Perfect pop passes

Develop the pop pass to a support player running at pace into space created by the ball carrier. Just before contact, a pass is flicked up off the fingertips to a support runner.

It keeps the ball alive and draws defenders out of position to maintain go forward.

1. Four players line up in a single file with the ball carrier at the front. The remaining three players stand in a row 5m apart as defenders.

1. The ball carrier attacks the first defender and, 2m away from them, steps to one side.

1. The defender follows them to make the tackle, creating space where they have been.
2. The ball carrier gives a pop pass off their fingertips into this space to a support player who is running at pace. 
3. The new ball carrier then attacks the second defender with the third runner in support.

TECHNIQUE

• The ball carrier runs at the defender at pace then veers left or right.
• Support players run on to the pass at pace. 
• Ensure all the passes go backwards.