Passing 4 v 3 reset

A progression from 2 v 1 , 3 v 2 to 4 v 3

4 v 3 after 5m reset

Core skills training

Attacking progression's 4 v 3

A progression from 3 v 2s, this drill is closer to a game situation, where there are more decisions for the attacking players to make. The gaps could appear in a variety of locations and they have several passing /running options. With 4 attacking players, you may wish to utilise your basic strike moves.

Passing - 3 v 2 Live Defenders

Gradually progress from 2 static defenders, to 3 v 2 roaming defenders. The first two players must draw their defenders before giving the pass.

Broncos 4 - 6 v 3 Identify space

Players to attack with "Heads up" and identify where colleagues have space. Supporting players to call early to the ball carriers. Defenders to stay tight to not let attack through the middle spaces easily

Passing - 3 v 2 Static Defenders

Progress to working in 3s against two static defenders. The pressure is on the middle player to hold their depth and perform a quick pass.

Change the point of attack - 4 v 3

This drill allows you to develop decision making by varying the attack and defence continually thus accelerating learning

Attacking progression's 5 v 4

Progressing from 3 v 2s an 4 v 3s, you can now attack with something resembling a full back-line. Give the defence different instructions each time to test the reactions and decision-making skills of your attacking players.

3 v 1 in Channel

A progression from the 2 v 1, where a second pass is encouraged to move the ball away from the defender.

Quins Defence - Tackling in units 3 v 3

This exercise is part of a tackle technique progression and pitches 3 attackers v 3 defenders. As in match play the attacking players will present different challenges to the defenders. The coaches can choose to alter the conditions to put more or less pressure on the players

3 v 2 in Channel

A development of the 2 v 1 and 3 v1 drills, the attackers now must beat 2 defenders. This requires more decision-making ability as the movements of the defenders could change every time. Players must communicate as well as continue to perform their handling and running skills.

6 v 2 v 2 v 2 v 3

Developing the skills into decision making down a channel

3 v 2 attacking practice

A useful drill to build decision-making skills. Attackers must choose from a variety of running and passing options.

Step 4 - Introducing the 2 v 2 Scrum

Step 5 - Introducing the 3 v 3 Scrum

11. 4 v 2 Continuous Touch Rugby

3 v 2 How to Fix Defenders

Running straight & fixing defenders is a skill that all players must learn and learn at an early age. The top players regularly practise this skill to maintain accuracy. This is the building block to scoring tries

Tackling on Knees - 3 v 1

Using three attackers ensures the defender tackles on both sides and from slightly different angles. The coach can vary the pace and width of this exercise

Men's - 3 v 2 1

A passage of play that shows how to attack with more attackers than defenders, a 3 v 2. The winger shows that strong running and determination can break tackles. Click on the practises in this section for coaching ideas

2 v 1 Draw and Pass

A basic 2 v 1 drill that encourages players to time their pass after they have drawn a defender, and for the supporting player to hold their depth.

Women's - 2 v 3 1

Women's - 2 v 3 1

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.

2 v 1 Passing

Adding a live defender helps to encourage players to hold their depth in support, so a good pass can be completed.

Learning to pass laterally in 4's

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

3 v 2 and then another defender

Develop decision-making skills in attack. 3 attackers must beat 2 defenders, before facing a third immediately after.

3 v 2 in channel

A good progression from the 2 v 1 drill

Lineout - 4 pod passing challenge

Four lifting pods must hold their jumpers aloft long enough for them to pass a ball through the hands twice. Lifters should stand close together and try to lock-out their arms. Jumpers should maintain a strong core and keep their legs straight to make life easier for the lifters.

Learning to spin pass 3

To practice the core passing technique before integrating into a moving drill or game.

