Rugby drill to work on quick fire handling skills

The "fast-slow-fast" rugby coaching drill creates a competitive atmosphere, with players looking for unusual passing solutions.

Rugby drill set up

• Players: 4 v 4.
  
  
• Area: 10m square split into four equal boxes.
  
  
• Equipment: One ball.

• Start in any box, with the first ball carrier getting two seconds to run and pass before his marker can move.
  
  
• Allow touch tackling only to begin with.
  
  
• Dropped or intercepted balls, failure to release the ball in three seconds if touched, or running out of the area leads to a restart for the other team.

• "Use short sharp changes in direction."
  
  
• "Pass into spaces for the receiver to run on to."
  
  
• "Anticipate where to pass the ball before you receive it."

• Players will find that looped or lobbed passes will be easily intercepted. Firm passing is essential.
  
  
• The use of non-verbal communication helps. The players should consider using their hands to show which direction they are going to go.
  
  
• "Fast, slow, fast" should be the mantra for players looking to lose their markers.