Lateral passing & pulling back the pass from wide

Handling Progression for developing the ability to create depth from a flat line

Pull back Pass

A clever exercise that keeps the players involved and moving constantly with an emphasis on depth and accurate passing. Players need to concentrate, communicate and be accurate if the drill is to continue. Coaches can add width, more players or in this example another ball to increase difficulty

Pulling the pass back off left hand

Pulling the ball back off both hands is essential to being able to attack at pace

Pulling the pass back off both sides

A handling drill progression

Pulling the pass back

A handling drill progression

Learning to pass laterally in 4's

Developing our lateral passing skills. The coach can alter the width, depth and number of players

What is a lateral pass

To develop the lateral passing and take a look at the fundamental movements

Lateral Passing in 3s

A quick exercise to identify ability in catching & passing. Encourage players to have targets up, and to hold their run.

Lateral passing in 3s (SM)

A simple lateral passing exercise for all standards. These basic skills are fundamental to rugby and should be repeated using a number of different practises. Key factors : Communication - Present a target with your hands - Run straight - Pass the ball across your body - Realign to repeat

Key factors of the lateral pass

An introduction to coaching the lateral pass

Passing Game with Two Balls

Another game to play at home. This time use two balls and four players. Anyone can join in! Three players have a simple task involving just one ball, but the central player has to juggle both balls and work on his/her concentration and hand-eye co-ordination!

Ball Control & Passing

Controlling the ball is a fundamental skill, it may be simple but it is very important. Practise is important and is the foundation to passing and the ability to control and vary your pass

Sevens - Turnovers and move the ball 4

From a turnover in contact the attackers pass the ball wide one way and then a deep wide pass back in the other direction to pull the defence out of shape and create an opportunity to attack. Key factors : Wide flat pass - Players support from depth - Deep wide pass - Running and swerving past the defender

Quins - Out The Back Pass

The deep "Out The Back" pass is a play that is becoming more popular with several options and progressions. In this clip players from Harlequins run through a simple practise to improve their accuracy

Lateral passing & miss pass with follow in 3s

handling progression for developing lines of running and support

Lateral passing in 3s with a switch

A core passing exercise for developing the lateral passing drill

Coach the Scrum Half Pass

This clip outlines some of the fundamental techniques required to become a good passer of the ball from the ground, an essential skill for scrum half's. Simple and easy instructions for both coaches and players to benefit from

Offloads through contact then lateral pass

In groups of 4, players must support each other through a tight channel of tackle shields, before panning out to complete lateral passes to the wing.

Lateral passing in 3s

Core skills development of teh lateral pass whgilst running

One handed passing down channel holding 2 balls

This drill allows you to develop control over the ball and the ability to pass one handed if needed to

Lateral Pass Variations

Here are different ways to develop a basic lateral pass exercise. Either increase the amount of players, or ask them to start from different positions.

More Time on the Ball

Good players have more time on the ball? What they do do is prepare accurately with depth, width and run good lines. This sets them up to catch & pass with time and options. The practises in this clip outline some of the disciplines required to get you "More time"

Lateral passing in 4s

An essential drill for new players, or a simple but relevant one for experienced players. New players should make sure their passes are not forward and are targeted in front of their teammate's chest. More experienced players can focus on speed of pass and footwork. In this example, a large group is split into two adjacent drills to ensure players aren't stationary for too long.

Lateral Pass in 5s

This simple drill breaks down the catch and pass while running in a straight line. Players also practice their communication skills.

Practice Accurate passing

This clip reinforces the importance of passing and especially accurate passing. The coaches use a variety of practises to test the players skills and help them progress

Lateral passing in 3s

A core handling exercise that coaches can use to vary the width, depth of pass plus introduce static and live defenders. An exercise repeated at the elite end of the game

Lateral passing in 3s

A great warm up drill and passing exercise.

Learning to spin pass 1

Stand side-on to progress towards the lateral pass. Push the ball rather than swinging so your hand is pointing to the target after the ball has been passed. Maintain soft hands when catching the ball

Quins - Developing An Accurate Pass

Coaching players to pass with variety and accuracy is one of the most important challenges a coach faces. The Harlequins academy players are presented with some very challenging exercises to help this process

Mike Catt - Attacking from Lineouts - Back Ball

Classroom session with Mike Catt - discussing the key points of attacking from a lineout

Zig Zag Passing Challenge

This passing exercise is weird, extremely tough to do but will take your players out of their comfort zone and challenge them, can your players master it?

