives orders and the players do it.
Example include: coach says do a press-up, coach says touch the groud with your right hand...

Continuous 2 Vs 1

category: Decision-making

Set up a grid roughly 5m x 5m with two lines of attackers on one side (blue), and two defenders on the other (red). The aim of the drill is for att...

Continuous 2 Vs 1

category: zWarm-Up

Set up a grid roughly 5m x 5m with two lines of attackers on one side (blue), and two defenders on the other (red). The aim of the drill is for att...

Continuous 3 Vs 2

category: Decision-making

Set up a grid roughly 7m x 5m with three lines of attackers on one side (blue), and two defenders on the other (red). The aim of the drill is for a...

Continuous Passing And Pendulum

category: Passing

3 players work together, the middle player working the hardest out of the 3.

The 3 players stand in a line, the middle player doing a side ...

Continuous Passing Drill

category: Handling

Groups 9+
Ball
Cones

This could be perfect fro a warm up drill.

Player with the ball runs to fir...

Continuous Passing Off The Floor 1

category: Passing

Set up a square with cones, making one side of the square with two gates of cones.

Get the players to line up evenly behind the two ind...

Continuous Passing Off The Floor 2

category: Passing

Set up a rectangle of cones (10x5) with two gates of cones of a different colour 2m in front of cones on opposite sides of the rectangle (See diagr...

Continuous Passing Onto Cones

category: Passing

Players line up at least 2 or 3 behind a cone.

The ball starts at one end with the player running up to the cone in front of him and...

Continuous Passing Onto Cones

category: Warm-Up

Players line up at least 2 or 3 behind a cone.

The ball starts at one end with the player running up to the cone in front of him and...

Continuous Passing Square 1

category: Passing

Set up 4 cones in a square, and get the players to form equal lines behind each cone.

The ball starts with a player on one cone who runs towa...

Continuous Passing Square 2

category: Passing

Set up a square of cones, and get the players to form equal lines behind each cone.

The ball starts in the hands of a player behind cone 1, w...

Counter Attack

category: Sevens

Tell your players to do the following.......

The two passing players keep passing the ball until the coach shouts GO.
On GO, ...

Crossover Relay

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing short. You may consider having a demonstration group.

Give two players opposite each other, one ball each.

Decision Making Exercise

category: Decision-making

The players stood behind the line work the ball up through the channel in groups of 5. As they progress up the area they work the ball left and rig...

Defender - Round And Realign

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier.
Each group wi...

Defense Vs Attack Drill

category: School

The aim is to the defensive situation to keep changing the defence gets used to drifting or pressing.
The aim of the attack i...

Denfence Down

category: Warm-Up

Be brief when telling the players the laws of this game, it's important to get them moving quickly.
This is not a contact game.

Depth, Fitness, Warming Up

category: Warm-Up

This exercise is all about getting deep lines of support, speed onto the ball, warming up the entire body, and getting fit for rugby - in this one ...

Diamond Geezer

category: Agility-Running-Skills

In fours players are moving up a channel. The support runner (blue player in the animation) calls themselves into the line, receives a pass, offloa...

Diamond Geezer

category: Warm-Up

In fours players are moving up a channel. The support runner (blue player in the animation) calls themselves into the line, receives a pass, offloa...

Dizzy

category: Passing

There will be one ball carrier at any one time.
They will run around the circle, passing the ball.
The ball must be handled...

Dont Get Tagged

category: Tackling

Teams of 3 against 1 Defender.

The team of 3 start running and have to try and get to the other side. If the defender tags them they have t...

Drift Defence

category: Defensive-Patterns

4 Tackle Bags.

10 Cones and 1 Ball.

10m x 30m.

The first player in the line begins with the ball. As he approaches the ...

Dummy Switch Behind (Dsb)

category: Backs-Moves

10 advances with the ball, running slightly inwards.
10 changes the angle of their run, towards the first post.
12 runs acr...

Escape To Victory

category: Warm-Up

Within each group of 10, there should be 4 attackers and 6 defenders.
The defenders should be in the outer grid and the attackers wi...

Fan Out And Pass

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! You may decide to have a demonstration grid.

On your call, all players fan out to receive a pass.

