Contact Help center
Rugby Rugby
HOME Rugby Coaching Trends SEARCH

Rugby: switch drill

switch drill DRILLS
View All

Switch Drill

Drill to practice inside running lines (switches) in attack. Set up a 10m x 10m square (green cones) with two attackers (blue) on one side of the square, and one defender (red) on the other side of the square on the left hand side (see diagram). The attacker with the ball runs forward, then diagonally across the square towards the diagonally opposite cone, to get the defender to chase him. The second attacker also runs forward, then switches back across the square towards where the defender has come form. The ball carrier turns towards his outside and passes to the other attacker who is running a switch. They then score over the try-line marked by the green cones. If the defender holds for the switching player, the ball carrier should continue running and score over the try-line marked by the green cones.

Passing

Switch Drill Passing - Rugby D...

Drill to practice inside running lines (switches) in attack.Set up a 10m x 10m square (green cones) with two attackers (blue) on one side of the square, and one defender (red) on the other side of the square on the left hand side (see diagram).The attacker with the ball runs forward, then diagonally across the square towards the diagonally opposite cone, to get the defender to chase him.The second attacker also runs forward, then switches back across the square towards where the defender has come form.The ball carrier turns towards his outside and passes to the other attacker who is running a switch. They then score over the try-line marked by the green cones.If the defender holds for the switching player, the ball carrier should continue running and score over the try-line marked by the green cones.

General

Switch Over Attack Passing - R...

Drill to practice attacking organisational skillsSet up a grid roughly 20m wide and 20m long, with different coloured cones at one end and 5m away from that end (see diagram).3 defending players line up at one end (blue players between white cones) and 5m infront of them 4 attacking players line up (red players between green cones). One further defender waits at the opposite end of the grid.On the coaches command the three defending players run to the green cones and turn to defend. Meanwhile the four attacking players run to the white cones and turn to attack, receiveing the ball from the coach (grey). They are trying to score at the far end of the grid (red cones).Once the attack have beaten the defensive line the final defender may move forward off the try line (red cones) and try and defend.

General

SWITCH 1 Backs Moves - Rugby D...

See the diagram for suggested starting positions. 10 carried the ball forward, inviting the defence to press up. 10 cuts in. 12 presses up and cuts in towards 10 on a switch. 10 passes to 12 on the switch. 12 hits at an angle before straightening up. 15/13/14 provide support, 15 provide close support.

General

Lateral - Switch Passing - Rug...

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 each training area. If you can, give each group of two their own ball. Have enough training areas to keep all of your players as busy and active as possible. Tell your players the following...... Players in pairs with a ball between them. The player on the left starts with the ball and passes the ball to the player to the right. The player with the ball then runs diagonally across the grid, while the player without the ball crosses/switches over behind the ball carrier, ready to receive the ball at the next cone. They continue passing left to right and crossing over in each grid until they reach the end. Once at the end they run back to the start to the right of the grid, practicing the same skill on the way back but without cones to guide them. <span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;><em>Progression</em>: Add in a defender with a ruck shield, just to add a little pressure.

General

Switch Back Flick Sevens - Rug...

The ball carrier advances, running diagonally across the grid with the player on the other cone doing the same, but with a delay. The ball carrier can then switch or back flick the ball to the supporting runner. The supporting runner passes the ball back to the nearest player waiting from the next group, when they get the ball, they go. That's it, play.

General

Right to left with a switch Pa...

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 player with the ball then runs diagonally across the grid to the next cone while the player without the ball crosses over behind the ball carrier, ready to receive the ball at the next cone. They continue passing right to left and crossing over in each grid until they reach the end. Once at the end they run back to the start to the right of the grid, practising the same skill on the way back but without cones to guide them.

General

Dummy Switch Behind (DSB) Back...

10 advances with the ball, running slightly inwards. 10 changes the angle of their run, towards the first post. 12 runs across 10 on a dummy switch. 10 fakes a pass to 12, but keeps going. 13 runs parallel to 12. 11 runs across and behind 13. 10 passes to 11, the ball should be passed behind 13. Think about what will happen next, passing option, cancel options, and variations on this move. Your back-line should remain flexible at all time.

General

2 v 2 (switch) Decision making...

This is a basic 2 v 2 drill to allow players to progress from a simple 2 v 1. In a channel no wider than 10m, 2 attackers have 5 attempts to score a try on the red cones. The attackers try to create space and beat the defenders by running good support and holding lines. Condition defence so that the defender marking support runner stays out and doesn't move in to defend ball carrier

General

Rugby: Building The Switch Pas...

