Speed passing and catching

WHY USE IT

If a receiver can take the ball at pace without breaking stride they have more chance of exploiting defensive weaknesses.

SET UP

A 13m long, 6m wide box; cones and a ball; plus a ruck pad for the development.

HOW TO PLAY

EXERCISE

Put a feeder to the side of the box and two attackers 5m inside the box. A chaser starts 5m behind the second attacker. Pass the ball to the first attacker as they run forward. They race to a box in front of them and then pass the ball to the next attacker. 

That attacker must take the pass before they are caught by the chaser, who starts off at the same time as the player they are chasing. Adjust the starting positions to suit your players.

DEVELOPMENT

Make the second channel wider. Put a ruck pad-holder in the middle of that channel. When the players start running forward, the pad-holder steps slightly left or slightly right. The second attacker adjusts their line to go in or out so the passer has to pass short or wide.

Coaching points

• Pass for the receiver.
• Put the hands up in front to receive the pass.