Contact Help center
Rugby Rugby
HOME Rugby SEARCH

Rugby: switch

switch DRILLS
View All

Hands up / Hands Down

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 switch the direction of the ball. After another minute, tell them the ball can go in any direction, but...... The receiver must have their hands in the air. The passer cannot pass to a player directly beside them. The passer can dummy, if a player takes their hand down they are out. The reciever can take their hands down to catch a ball if it is coming their way. You can also play this game using a word like RUGBY. Each time a play makes a mistake they get a letter. The loser is the first player to get all the letters that spell RUGBY. Some teams and coaches have more interesting and colorful words to spell - I'll leave this to you. You can make this game a little harder by reducing the size of the circle or by asking the players to touch their toes before catching the ball. You can also increase the number of balls in the circle. Have fun with this!

Passing

Kicking switch

3 grids: 10x30 Number of players: (up to 14) Number of balls: start with 2 (add balls depending on age and ability of players). Each team in a 10x10 grid with a grid in between them. Punt ball into other teams area. Ball must aim to land inside area. If team defending kick drop the ball - other team get a point.

Passing

Lateral - Switch

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 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.

Passing

Many hands

Tell your players the following...... Each group of two players should have their own ball. While they have a partner, they can pass to anyone. They just need to move the ball, pass and catch. They also need to move around the training area. They can pass in any direction. Go - lets just get moving. After a little time, tell the players that their pass must be legal.

Passing

More Loop

Tell your players the following...... The ball carrier (A) runs straight in a line and makes a normal lateral pass to the supporting player (B) After passing the ball A runs towards and behind B After B catches the pass they angle their run towards the direction the pass has come from and so create space A runs around B and straightens as they receive the pass In effect you want the players to loop around the new ball carrier after they make their pass.

Passing

Pressure Cooker

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.

Passing

Right to left with a switch

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.

Passing

Simple Passing Exercise

Tell your players the follow..... The first two players at each coach will advance, attacking the cone to their left, in the middle of the training area. The players should split as they run, increasing the distance between them. When they get as far as the middle cone, they should then pass. The reciever then passes to the first reciever on the cone they are approaching.

Passing

Split Drill with Trailer 3

Equipment Required: Bump Pads, Balls, Cones.On GO, players A, B & C start running but A & C switch sides behind player C and run around the cones. Player C takes a pop pass from the feeder and drives on in to the contact pad where he turns and looks to pass to either A or B who are crossing back behind him.

Agility & Running Skills

Switch

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.

Agility & Running Skills

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 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

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

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

Rugby: Switch Back Flick - Sev...

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

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

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

Rugby League: Left to right wi...

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

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

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

Switch into Space Match Relate...

Set your players up so they are in groups of 6, with 3 forwards and 3 backs.Line up the 3 backs to protect 2 try lines (marked by red cones) and line up the three forwards to protect one try line (marked by blue cones). The forwards try to score on the two try lines and the backs over the one try line.Play normal rugby rules but the forwards are not allowed to use mauls.

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

Kicking switch Passing - Rugby...

3 grids: 10x30 Number of players: (up to 14) Number of balls: start with 2 (add balls depending on age and ability of players). Each team in a 10x10 grid with a grid in between them. Punt ball into other teams area. Ball must aim to land inside area. If team defending kick drop the ball - other team get a point.

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

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

2 vs 2 (quick scissor) Decisio...

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. Left attacker makes swerving run to left of defender, before making an inside pass. The right attacker starts run towards oppo defender before stepping in to take pass and bringing the right defender across. The left attacker immediately changes direction to take a flat run and scissor pass before beating the right attacker on the outside

General

Rugby: 7's Colour Touch - Seve...

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

Tackle Fitness Sevens - Rugby ...

The runner/tackler starts 10 meters back, runs forward and places the ball down just before the bag, and in the same motion hits the bag making a tackle. They then get to their feet and lift the ball, repeating the same skills at the opposite tackle bag. This repeats for 1 minute at pace. Switch the runner/tacklers with a player at the bags.