Keep your player briefing short and tell your players the following.... 3 attackers line up on the first three cones, the rest fall in behind. One attacking line will go at a time. The SH will work from near the top of the grid - off to the left. The first attacking line goes. The SH passes to the first receiver in the attacking line.. The ball carrier and the second receiver switch - using the top to cones as targets. They can..... Switch, dummy, pass to the 3rd receiver. That's it - let the players play.

General

Switch Agility & Running Skill...

Groups of 2.1 ball per group.Run straight then change direction at the first cone. Attack the opposite corner and pass to the support runner, before straightening your run to finish.

General

Rugby: Backs move: DSM (Dummy ...

- 1st reciver runs a dummy switch with the 12. - 15 runs an under and out line of the back of the 13.- The 10 now has an option of hitting the 13 on a hard line. - Or missing him and hitting the 15 on the outer line.

General

Left to right with a switch Pa...

Players in pairs with a ball between them. The player on the left starts with the ball and passes the ball to the player to the right. The player with the ball then runs diagonally across the grid to the next cone while the player without the ball crosses over behind the ball carrier, ready to receive the ball at the next cone. They continue passing left to right and crossing over in each grid until they reach the end. Once at the end they run back to the start to the right of the grid, practising the same skill on the way back but without cones to guide them.

General

Turn-Over Game Sevens - Rugby ...

Tell the players the following...... We are going to play a game, the 7 defenders will stay in defence throughout, and the 5 attacking players will remain the attack. If for any reason the ball is lost, it is given back to the attack. The attack scores by scoring a try in the normal way. The defence scores by turning the ball over. That's it, play. As the game develops, increase the size of the playing area. Switch the attackers and defenders.

General

MAX 3 Backs Moves - Rugby Dril...

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions. 10 moves forward carrying the ball. 11 could provide a decoy run. 12 and 13 switch. 13 takes a pass from 10. both 12 and 13 advance, 12 in support of the ball carrier.

General

7's Colour Touch Sevens - Rugb...

Tell your players the following..... The attack will remain in attack for 5 minutes, you'll then switch over. Normal rules of sevens apply, but this game will be touch to start with. When the ball carrier is touched, they must set the ball down, another player can then move it from the ground. The touch is considered a ruck. When the coach calls a defenders colour e.g. RED - the two players in defence wearing red drop to the ground and complete 3 press-ups, they can then return to their feet and are back in the game. That's it, play. Keep your player chats brief, but through questioning highlight that the downed players in defence open up space, what do we attack - SPACE!

General

Drop Off Passing - Rugby Drill...

4 cones with 2 balls.Players start running at the same time and when the meet in the middle, the blue players give a drop off pass to the red player before both continuing their run to the opposite end to which they started.

General

Building The Loop Passing - Ru...

Tell your players the following..... One group of 4 players will be in defence. The other two groups of 4 will be in attack, they will attack one group at a time. There will be two attackerss and two defenders in the first two channels, the third channel will be open and free of attackers and defenders. The fourth channel will have an attacker and defender, the fifth channel will be free of attackers and defenders, the sixth channel will have an attacker and defender, and the last channel will be free of attackers or defenders. Defenders can move forward and side to side within their own channel, but they cannot leave their channel. Attackers attack their own channels, but can call a loop (L1,L2,L3 etc.) in order to attack the open channels. Allow players to discover solutions, question - try not to tell. Change the defenders.

General

MAX 1 Backs Moves - Rugby Dril...

See the diagram for the suggested starting positions. 10 moves forward carrying the ball. 12 moves forward, cuts in. 10 cuts in, and 10/12 run a dummy switch. 15 runs a line behind 13, 13 cuts out. 15 cuts in on an angle. 10 passes to 15. 13/14 provide support and passing options.

General

Rugby: Building The Pass Out o...

Tell your players the following...... One player will be a ball carrier. The player directly opposite will make a half tackle, lifting the ball carrier onto their shoulder. The ball carrier will look for an off-load to a supporting player on the left or right. The support players will be the first player on the other two cones, to the right and left of the ball carrier. The ball is off-loaded and the catching player becomes the new ball carrier, while the remaining support player becomes the new defender. The other two players clear the traffic and the above happens again - with the new support players coming from the other two cones. This can take a minute or two to get going, but stay with it.