Passing - 2 v 1 Static Defender

Now working in just twos, we are concerned with depth, and the timing of the pass. Allow players to practice before adding a static defender. This can be a tackle bag as demonstrated. Players take the ball up to the defender but must complete the pass before they reach it.

Back Play - Attack From Scrum - Older Youth

It’s not a matter of going through a strike move repertoire. It is more about specific selection from the repertoire in order to attack identified targets according to the opposition and game situation
Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running a support line will assist the offload and turn defenders

Scrum-half Passing Exercises

Some useful exercises for scrum-halves to develop their passing skills.

Passing Under Pressure

Being able to pass under pressure is how players perform in games. This exercise challenges players to react to multiple prompts and is great for all junior and senior players

Intro to coaching the lateral pass

Basic principles for the coach to focus on

Touch rugby - roll ball back

A game for understanding

Catch & Pass down channel

A core skill that needs constant development and practise Key Factors : Communicate loudly - Present a target with your hands - Run straight - Pass the ball across your body - Use wrists to keep the ball on a flat level - Move back ready to repeat

Lateral passing & double switch in 3s

A core handling exercise for developing lines of running

Learning to spin pass 2

A progression to build passing technique. The ball should be pushed from the waist rather than the player swinging the arm back first. Push through the ball so your arm finishes pointing at your target. Don't forget to practice on both hands.

7. Support - No Back Lift bench passes

Isolated technical practice

Courtesy of the SRU

Coaching the spin pass

Saracens academy coach Rory Teague explains the basic principles of the spin pass including the exercises and progressions that can be used to help players improve their techniques and accuracy

Passing and Support Lines

This clip shows the classic passing process but with a significant twist in what players can do post the pass

Teaching minis to pass backwards - full session

Learning to pass backwards is fundamental to rugby newcomers. This session brings minis out of a game for a few minutes to focus on that key skill, before taking them back into the game. Note the emphasis on questioning, development and how feedback changes depending on the ability of the child.

L2 - Half Back Development

Skill Practice Description • Each player is given a number. • From any tackle point or breakdown, as the attacking team is about to start another attack, the coach calls out a number and the defending player with that allocated number retires three paces before moving forward as the others step up. • This leaves a miss alignment in the defence line. • The fly half is required to notice the opportunity and attack the miss alignment and deliver the ball accordingly. • A progression is for the numbered player to step forward early, creating the opposite miss alignment. • If the forward player is the wing, then the fly half may chose to use a kick to get behind the defence. • The opportunity may appear on the short side and the fly half needs to be aware and communicate to the scrum half. • Now develop the decision making further by even numbers step up and odd numbers retire. Key Coaching Points • Scanning skills. • Attacking an opportunity offered by the defence alignment. • Decision making skills. • Appropriate passing (short, long, flat, deep etc. • Appropriate kicking (grubber through, chip over, cross kick etc.) • Look-Think -Do Process

Simple Passing Exercises & Games

The Wasps coaches use a mixture of games and drills to develop the passing skills of young players. Players are encouraged to respond to questions. Games are used to improve the learning experience

Teaching minis to pass backwards

Learning to pass backwards is fundamental to rugby newcomers. This session brings minis out of a game for a few minutes to focus on that key skill, before taking them back into the game. Note the emphasis on questioning, development and how feedback changes depending on the ability of the child.

Back Play - Attack From Scrum - Younger Youth

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, young players should be encouraged to develop their decision making from a non-prescriptive environment.
It’s not a matter of going through a strike move repertoire. Its a matter of attacking the space between the two teams and running support lines that will assist the ball carrier

Pressure on the pass

Pulling the pass backwards allows the creation of depth from a flat line to be achieved and pace to be put onto the ball. coaches can use poles / Tackle bags or people as static defenders

Passing in 2s

Working in pairs, the key point of this passing drill is for the support runner to be deep and taking the ball at pace.

Home Training - Solo Passing

Practicing rugby skills at home can be difficult if there are no others to play with. But there are still things you can do by yourself if you have a ball handy. This exercise requires passing against a wall, developing accuracy, hand-eye co-ordination and problem solving. Also, check out our other videos on developing grip.

Four Player Continuous Passing

A quick drill to focus the players before going into a session or at the start of a match day warm up.