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

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

Push Push 3 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

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

Rugby: RANGI (VERSION 1) - Bac...

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

Free Rugby Training Session Pl...

General

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

Developing reactions and decision making skills to dominate support play

A player needs to make hundreds of decisions on the pitch. Get them making the right ones when in attack to utilise the support to sustain attacking pressure on the opposition.

Attacking part 1

It?s all about points scoring with this session. Encourage your players to continually offer support to develop fine techniques to attack with crisp plays.

Effective Counter Attacking - Options after a Turnover

Can your team counter quickly? A speedy attack after a turnover is a great way for your team to score as the opposition will be out of position

Dominating the Ruck

Create sustained attacks by understanding how to dominate the ruck by developing an understanding of positioning and technique amongst your players.

Fitness and Handling Skills - Refresher Session

Work on their speed and stamina in this passing and receiving recap session - designed to get your players spreading their fingers for maximum passing control

Man-Marking - Defensive Alignment

Practice defending against overlapping players and get your back line communicating, taking responsibility for their man

Sevens Speed Session

Attack the ball with speed and practice operating at pace with this week's foot-speed and handling skills session
switch ANSWERS
View All

switch pass in rugby union

switch pass in rugby union

maria Coach, England

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

Looking for switch pass coaching games

Looking for switch pass coaching games

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

forwards positions in open play

Hello, in open play i want to have my forwards split up across the field not just chasing the next ruck. im not sure exactly how to teach them where they should be standing. (positional play) (Dane coles always seems to be a wing in open play)

dan Coach, Germany

Can I transfer my membership from rugby to football?

School rugby season has finished. Can I switch my membership to football for this term (then cricket for the summer)? Asked using Sportplan Mobile App

D Whipp Coach, England

Sport selection query

If I look to purchase one individual sport, can I then swap it for another sport as many times as i want?

Ryan Gould Coach, England

Sports

how do I change to a different sport which I added to my profile?

Crystal Coach, South Africa

Drills and attack moves to counter a rushed defence.

I am looking for some drills and moves to coach a counter offensive against a rushed defence or a blitzing defence. I've had ideas of short kicks over the top.

tom burkett Coach, England

switch to field hockey

I would like to pay for the field hockey membership right now and pause the basketball.

Jennifer McGovern Coach, United States

hitt training with ball for u10

do you have a who can support me with a hitt training with ball for u10?

maurits schotte Coach, Netherlands

10 is the ball carrier and decides to pass to 13 where 13 and 12 switch

if 13 decides to take a hit who will support him between 10 and 12

Aisha Gutsa Coach, United Kingdom

can i switch my membership to rugby league instead of rugby union

can I switch my membership to rugby league

francis vea Coach, United Kingdom

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

How to coach - The Switch? Inc...

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

Archived User Coach
switch COMMUNITY DRILLS
View All

Switch

Autosave 13411064

Switch Pass

9 cones

GB1

1-2 Switch

Autosave 10493673

Crash Bandicoot

11-12 switch

pass and support 1

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
The Lone Ball Carrier: A Halloween Coaching Nightmare

The Lone Ball Carrier: A Halloween Coaching Nightmare

The isolated ball carrier is rugby's spookiest turnover. Here is the five-step fix, plus drills that rebuild support lines fast.

October 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
Ball Carrying Without Dipping: Footwork, Height and Leg Drive

Ball Carrying Without Dipping: Footwork, Height and Leg Drive

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.

October 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
The Scrum Brake Foot Is Now Law: Coaching Safer, Steadier Scrums

The Scrum Brake Foot Is Now Law: Coaching Safer, Steadier Scrums

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.

October 2026
|
Sportplan Coaching
VIEW ALL COACHING TRENDS
Rugby POPULAR SEARCH TERMS
ruckingfitnessunder 87defencerucktag rugbywarm uplineoutjunior backline drillslines of runningpassingtagscrummaultackletouchsevenstacklingtouch rugby

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