General

Rugby: Changing Direction - Co...

<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Two players are racing to get back to the middle after touching cones on opposite sides.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Two players start facing each other on the middle cone and await the coaches signal.<li dir=&quot;ltr&quot;>Players will accelerate to the cone on one side, turn and accelerate to the other side, turn again and accelerate back to the middle.

General

Push Push 2 Sevens - Rugby Dri...

Tell the players the following...... When the attack advances the defenders PRESS UP on the attack. The attackers must pass the ball down the line, no inside passes. The defenders PUSH/DRIFT across pushing the attack towards the sideline. When the attack reaches the end of the grid, if it reaches the end - the attack turn and sets - as does the defence. The exercise restarts. This is a full contact exercise. Don't forget to switch defenders into attack.

General

Loop (L1,L2,L3) Passing - Rugb...

Keep your player briefing, brief! It's important to get your players working as quickly as possible. 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 with the any of the two players at the very ends of the L. Tell players to move forward, passing the ball down the line. When the ball gets to the last receiver, that player will pass it to the first receiver in the next line that is waiting to go. They should advance right away. Allow the players to simply move the ball down the lines, don't mention the Miss Pass. After you feel the players are comfortable, tell them...... Any player can now call an L1,L2,L3,L4 - depending on their position in the attacking line. This means that they can pass and loop round the back of the rest of the attack to collect the ball and continue the attack. An example of this would be: L2, player passes, loops around two other players, and collects the ball in attack. Allow the players to discover, though questioning, the best possible way of executing and calling the (L) move. Players should change position in the line after each run.

General

Rugby: Backs move - Rangi - Sp...

Use the diagram to highlight suggested starting positions.10 is the ball carrier, advancing forward, before cutting in as shown in the diagram.12 advances, and cut in on the same line as 10.13 advances and cuts across 12, taking a switch pass from 10.15 and 14 press up.

General

Pressure Cooker Passing - Rugb...

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 ball. The players on the sides of the grid will have one ball between them. The 5th player will be the ball carrier. The ball carrier starts at the top of the grid facing the bottom. Moving forward they will take a pass off one of the middle players and pass the ball onto the other middle player. They will then collect a pass off the player in front of them, before popping the ball back to them. They will then turn and once again collect a pass off one of the middle players before moving it on to the other middle player. They then take a pass off the top player before popping it back and starting the exercise again. They keep going until told to switch with another player. The player in the middle can turn and flick the ball to the static players at the top and bottom of the grid, as well as popping the ball.

General

3v2 School - Rugby Drills, Rug...

Set up two lines of 3 cones, about 10 meters apart, with players on each of the three cones. On the coach's whistle players play out a 3v2 (always 3 attackers and 2 defenders). Defenders should look initially to defend the first 2 attackers.

General

ALPHA Backs Moves - Rugby Dril...

10 is the ball carrier, advancing forward, before cutting in as shown in the diagram. Both 12 and 13 advance, then change direction as shown in the diagram. 12 and 13 switch. 10 provides a pass to 13, who either hits the opposition defensive line at an angle before straightening up. Think about what will happen next. Could 10 follow the pass and take an off-load on an inside ball, if 13 gets past the gain line could 15 and 14 off wide support? Make this move your own!

General

Unfortunately there were no results for your search! Please try again
switch drill ANSWERS
View All

My fowards seem afraid to ruck and stand around the?

My fowards seem afraid to ruck and stand around the ruck while in the way of the scrum half trying to get the ball out to the backs. They also don't support the ball carrier while he is being tackled. Please help me with any suggestions!!!

William Barrett Coach, United States of America

A way to develop the ability of the players, to perform the switch pass coachen U/14s

Ask a question and have it answered by Coaches from around the world and Sportplan's team of Experts.

Archived User Coach

switch pass drills

switch pass drills

Archived User Coach

How to coach - The Switch? Including Drills? Thanks.

How to coach - The Switch? Including Drills? Thanks.

Archived User Coach

First time coaching U9 and U10s - anyone got any backline coaching tips?

Hi im a first time coach and is still getting the hang of how the technical details of the game works the back line is my department and whould like any help i can get to know what drills to do and anything helpfull in the backline im currently coaching for the under 9 and 10

Archived User Coach

Do you have anu rugby league drills?

Do you have anu rugby league drills?

Archived User Coach

switch pass in rugby union - S...

switch pass in rugby union

maria Coach, England

can i switch my membership to ...

can I switch my membership to rugby league

francis vea Coach, United Kingdom

My team takes 15min to really ...