2 v 1 with withd & flat pass

These are core skill drills for youngsters to learn the game. As a coach you can alter the width and depth of the supporting players

Step 3 - Introducing the 1 v 1 Scrum

Women's - 2 v 3 2

Learning to pass 2 v 1

Developing lines of running to attack the inside shoulder of defenders

Men's - 3 v 2 2

Junior - 3 v 2 2

Evasion 1 v 1 after pass

Core skills handling

Junior - 3 v 2 1

8 v 4 Overload touch

A game for developing advanced understanding of decision making

Attack Grid - 4 v 2

This continuous exercise puts pressure on your players to think fast and be ruthless in attacking the space. Coaches can change the size of the grid and the number of defenders to make it an easier game

Small -sided game - 5 v 3

This is an intuitive decision-making pratice

Sevens - Full Lineout 3

Accurate skills are the key to lineouts in seven's, a combination of movement, lifting and throw combine to make an effective restart for the attacking team. The shape of the attacking side is pre planned to create a mis - match with a faster player v a slower one. key factors : Pre call the move - Fast feet - Strong core for jumper - Support from both players to lift the jumper - Jumper to jump - Accurate throw - Support he jumper to the ground - Offload pass to scrum half

Passing Progressions with defenders

Use progressions to change the pressure points so that players are taken "Out of their comfort zone" and experience more match related situations. Rugby is about creating a 2 v 1 opportunity so fixing defenders is one of the most important skills to learn

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.

Sevens - 2 v 1

A variety of passes create a 2 v 1 which is executed perfectly for the outside attacker to score. Key factors : Different angles of running and support - Comunication - Ball presentation - Effective clearing of defenders at the breakdown - Accurate wide passes - Attack the inside shoulder of the last defender - Flat spin pass

Sevens - 2 v 1

Having identified a 2 v 1 situation, the RGS Guildford player decides not to give an early pass from the breakdown, but instead to run and commit the defender before giving a pass to his teammate. Key factors: Timing - communication - accurate passing

Sevens - 2 v 1

Seven's is about creating chances and then taking them. In this clip the Blue team take the ball up the middle of the pitch to draw in defenders, after recycling the ball they have a 2 v 1 opportunity, a straight line of running and a flat wide pass creates the try. Key factors : Call early - Run straight - Wide spin pass - Catch and swerve to score

Men's - 2 v 1

A good example of phase play to create a 2 v 1 attacking platform. The initial deep pass then creates an overlap and the defender drifts to allow the attacker to run through easily.

Key factors : Quick ball at breakdown - Straight lines of running - Deep pass - straight lines of running again - Loud communication

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

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

Passing Warm-up in 3s

A simple pass-along-the-line warm up. Work in lines of 3 and ensure you pass off both hands. There's no need to do this for too long, but it is useful to get players switched on to passing.

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

Men's - Strike Moves 4

A great axample of how to use effective passing and dummy runners to attack from scrums. Key factors ; Solid scrum - Accurate spin pass - Load calling from dummy runners - Different angles of running - Wide flat pass - Speed and swerve from the final player

7. 5 Pass Game

7. 5 Pass Game

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.

Attacking in waves of 3

The ability to realign quickly is important to developing the back play and counter attacking. Coaches can vary the numbers and timing of the first pass to make this exercise easier or more demanding. Key factors : Run straight - Comunicate early - Uniform distance and depth - Catch & pass in one movement - Hips straight - Hands & armes across the body - Realign quickly - Aerobic fitness

IRB Men's - Offloads 3

A quick lineout allows players to attack a "broken field" defence. Running at space moves the defenders and the suport player comes from depth behind the attacker to score. Key factors : Loud communication - Accurate spin pass - Attacking space - Trail support - Pop pass - Quick running

Rugby Netball with 4 Goals

A great game to get players passing, talking and moving into space. The game is spread wider by having four possible goals to attack.

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

Sevens - Patterns of Play 3

Working in units and working through phases is crucial to modern day sevens and in this clip the White team show great technique and patience to work their way up the field to score. Key factors : Ball retention - Communication - Work in units - Accurate passing - Patience - Stamina

Sevens - Standard restart with attack winning ball 3

A well organised re start with one main attacker challenging for the ball with support both in front and behind him, if the ball is knocked either side of the main catcher the ball will be gathered by his teammates. Great leg drive to continue the attack and a very long pass to complete the scoring. Key factors : Accurate kick - Focus on the ball - Sideways jump - Catch ball above head - Structured support

Broncos 6 - Attack to Defence 8 v 5

A combination of skills are tested, both technical and tactical with the defenders moving from a passing activity to defending 8 attackers. The coach can change the attack with different starting points and number of attackers