Fast And Pressured

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

There will be one runner.
1 player, static, on each cone. 4 players on the cones in tot...

Fast And Pressured

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following......

There will be one runner.
1 player, static, on each cone. 4 players on the cones in tot...

Fast Feet Drill

category: Agility-Running-Skills

The ball carrier from each team runs out to the cone and runs backwards on the return before passing to the next player

First team to get all...

Fast Hands

category: Passing

Drill to practice fast, accurate passing.

Set up a T shape with 3 cones roughly 5m away from the central cone (see diagram)

One player ...

Fixing Defender Progression

category: Decision-making

Groups 10+
Balls
Cones
Sausages.

1. Chanel Fix

Groups of 5....

Fixing Defender Progression

category: Handling

Groups 10+
Balls
Cones
Sausages.

1. Chanel Fix

Groups of 5....

Fixing Defender Progression

category: Passing

Groups 10+
Balls
Cones
Sausages.

1. Chanel Fix

Groups of 5....

Fixing Defenders - Handling Challenge

category: Handling

Groups 16+
Cones

Attackers and defender line up at the start of the grid.

The grid is 3 chanels al...

Flick And Back Pass Insanity

category: Passing

Now split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of colored bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your playe...

Front On Pendulum Passing

category: Passing

2 players face one another and stand about 5m apart. The ball is cupped in one hand (not gripped).

The player with the ball swings the ball ...

Fun Catching Reaction Game

category: Passing

This is a simple passing exercise that can be used as a warm up to improve players reaction time and catching skills
6 players and 1 c...

Grid Island

category: Practices-for-Juniors

Fun game to practice passes/kicks not being intercepted.

Divide players into two equal teams and set up two grids (one small and one big - se...

Grip Game For Offloads

category: Off-Loads

This is a fun warm up game for the whole team to be involved in
Players are separated into two teams, one team wearing bibs
Ev...

Grip Games

category: Handling

Here are two games to improve your players grip on the ball:

1. Simple grip battle (0.00-0.14)

Handling - The Well Weighted Pass

category: Handling

Players line up on the left hand side of each gate and they start in a line, 5m down from the first gate.

The player on the left start...

Handling Skills Warm Up

category: Passing

Groups of four, players stand in a T shape with about two yards between each player.
The player in the middle is the focal point and e...

Handling Skills Warm Up

category: Warm-Up

Groups of four, players stand in a T shape with about two yards between each player.
The player in the middle is the focal point and e...

Hands Up / Hands Down

category: Passing

Lets just get the ball moving clockwise for a while, just to get the ball moving through the hands.
After a minute or two, lets swit...

Heads Up Passing

category: Passing

Tell the players the following:

Lets just get the ball moving down the line. Give the player at the start of one of the lines a b...

Hit And Spin

category: Ball-Presentation

Two players with shields stand facing the runners on opposite sides of a grid. On the command, the players run into the shield and spins to their ...

Hit The Gap Drill

category: Decision-making

A drill to practice decision making and finding space between defenders.

Set up a line of three defenders with tackle shields (roughly 2m apa...

Jog - Lock And Load

category: Passing

Tell your players the following:

Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other, spinning the ball.
They will co...

Kamikaze Passing

category: Passing

Passing drill under pressure.

Set up a grid roughly 20m x 15m, with lines of 4 players facing each other across the grid. Each line of 4 need...

Keep Passing

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

3 players start on the right cones.
The remaining 3 players will be running, they start ...

Keep The Ball Game

category: Passing

Tell your players the following:

One group of two players will be defenders, you might want to give them bibs.
The attackers ...

Keep The Ball Game

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following:

One group of two players will be defenders, you might want to give them bibs.
The attackers ...

Kick Support And Pass

category: Handling

1 player in a group of players kicks the ball into the air for the single player to catch the ball all player have to run and support the catcher a...

Kick Support And Pass

category: Kicking

1 player in a group of players kicks the ball into the air for the single player to catch the ball all player have to run and support the catcher a...

Kicking Square

category: Kicking

Drill to practice short kicks to an attacking player.

Set up a square roughly 10m x 10m, with an even number of players behind each cone (see...

L For Long!

category: Sevens

What you should have is your players lined up to work within a small L. Give the ball to the last player in the first line of players at the ...

