Adjusting rugby passes

Set-up

Set up two 3m x 10m channels either side of a 10m channel one at the top, the other at the bottom of the opposite end. Start with four players at the end of one 3m channel.

What you get your players to do

The attacking players run up the 3m channel giving inside pop passes with each receiver running onto the ball at pace (see picture 1). When they reach the 10m channel the ball carrier accelerates and the others fan out to fill the width. The ball is passed at pace along the line and the last player accelerates up the second 3m channel (see picture 2). The other players file in behind using pop passes along the narrow channel (see picture 3). Run the exercise unopposed until the players can execute it at pace.

Look for

Players running on to the ball at pace. Players giving sympathetic passes. Pop passes are floated into space off the fingertips. Players supporting their passes and communicating with the ball carrier.

Development

As soon as the players are confident, add two defenders to each of the channels. Play full contact where tackled players have to work hard to get back to their feet to support the ball.

Notes

Players need to train with defenders in front of them to allow them to develop decision-making skills needed to deliver effective passes.