Catch & Pass Progressions

Passing progressions are based upon the ability of players to fix defenders. Always insure your exercises reflect match situations and refrain from just doing drills because they look good

Catching is the First Skill of Passing

Being able to catch is fundamental to rugby and the majority of sports. Catching in rugby is slightly different due to the shape of the ball and understanding the technical points of "How to catch" is a very important area for all young players. This clip explains some of the finer points and why a good catch is the basis of a good pass

Mini age groups - Passing Skills

This clip provides some simple guidelines on coaching catch & pass for young players. The coach progresses to a conditioned game to help the learning process

Improve Ball Presentation and Handling

This exercise from London Scottish works to maintain high levels of both ball presentation and handling skills at the same time.

Ball Presentation Game

Use this game to practice great ball presentation. Ensure the tackling player is bouncing back to their feet so that this mentality carries over to game day.

Using Games to Develop Passing and Support

Using games to coach is how most Premiership coaches improve skills and especially decision making. In this clip Jon Curry uses some clever rules to encourage supporting lines to help keep the ball alive

Ground Work and Ball Presentation

It is important for players to practice working hard on the ground to get the ball presented back to their team. This session uses bodyweight exercises to practice the movement and enforces it with a conditioned game. Log in to see the full video.

A Deep Look Into Simple Passing

Here we take a look at a simple drill and Graham Steadman discusses the importance of getting the basics right. If every player can do this well your attacking speed will really improve.

Back Play from Set Piece - Attack from Line Out

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, the appropriate strike call needs to be made and space attached.
Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running support lines will assist the offload and turn defenders.

Passing - Basic principles

Working in waves of three, break down the components to catch and pass technique.

JWC 2012: Forwards Passing

At the JWC 2012 is was clear that more forwards were passing the ball.

Scrum half pass with Lee Dickson

Lee Dickson leads a passing session at the Northampton saints summer training camp. The focus is on doing the simple things well and progressing the practises to make things more challenging

Two Channel Passing Exercise

Players work in 3s running around the corner and realigning to attack. Introduce defenders and the need to look up and communicate.

Back To Back Pre Contact Wrestle

Players sit back to back, arms interlocked and knees bent. The coach says left or right. The players must battle to pull their partner to the floor on the said side.

Passing Accuracy

Accuracy of passing can make the difference between finished chances or missed opportunities. In this video, Northampton Saints look at developing passing accuracy through games and focused exercises. Log in to see the full sessions.

Improve your passing

Harlequins pride themselves on their attacking play and the foundation to this philosophy is the quality of their passing. Attack coach Colin Osbourne runs skills session on passing accuracy.

The Miss Pass Key Coaching Points

To review handling Key factors

Scrum Half Passing with Chris Cusiter - Wrist Warm-Up

Sale Sharks and Scotland scrum half Chris Cusiter leads a session on passing from the base of a scrum or ruck. In this first video, Chris addresses basic technique in a couple of exercises that warm up the wrists and arms.

Quins - Accurate passing

Harlequins Academy go through a few exercises designed to improve passing accuracy. Premier members can log in now to see full sessions from Harlequins and other Premiership clubs.

Timing the Pass

This exercise looks to develop the decision-making around the timing of a pass, and highlights running at pace and holding depth.

Back Play from Set Piece - Back Play Intro

Back Play from Set Piece - Back Play Intro

Farrell & Ford - Spin Passes

The quality of passes from Ford and Farrell to enable Elliot Daley to slide past his defender was the difference in the Wales V England match. The skills required to perfect these passes were honed on the training ground over several years. See what type of drills they did and still do

How To Push Pass - Simple Progressions

This video takes you through the basics of why and how we pass in Rugby! Use these explanations and simple progressions to help your players.

How To Push Pass - Simple Progressions

This video takes you through the basics of why and how we pass in Rugby! Use these explanations and simple progressions to help your players.

Men's - Turnover and move the ball 2

Strong defence and a turnover allows two quick passes, (One long pass), and then attack the defence. The two passes have changed the channel of attack by 30 metres.