L With Defenders

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible.
Lets get the ball and the player...

L-Shaped Passing

category: Sevens

Lets get the ball and the players moving with lateral passing through the hands. Each training area only needs one ball, and that ball should start...

Ladder Pass

category: Warm-Up

Have four players stand at the four cones, the other players, in their own running groups of four should, be behind them - ready to go when t...

Ladders With Ball Handling

category: Agility-Running-Skills

• The aim of the drill is to develop SAQ and handling the same time.

Lateral - Switch

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....

Players in pairs with a ball between them.
The player on the left starts with the ball a...

Lateral - Switch

category: Passing

Using cones, mark out a training area 15 meters x 10 meters.
Split your players into groups of 2.
Allocate 4 groups of 2 to...

Lateral Passing

category: Passing

Drill to practice passing laterally.

Set up a diamond roughly 10m wide and 5m long (see diagram).

Two players position themselves at ei...

Left Out

category: Warm-Up

The players behind start running around the circle in a clockwise direction.
When the coach shouts ATTACK, each player must get back...

Listen To The Call - 2 Vs 1

category: Decision-making

4 Cones and 1 Ball inside a 10m x 10m Grid.

Number the players.

The coach shouts out a number and that player is the defender, who ha...

Long Passing Accuracy

category: Passing

Players line up single fine in two lines.
Tw...

Choose A Folder...

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible.
Lets get the ball and the playe...

M1 (13 Missed)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (13 Missed, 14 Over)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (13 Missed, 14 Pop Inside To 15)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (13 Missed, 14 Pop Outside To 15)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

M1 (13 Missed, 14 Under)

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward with the ball, drawing the defence to press.
10 passing ...

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible.

Lets get the ball and the players...

Max 1

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions.
10 moves forward carrying the ball.
12 moves forward, cuts in.

Mini Maul Game Related

category: Maul

Groups of five

Three attackers try and score against one defender

If touched, must maul

Mini Ruck

category: Ruck

Groups of five

Three attackers try and score against one defender

If touched must ruck

Miss 2 And Overlap

category: Backs-Moves

Working on basic hands this play sees your line passing the ball, missing out 11 and passing to 15 as they join to support the line.

So pass...

Miss 2 And Overlap

category: yBacks-Moves

Working on basic hands this play sees your line passing the ball, missing out 11 and passing to 15 as they join to support the line.

So pass...

Miss Me Baby, One More Time!

category: Passing

We will begin with laterial passing down the line, just to get going.
On your call we will start to miss the player in the middle, a...

Miss Pass (M1)

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible.

Lets get the ball and the players...

More Loop

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

The ball carrier (A) runs straight in a line and makes a normal lateral pass to the supporting p...

Movement Warm Up

category: Passing

Passing warm up game
Two teams
No moving with the ball (similar to netball)
Aim is to complete 10 passes
If a ...

Movement Warm Up

category: Warm-Up

Passing warm up game
Two teams
No moving with the ball (similar to netball)
Aim is to complete 10 passes
If a ...

Munster

category: Backs-Moves

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions.
10 advances with the ball.
12, 13, 14 advancing, closing the space be...

Narrow Channel Passing

category: Passing

Drill to practice attacking in a small channel.

Set up a channel roughly 20m wide and 5m long. Position three defenders on the try-line and f...

Set up an area of about 15 x 15m. Have 2 teams of 5+ players, with 1 one ball.

The players can run anywhere in the area but can't run with th...

Netball With A Rugby Ball

category: Warm-Up

Set up an area of about 15 x 15m. Have 2 teams of 5+ players, with 1 one ball.

The players can run anywhere in the area but can't run with th...

Number Cruncher

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! If necessary you might considering having one group quickly demonstrate the exercise to the other players.<...

Off-Loading Pass

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

There will be two static players, passers, on the mid sections cones. One on each side. One of w...

Offloading Touch Game.

category: School

Develops lines of support, vision, footwork and offloading.
If a player is touched, he must go to the floor and off load.&nbs...

One Handed Offloads

category: Handling

Players work in groups of three, each starting with a ball.
They move the ball around the circle making one handed offloads to eachoth...

