Four drills to improve forwards’ handling

A number of static defenders, or even tackle tubes, are in a 10m square. Groups of three or four players have to progress from one side of the square to another using only pop passes. They must not beat a defender by running past, only by making passes. 

Attack from different sides of the square to represent different patterns of defence. Increase pressure by adding more defenders, or permitting defenders to touch-tackle or knock the ball in flight.

Drill 2 - In contact – bumper cars

Not illustrated

Use a similar set up to ’minefield’, above, but defenders can wear tackle suits or carry ruck pads. Attackers take contact but pass to a support player in the process. Increase pressure by allowing individual defenders to attack the ball in-contact.

Drill 3 - Off the ground – pop-up

Set up a line of defenders on their knees in a narrow channel. An attacker runs forward and takes the first tackle. On landing, they pop up a pass to a support player who, in turn, repeats. 

The attacker is now back up and supports this tackle. Work off both sides of the defenders. Introduce tackle tubes, static defenders or cones in the channel to encourage attackers and support players to move to one side or another.

Drill 4 - Pick ups

Not illustrated

The final skill needed is the pick up. If a player is unable to pass before, or out of, a tackle, their last option after being tackled will be to place the ball on the ground to be picked up by a supporter. Develop this with a variation of ’pop-up’, above. Players need to be low and use two hands to collect the ball, preferably side-on to produce a strong base to drive forward and prevent themselves falling over.