Key factors : Tackle and stay on your feet - Long quick pass / spin pass - Communicate loudly - Support the ball carrier on his shoulder

Expert Passing

Elite Sixth form players showcase that good passing technique is essential to become a good rugby player. The pass has some simple but very important components that need to be practised

Home Training - Fun Catching & Passing Games

A variety of drills and games to practice and improve your catching & passing

Back Play - Attack From Line Out - Older Youth

To take advantage of the forwards being grouped and to utilize the space this provides, the appropriate strike call needs to be made and space attacked
It’s not a matter of going through the strike move repertoire. It is about specific selection from the repertoire in order to attack identified areas of the opposition and game situations

Attacking the space between the two teams is paramount and attacking the ball when running a support line will assist the offload and turn defenders

Grip Games - Ball Retention

This great game helps you work on your ball transfer and fend. It teaches players how to keep the ball away from contact increasing ball retention on the pitch!

7. 5 Pass Game

7. 5 Pass Game

Back Play from Set Piece - Mini Half Backs

Children should be encouraged to play in all playing positions. Rugby is a late specialist sport and the prop of today may be the scrum half of tomorrow.
If the coach constantly plays the strongest players at half back, this may restrict the development of other, later maturing players.

Home skills - Wall passing

Practising skills on your own can be tedious but using a wall to improve your passing can present some interesting challenges

Fun Passing Games

Children are naturally competitive and will engage more in training exercises that include a competitive edge. This challenges their skills under pressure and creates excitement and fun

Most popular passing drill

This practice is repeated at every level of rugby to repeat the most important fundamental of the game. Coaches can change the conditions to make this exercise easier or harder

Quins - Accurate Passing

Advanced Passing Skills

Passing skills are a high priority for most coaches and teachers. This video features a "Grip Game" to test the offloading skills and ball control of players

Passing Basics

This exercise is used by most coaches to identify a players passing and catching accuracy. The Northampton Saints coaches break down the skills required to ensure that "Simple things" are done well

Home Training - Passing with Dad

A range of simple drills that can also be progressed to really test hand eye skills. All of these practises can be done with more people. Set targets to increase the fun

Worcester Academy - Ball Presentation

Worcester Academy - Ball Presentation

Backs Move - Decoy & DSM

This backs move combines a decoy 'slice' pass with the DSM (dummy-switch, miss pass) to confuse the defence. The first decoy runner and dummy-switch should commit the inside players, keeping the defensive line narrow. The space out wide is then exploited with the miss pass.

Passing in pairs

To get young players used to passing and catching the ball. This is best suited to a warm up exercise and get the players moving and active quickly

Back Row Defence

Back Row Defence

Learning to Pass - first steps

Young Brazilian players just learning the game start out with some smile passing exercise, this is perfect for any young player starting out in the game

Men's - Patterns of play 1

Three phases of play with accurate passing and quick ball from each breakdown creates the opportunity for the scrum half to run through and score

Key factors : Present a target with your hands - Pass the ball laterally - Run straight / inside shoulder of the defender

Breakdown - Competing For The Ball

A great drill with explanations and supporting theory to help coaches improve their players accuracy and legality at the breakdown

Three player passing challenge

A simple passing game that is fun and competitive. You can add more players in and vary the distance to make this harder or easier. Different balls could be used as well. Dad's can do this at home as a fun game

CCRU Game - Rugby Rounders

Aim of the Game: The batting player kicks or throws the ball forward into play. Make sure that the size and shape of the ball is appropriate to the age of the players. To get the batter out, the fielders may catch the initial kick or throw before it bounces or complete three passes before the batter gets all the way round the cones and back to base cone. The fielders develop their passing, catching and communication skills. The batter is encouraged to think tactically with regard to their initial kick or throw and subsequent running decisions

L2 - Back Line Attack from Set Piece

Skill Practice Description • The objective of this game is to score from first phase. • The defence start on the try line and can only advance to the five metre line (gain line). • The attack must start from the 5 metre line if simulating a scrum and vary the starting points i.e. centre field. • If simulating a lineout start, use the 10 metre line to half way. • If the attack can score from the set piece they are awarded five points. • If they score after one phase they are awarded four points. • If they score after two phases they get awarded three points and so on. • If the attack fails to score after four phases they turn around and defend. • Kicking options may be introduced. • Five attacks each team. Key Coaching Points • Appropriate passing (short, long, flat, deep etc.) • Appropriate running lines; decoy / option / creating spaces / accelerating into space. • Support and reaction. • Look-Think -Do Process • Allow the players to self correct before intervention from the coach Relevance to the Game • Accuracy in decision making scanning and decoy / option running lines