One Handed Offloads

category: Off-Loads

Players work in groups of three, each starting with a ball.
They move the ball around the circle making one handed offloads to eachoth...

Open Channel

category: Passing

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

Lets just get the ball moving down the line. Gi...

Out The Back Passing

category: Decision-making

Groups of 6+
Ball

3 Attackers line up opposite 2 defenders.

The ball carrier takes the ball hard up to t...

Pass And Control

category: Passing

Keep you player briefing, brief. Get the players moving and training as soon as possible.
If you feel it would help, have one group ...

Pass And Follow

category: Warm-Up

They pass the ball around either clock wise or anti clock wise, you can decide to change the direction youself at any point during the exerci...

Pass And Run

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Tell the players the following....

Player 1 starts with the ball.
Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 and then quickly moves...

Pass And Run

category: Passing

Tell the players the following....

Player 1 starts with the ball.
Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 and then quickly moves...

Pass And Support

category: Passing

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

Lets just get the ball moving down the line. Give the player...

Pass And Support

category: Sevens

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

Lets just get the ball moving down the line. Give the player...

Pass As Many Ways As Possible

category: Handling

One ball between two.

Pupils must move around a marked grid - passing the ball in as many different ways as possible :.

Overhead.

Pass Invaders

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....
In groups of 2 they will attack, passing the ball before they reach each unique cone, so when t...

Pass To Coach

category: Practices-for-Juniors

6 players in a semi circle facing the coach.

Coach passes the ball to each player in turn to catch the ball, and make a return pass.

...

Pass To Hip Right And Left Side

category: Passing

Good for warm ups and co-ordination, getting used to keeping your body straight on and handling the ball and practicing using your arms to pass the...

Pass Within A Channel

category: Passing

Tell the players the following.....

This is simple, just attack from the bottom and top of the grid at pace.
There can be two...

Passing & Evasion

category: Sevens

Tell your players the following.....

Trackers will pass the ball and tag the evades.
Evade simply avoid getting tagged with t...

Passing 1 Step

category: Passing

The aim of the drill is to develop players speed of pass.

Passing Accuracy

category: Passing

Passing in partners.

Players stand opposite each other about 3-4m away. One player will take 1-2 steps forward, then pass back and sideways t...

Passing Along The Line

category: Passing

Simple hand drill that can be progressed onto many simple backline movements.

1 ball, 4 players, area of 20-30m by 20m

1st player st...

Passing Ballrush

category: Tag-Rugby

This game is designed to introduce passing at moving targets on the run.

Set up a field approximately 15m long x 10m wide. (relative t...

Passing Behind

category: Passing

In partners get your players to move round each other, passing with 1 hand round the "back of their hand".

Passing Box

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.......

There should be one group of 4 players between each cone on the four sides of the grid.

Passing By Numbers

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! If necessary you might considering having one group quickly demonstrate the exercise to the other players.<...

Passing Central

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief - and get the players moving as quickly as you can. You may consider having a demo group.
On your g...

Passing Circle

category: Ball-Presentation

Place 2 players in the centre. Both players pass to those running the circle.

Notice that the gap between the passer and the catcher has na...

Passing Circle

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....

There will be 4 players on the outside of the circle, starting at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'...

Passing Compass

category: Warm-Up

Have a quick demo using one group - keep your player briefing, brief.
Each pair face one another and stand side by side, about 1 met...

Passing Grid

category: Backs-Moves

Set up a grid of about 10 x 10
Aim to have 12 attackers and 2 defenders
3 attackers spread out on each side of the square. One...

Passing Grid

category: Handling

Set up a grid of about 10 x 10
Aim to have 12 attackers and 2 defenders
3 attackers spread out on each side of the square. One...

Passing Grid

category: Passing

Set up a grid of about 10 x 10
Aim to have 12 attackers and 2 defenders
3 attackers spread out on each side of the square. One...

Passing Grid Progressions

category: Backs-Moves

Start out with a grid of 10 x 10
Passing progressions are based upon the ability of players to fix defenders - ensure the exerci...

Passing Grid Progressions

category: Passing

Start out with a grid of 10 x 10
Passing progressions are based upon the ability of players to fix defenders - ensure the exerci...