My team takes 15min to really start playing... what should I do? These are high school boys that have never played the sport before. After a few games, they play really well in the 2nd half but by that time we are down 2 or 3 tries. Is it a warmup issue? Nerves? Any ideas?

Mike McD Coach, Canada

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create your own professional coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested plans
STAY CONNECTED

in more ways than one

sportplan_rugby
LATEST COACHING TRENDS
Pick and Go: Why Low-Volatility Rugby Is Dominating the 2026 Six Nations

Pick and Go: Why Low-Volatility Rugby Is Dominating the 2026 Six Nations

The teams winning in 2026 aren't taking risks - they're grinding out territory with relentless pick-and-go phases. Here's how to coach it.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Smart Mouthguards and Concussion Protocols: Coaching for Player Welfare

Smart Mouthguards and Concussion Protocols: Coaching for Player Welfare

Player safety technology has arrived at every level of rugby. Here's what coaches need to know about smart mouthguards, concussion protocols, and training safely.

March 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Six Nations 2026: Tactical Trends Every Coach Can Steal

Six Nations 2026: Tactical Trends Every Coach Can Steal

From France's collision dominance to England's folding defence - what grassroots coaches can learn from the 2026 Six Nations.

February 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
tacklingtag rugbysevensjunior backline drillsfitnesslineouttouch rugbyunder 8passingwarm uptackletouchmaullines of runningruckingscrumdefencerucktag7

What our users have been saying...

Coaches from around the world look to Sportplan for coaching confidence.

Sportplan rugby has played a large role in my team's love for the game!

Heather Weston Rugby Coach, United States

I am so pleased with all of the drills and advice on rugby. I am a player for my local club and we don't have a coach at the moment so I, as a senior player, am filling that gap. With your help, the team has been able to improve our skills.

Mokie Tau Rugby Coach, Papua New Guinea

Your tips and session ideas have really brought some interest back to our rugby training. The players and I now really enjoy our training sessions.

Eifion Highes Rugby Coach, United Kingdom

Wow what a great website, I have found sportplan an important tool for me when planning my netball sessions with my netball team. There are alot of very helpful tips/ideas/skills that I can learn and teach to my team. Thank you sportplan I hope to continue to use your helpful tips and to learn more about improving my teams netball skills. Thanks again....keep it up....

Monique New Zealand

I have been using Sportplan now for 3 years and can honestly say that I have never repeated the same session twice. My girls are always focused and are improving every year. Thanks Sportplan.

Debbie Cross Australia

What a fantastic tool. The Chalkboard and session tools make an unbelievable difference in making training plans in both time and organization. I will be instructing all of my assistant coaches that this tool must be used for all sessions during the season, so that we may build a club coaching resource library.

Wes Campbell Rugby Coach Canada

I can't get enough of the Sportplan, It has given me back the enthusiasm i was starting to lose. My girls are so keen and are ready at 14 to take the next up in their game. Sportplan will help no end.

Cornel Basketball Coach, South Africa

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

  • search our library of 1100+ rugby drills
  • create professional rugby coaching plans
  • or access our tried and tested rugby plans

Sportplan App

Give it a try - it's better in the app

SPORTPLAN USES COOKIES

Sportspeople like cookies too! By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. More info

Privacy Policy
We are committed to privacy and support current industry initiatives to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet. Protecting your privacy on-line is an evolving area and this website will constantly evolve to meet these demands.


Cookies
Some of our web pages utilise "cookies". A "cookie" is a small text file that may be used, forexample, to collect information about web site activity. Some cookies and other technologies may serve to recallPersonal Information previously indicated by a web user. Most browsers allow you to control cookies, includingwhether or not to accept them and how to remove them.

Some cookies are necessary for the operation of our website, if you choose to block them some aspects of the site may not work for you. Non necessary cookies are only set when you have given your explicit consent to their use. Such cookies included those set by our statistics package Google Analytics.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

More info
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
3 v 2 7 counter rucking defence defense fitness football forward drills junior  backline drills lesson plans line out lineout lineout drills lines of running maul passing ruck rucking rugby scrum scrum machine search sevens tackle tackling tag tag rugby touch under 8 warm up
YOUR SESSION IS STARTING SOON... Join the growing community of rugby coaches plus 1100+ drills and pro tools to make coaching easy.
LET'S DO IT