How to Develop a Rugby Passing Technique
Step-by-step Instructions
Here is what you need to do...
Step 1
There are essentially an infinite number of ways to pass a rugby ball as long as the pass is made laterally or backwards from the off sides line (which is set by the ball carrier). There are two basic types of pass though- the flat pass and the spin pass.
Step 2
The flat pass is the most basic pass in rugby. It is used when receivers are in relative close proximity to the ball carrier. It is called a flat pass because the ball literally just floats to the next player with little to no spin.
Step 3
To perform a flat pass, the ball carrier starts out holding the bottom third of the ball out in front of him at about chest height. The ball is brought across the body and a flick of the wrist pushes the ball to the receiving player. The outside elbow should open slightly and the follow through should leave the passer's hands pointed at the receiver.
Step 4
A spin pass is used when the offense is more spread out and the ball needs to travel quickly. To perform a spin pass, the ball carrier will hold the ball with one hand on the bottom third and the other hand on the middle-top of the ball as a guide hand (think basketball). If the passer is passing left, the left hand will be at the bottom third, and vice versa. The passer should keep his chest over the ball with a low body position. The motion of the spin should be clockwise for a left hand pass and counter clockwise for a right handed pass. The follow through should leave the passer's hands pointed at the receiver.
Step 5
Using a pass developer ball (about 2.5lbs) will strengthen the muscles used for passing. Practice throwing back and forth with a team mate and see how far apart you can get while still keeping good passing form.
Special Attention
Difficulties people often experience or parts that need special attention to do it right.
Under most circumstances the ball should never be thrown higher than chest height. A well placed pass will be right in front of the receiver so that he catch it while running at pace. A lot of beginners tend to throw the ball way up in the air. This is most often because they are dropping the ball down to their waist instead of holding the ball out in front around chest height. The follow through also dictates where the pass will go, so if your arms are up in the air after your pass, chances are the ball flew way up in the air. Work on pointing at your target during your follow through.
Stuff You'll Need
| Brand | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pass Developer Rugby Ball | $38.99 | |
| Gilbert Zenon Trainer Rugby Ball | $16.50 |
Suggested Further Reading
| Author | Title | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Know the Game: Complete skills: Rugby | $9.34 |
This Student Author
This Student Author's Background
Funny or interesting story about this topic...
Rugby is all about passing. Quick and precise passes are more effective than having the fastest guy on the pitch. Unlike other sports, rugby players must be able to pass effectively with both their right and left hands.
When did you first do this & how did you get started?
Learning to pass a rugby ball is the first thing you need to learn when you first go to a rugby practice. A lot of guys have difficulty figuring out the mechanics of throwing a good rugby pass and others seem to pick it up no problem, thankfully I was in the latter group. Although the basic mechanics were easy for me, like all other things rugby, practice makes perfect.