Passing Grid-Under Pressure

category: Handling

Groups of 12+
Balls
Cones

4 defenders lineup in a passing grid, that has laid out 2 red cones and 2 bl...

Passing In Contact

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell you players the following......

Players will attack in groups of 2, so we...

Passing In Traffic

category: Passing

Tell the players the following......

Runners move forward towards the cone opposite to their location.

Passing Left And Right From Feed

category: Passing

This is to practice handling and passing the ball to a direct target. It is good for awareness and communication between the three support players....

Passing Left To Right

category: Passing

Strong grip, thumbs are out, hold the ball high with fingers pointing to the sky.

Keeping your hips square pass the ball across your body, f...

Passing Lines Of 5

category: Passing

Set up an area of about 15 x 15m. Have 2 teams of 5+ players, with 1 one ball.

The players can run anywhere in the area but can't run with th...

Passing Lines

category: zPassing

UPDATE

Passing Race

category: Handling

Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other.
The pass should come from on, or behind the hip.
They should m...

Passing Race

category: Passing

Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other.
The pass should come from on, or behind the hip.
They should m...

Passing Right To Left

category: Passing

Strong grip, thumbs are out, hold the ball high with fingers pointing to the sky.

Keeping your hips square pass the ball across your body, ...

Passing Technique

category: Handling

Groups of 4
Balls
Tackle bags/sausages
Cones.

3 players line up opposite 3 bags la...

Passing To Support

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

One the call of the scrum half, the 3 attackers turn, round the cone and attack.

Passing Under Pressure

category: Passing

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).

Th...

Passing Under Pressure

category: Passing

Set out a square grid, at one end of the grid, separate four cones evenly - red, blue, blue, red.
One defender stands on each of these...

Passing Underhand Sideways

category: Passing

"Out the back door" passing with a spin element

Pairs work on one handed passing underneath the arm. Players stand opposite each ot...

Passing Width And Pace

category: Passing

The aim of the drill is to develop wide passing.

Pendulum Passing Race

category: Passing

For this drill to work properly you'll need at 5 players in a team, standing in a row, with 2 teams facing off with each other.

The ball wil...

Ping Pong

category: Warm-Up

Make sure that your players are holding their tackle shields correctly!

Have your players work in groups of 10, adjust depending on yo...

Pole Position

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following.....

Each player has four tackle bags and six balls, the winner is the player that knocks down the most...

Pop And Pass

category: Passing

Tell the players the following....

The player on the cone passes the ball forward to the player just in front of th...

Pop, Roll, Down, Up And Gut

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

The ball carrier will run/carry the ball directly across the grid, offloading it to...

Positioning, Passing And Supporting During Turnovers

category: Agility-Running-Skills

5 players in a group line up within touching distance of one another, and stand facing the coach who has a ball in his hand.

The coach then ...

Positioning, Passing And Supporting During Turnovers

category: Passing

5 players in a group line up within touching distance of one another, and stand facing the coach who has a ball in his hand.

The coach then ...

Pressure Ball

category: Warm-Up

Make sure your warm-up area is marked out before the players arrive.

Depending on the number of players you have at training, mark out...

Pressure Cooker

category: Passing

4 players stand on the middle cones in the grid, avoiding the corner cones. The 2 players at the top and the bottom of the grid will have a b...

Pro 2

category: Backs-Moves

10 moves forward carrying the ball.
12 moves forward and in.
11 loops around the back of 12.
10 passes to 12.

Pull Back Passing

category: Passing

Passing in groups of 4.

Have two lines set up parallel about 3-5m apart: in this case Yellow and Orange.

Have players stand on yellow (...

Quick Hands - Warm Up

category: Sevens

Within a group there are two groups of 4 attackers and one chaser/scrum half.
At the middle point, marked by a cones, the scrum half...

Quick Hands - Warm Up

category: Warm-Up

Within a group there are two groups of 4 attackers and one chaser/scrum half.
At the middle point, marked by a cones, the scrum half...

Quick Passing To Space

category: Passing

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

One of the attacking lines takes the ball.
They sim...

Quick Passing To Space

category: Sevens

Give each training area one ball and tell the players the following......

One of the attacking lines takes the ball.
They sim...