Introducing live defenders for 2 v 1

Developing passing skills with more pressure and intensity

3. Half Back Play Continued

A scrum half needs good vision, speed and awareness, quick hands and lightning reactions. The scrum half is the key link between the forwards and the back line. A good scrum half will know how to vary the play and take advantage of any opportunity that the opposition may offer
The fly half is the heart beat of the side and should be a key influence on the way the team plays the game. Almost every attack will go through the fly half, so they need to develop tactical awareness, accurate passing, kicking accuracy, vision, leadership and resilience

Attack 2 v 1

A good decision-making exercise which requires players to practice their basic running and passing skills

Warm up - 10 Pass Game

The 10 pass warm up game is excellent to introduce an activity that has a focus on dynamic mobilisation and raising the heart rate.

Players should be asked to focus on their special awareness, passing technique and communication.

To maximise participation, introduce another ball or split the game into two or three smaller games.

11. 6 v 2 v 2 v 2

CCRU Game - Piggy in the middle

Description of activity: In groups of 3 v 1 the three attacking players have the ball and pass it around to each other trying to keep it from the defender. Give the attacking players a target i.e. make 10 successful passes. The defender tries to either intercept the pass or force a poor passes where the ball goes to the ground or outside of the marked area

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

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.

Rugby Netball with 4 Goals

In this game of 'rugby netball' (or 3D touch), use four goals instead of 2, to encourage more movement around the pitch and for players to learn spacial awareness and communication.

3. Ruck Touch

Running & Passing Lines

The aim is to fix defenders via the attacking players running straight, and preserving the space on the outside and to stop defenders from drifting. This will support the executing of overlaps.

Paul Gustard - Games V Drills For Best Results

How do you decide on the amount of games v drills you do in your sessions. Paul Gustard provides an insight into his view and why

4. Bib Touch

Lateral passing & miss pass with follow in 3s

handling progression for developing lines of running and support

Lateral passing & pulling back the pass from wide

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

1 v 1 Evasion Skills

A lone attacker must beat a single defender. This is great way to develop evasion skills in the attacker, and positioning for the defender.

Introduction to tackling - Step 4

Jailbreak is a fun game that allows young players to become familiar with live tackling, as well as evasion. The game is played in a small area, to the increase the chance of tackles being made, and reduce the speed of the ball-carriers.

Michael Lynagh & Jason Robinson on Eng v Aus 17/11/12

Hand-eye Coordination

This 4-man handling grid tests the coordination and peripheral vision of the central player. They have to accurately pass two balls quickly among the other 3 players. Change the central player regularly. Key factors : Communication - Concentration - Timing - Use wrists and not arms

Good Practice - Segment 4

L2 - Continuous Rugby

Skill Practice Description • Play 7 v 7 Continuous Rugby i.e. after a score, the team who has just scored, keeps possession and immediately starts attacking the far try line. • This allows attacker to play against broken defences (defence not spread in a flat line across the field of play). • This will help players to use evasive skills and maintain continuity, with more passing before being tackled (3 second recycles after a tackle or it becomes a turnover). Key Coaching Points • Communication • Quickness of attack at a disorganised defence • Skills to attack space • Footwork and evasion skills • Scanning skills Relevance to the Game • Great for coaching counter attacking and challenging speed in organisation of both attack and defence. • Any player can be ball carrier and communication is vital as is decision making in identifying space and the best way to attack it successfully

Tackling 3 - Hunting a Tackle

Tackling - Hunting a tackle

4. Octopus Tig

CCRU Game - Passing Pairs

Aim of the game: In pairs, walk, jog or run around the grid, passing to their partner only when they call for the ball. Other players will be obstructing their vision and the flight of the pass, so decisions on when to pass will need to be developed

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.

Passing and Support Lines

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

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

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

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

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

Passing in 4s

A basic handling drill for groups of young players with a mixture of talent. Emphasise technique, passing backwards, and running straight. As players become better they can try wider passes and add more pace. Encourage players to swap position. Counting the number of completed passes in a row challenges the players to never drop the ball.

Fun passing game

Round the world passing challenge. Each player has a ball and they try and reach Ten passes of each hand. You can progress this by doing 1 pass to the left and then 1 to the right, then two to the left and so on until you get to 10, this is tough!!

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.

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

Scrum-half Passing Exercises

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.