Quick Positioning, Passing And Support

category: Agility-Running-Skills

4 players start together on their stomachs next to each other.

As the coach calls a colour cone, they move into position quickly.

Quick Positioning, Passing And Support

category: Passing

4 players start together on their stomachs next to each other.

As the coach calls a colour cone, they move into position quickly.

Rangi (Version 3)

category: Backs-Moves

Use the diagram to highlight suggested starting positions.
10 advances with the ball, then cuts in.
12 advances, and cuts w...

Realignment And Passing

category: Match-Related

Out in 4s - simple hands - When players reach the end they should turn left.

Group realigns around the cone and then use simple hands to fin...

Red Arrows

category: Tag-Rugby

Players work in groups of 5, with 1 ball per group - starting in a single file.

The first player runs out 5m then stops, turns slightly and ...

Relay Passing Race

category: Warm-Up

With each new instruction to players you'll be having a race, lets see which group is the fastest - no cheating!
Don't spend too muc...

Releasing The Overlap

category: Decision-making

The scrum half starts with the ball. They pass to the first red player who then passes to the second red player who then passes to red player thr...

Reload Rucking

category: Ruck

Set up two defenders holding hit shields opposite two even lines of players.

The ball starts with the first man in one of the lines, he runs ...

Reloading And Passing Practice

category: Passing

Have 8-10 players standing in a line with a scrum half at the end a few metres in front.

Scrum half passes the ball to a player. Passing down...

Right Angled Passing Drill

category: Passing

Drill to practice passing.

Set up a right angle (L-shape) with lines of 4 players on each side (see diagram)

The ball starts at one of ...

Right To Left With A Switch

category: Passing

Players in pairs with a ball between them.

The player on the right starts with the ball and passes the ball to the player to the left. The ...

Round And Realign

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

There will be one ball to each group, any player can be the ball carrier.
...

Round The Circle Passing

category: Passing

Each group forms a circle with players about 1m apart. First practise passing and catch around the circle. Next, the first player to pass runs ar...

Round The World

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Tell your players the following.....

The first player picks the ball up at the cone passes the ball to the next player, t...

Round The World

category: Passing

Tell your players the following.....

The first player picks the ball up at the cone passes the ball to the next player, t...

Rucking Grid, No Pass

category: School

Grid size is 10 m x 10 m.
3 pads
3 attackers.
No passing allowed.
Attackers tr...

Rugby 5 Pin Bowling

category: Sevens

Using cones and tackle bags, mark out your training area as shown in the diagram. The tackle bags should be stood up, and at a distance away from...

Rugby League - Touch Rugby Variation

category: Warm-Up

Split your players into two teams, giving one group of players a set of coloured bibs to set them apart, and quickly tell your players ...

Rugby Netball

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Drill to practice skills and creating space.

Set up a pitch (roughly 25m x 20m depending on age and number of players) with two scoring zones...

Rugby Netball

category: Warm-Up

Break your players into two teams.

One team goes to attack, and one to defence.
There is no kicking in this game.
No...

Rugby Tennis

category: Passing

Tell you players the following......

There will be two players on one side of the middle line of cones, and another group...

Running Into Space From Support - Stretch Defence

category: Match-Related

2 groups of 2 players start on set cones about 15m apart. The 2 players are situated one in behind the other, the same goes for the second set of 2...

Running Lines To Break The Gain-Line

category: Agility-Running-Skills

This drill coaches players the lines they should run when receiving the ball in order to maximise the chance of them breaking the gain line.

Running Lines To Break The Gain-Line

category: Match-Related

This drill coaches players the lines they should run when receiving the ball in order to maximise the chance of them breaking the gain line.

Running Lines With Defence

category: Passing

Running straight and changing your running line will make players better attackers and underpins an effective 2 v 1
Start with a 5 v 3...

Running Warm Up

category: Warm-Up

Tell players the following....

Each Player will work individually, unless told otherwise.
Players can run in any direction: m...

Scattered Defence - 6 Vs 4

category: Decision-making

Groups of ten work with one ball per group

Defenders scattered around the grid, static and can only operate sideways

If touched, the ...

Scrum Half - Shotgun Alley

category: Passing

Explain to thescrum halfs that they are to attempt to pass the ball at the attackers and attempt to hit them below the shoulders.
It...

Scrum Half - Shotgun Alley

category: Sevens

Explain to thescrum halfs that they are to attempt to pass the ball at the attackers and attempt to hit them below the shoulders.
It...

Scrum Half Pole Position

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following.....

Each player has four poles and six balls, the winner is the player that hits the most poles - you ...

Seated Start - 6 Vs 4

category: Decision-making

Groups of ten with one ball per group

Defenders start bunched sat on the floor

Start attackers spread out (width)

On the word ...

Seven V Three

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following.......

The 7 attackers, will always be in attack.
The 3 defenders will always be in defence.

Sh Passing Circles

category: Sevens

One of your players will be the passer, and the other the catcher.
The passer goes to one of the circles that has ball and the catch...

Sh Passing Reps

category: Sevens

The sequence of passing on this exercise is as following......

P2 passes to P1, who passes to P4 using a pass from the ground.

Sh Passing Skills

category: Sevens

The passer passes the first ball, from the ground, to the catcher, who sets the ball down.
the passer then run around the first cone...

Short - Long

category: Sevens

The first group of 4 starts at the top of the grid, moving forward. The ball should be with the outside player, who makes a short pass in to ...

Short Passing

category: Passing

Give each training area one ball to start with and tell the players the following......

Lets just get the ball moving dow...

Simple Catch And Pass Drill

category: Passing

Easy drill to do with the players
Split players up into groups of three, one ball per group
Player 1 to Player 2
Playe...

Simple Drift Defence

category: Defensive-Patterns

3 attacks - 2 defenders

Scrum half passes to first receiver of group of 3

3 attack 2 passing ball down line

Simple Handling

category: Handling

3 vs 1 vs 1

Ball Carrier passes the ball into the post player and runs across the front of him and receives the ball back.

His 2 su...

Simple Passing Exercise

category: Passing

Tell your players the follow.....

The first two players at each coach will advance, attacking the cone to their left, in ...

Simple Passing Grid

category: Passing

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...

Simple Passing Warm Up

category: Passing

Passing and receiving exercise to warm the players up and get the handling skills ready for training.
Minimum 9 players.
Group...

Smooth Passing - Working In 4S

category: Passing

Four players start to run across the grid passing the ball.

On reaching the far side the wide player gives the ball to the player on the oth...

Soft Hands

category: Passing

The aim of the drill is to develop players awareness and passing.

Speed Pass

category: Agility-Running-Skills

8 in each group.

6 in the playing area and 2 outside it.

The six in the playing area play a 4 v 2 against each other trying to pass...

Speed Pass

category: Tag-Rugby

8 in each group.

6 in the playing area and 2 outside it.

The six in the playing area play a 4 v 2 against each other trying to pass...

Speed Passing, Scoring Wide And Realigning

category: School

Any number of players can be used. Make the distance between each pass shorter for lower ability groups.
Excellent develop a...

Spin Pass Practice

category: Passing

This is a simple yet very effective exercise designed for players to focus on spin passing accuracy.
Players start in three lines, abo...

Spin Passing

category: Passing

Give each training area one ball to start with and tell the players the following......

Lets just get the ball moving dow...

Split With Trailer

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

Player A passes to D and cuts - not getting ball back , but holding up - B cuts and...

Standing And Passing - Variation

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........
1. Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters...

Standing And Passing

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........

Players should be 5m apart.
...

Star Wars

category: Passing

The rest of the players are told to stand at one end of the field (they are the Space Pirates). The space police want to try and blow up the ...

Staying Alive

category: Passing

Tell your players the following...

The first player runs into the grid, the ball carrier.
They attack the inner square.

Step Back

category: Sevens

Players start at the cones, pass the ball one circuit clockwise and one circuit anticlockwise.
Following the two circuits, they take...

Straight Running And Passing

category: Agility-Running-Skills

3 players line up in a straight line, approximately 10m apart, each standing opposite an agility pole.

The ball is passed by a scrumha...

Stuck In The Mud - Rugby Style

category: Warm-Up

The 'Hunters' run after the 'Runners', trying to touch them with the rugby ball. If a 'Runner' is touched, then they are 'Stuck in the mud!' and ca...

Support Gauntlet

category: Decision-making

Drill to practice decision making.

Set up a grid 10m wide and 35m long with cones at the start (yellow), 5m (orange), 15m (blue), 30m (red) a...

Support play down channel

5 players start in a 5x5m grid, and pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with speed d...

Support Play Down Channel

category: Agility-Running-Skills

5 players start in a 5x5m grid and can pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with spe...

Support play down channel

5 players start in a 5x5m grid, and pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with speed d...

Support Play Down Channel

category: Passing

5 players start in a 5x5m grid and can pass the ball to one another in any direction.

Once the coach blows the whistle they explode with spe...

Tackle, Bounce, Jackal, Fire Drill

category: Contact-Skills

4 players +
cones
ball.

Cones laid out on 5m chanel other 10 chanel.

3 Players line ...

Tackle, Bounce, Jackal, Fire Drill

category: Ruck

4 players +
cones
ball.

Cones laid out on 5m chanel other 10 chanel.

3 Players line ...

Taking The Ball Into Contact And Support Play

category: Practices-for-Juniors

Drill to improve players taking the ball into contact and ruck clear out.

Set up a square roughly 5m x 5m. Get two lines of players behind tw...

Team - Stuck In The Mud

category: Warm-Up

Groups of 10+
Balls
Bibs
Cones

4 player with a 1 ball must run around trying to to...

Team Of 5 V 1 V 1 V 1 V 1 V 1

category: Tag-Rugby

2 x 20m x 10m Channels

5 Defenders in each channel, spaced 5m apar

The attacking team of 5 players must beat each defender in tur...

Ten Passes Then...

category: Handling

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........
1. Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters...

Ten Passes Then...

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief!
Tell your players the folloiwng.........
1. Players should be moving, staying around 5 meters...

The Next Pass

category: Passing

Keep your player briefing, brief! Tell the players the following or have a demonstration group.....

We have 8 static pass...

They Just Keep Coming

category: Passing

We have 8 static passers and two runners.
There should be a static passer on each cone, eight in total.
The 9th player will...

They Just Keep Coming

category: Sevens

We have 8 static passers and two runners.
There should be a static passer on each cone, eight in total.
The 9th player will...

Three Grids - Passing Alignment

category: School

Set up one small grid (5x5m), one medium grid (10x10m) and one large area (15x15m). Players work in groups of 3 with one ball.

Coach shouts ...

Three Player Circuit

category: Contact-Skills

The players in their groups of 3 stand between the lines of the inner square with the working group stood inside the other players.
...

Three Player Circuit

category: Warm-Up

The players in their groups of 3 stand between the lines of the inner square with the working group stood inside the other players.
...

Tight & Wide

category: Passing

Tell the players the following:

On your whistle the ball ...

Tight & Wide

category: Sevens

Tell the players the following:

On your whistle the ball ...

Tight & Wide

category: Sevens

Players start in attacking group of 3 on the 10 meter side of the grid. They pass the ball down the line at 10 meters,� attacking forward the...

Touch The Runner

category: Sevens

Put a group of 7 inside inside one of your grids. Tell them the following laws: The player not wearing a bib (the runner) is trying stay away...

Touch The Runner

category: Warm-Up

Put a group of 7 inside inside one of your grids. Tell them the following laws: The player not wearing a bib (the runner) is trying stay away...

Traffic Lights Game

category: Passing

Brief your players one what you would like the to do by telling them the following....

One of the players will stand outs...

Traffic Passing

category: Warm-Up

This passing exercise will keep large groups of players busy passing, running onto, and moving the ball in traffic without the need to spend large ...

Tri-Attack

category: Passing

Tell your players the following......

The first line of attackers move forward, passing the ball down the line.
...

Turnover Ball - Creating Depth And Getting Width

category: Passing

5 players in a group, line up within touching distance of one another, facing the coach who has a ball in his hand.

The coach then calls &quo...

Understanding The Spin

category: Passing

Tell them the following......

Using just one hand they should pass the ball to each other, spinning the ball.
Th...

Union Jack

category: Agility-Running-Skills

Divide the players so that they are spread equally between 8 points (4 corners of a square, and 4 more at the midpoints. Each ball carrier runs acr...