VIDEO: Better catch to pass skills homework

A good catch starts the whole movement for a better pass. It creates time on the ball, which means the ball carrier can pass more accurately and, if necessary, more quickly. Here’s a individual training idea you can encourage your players to use away from your sessions.

Good catching gives players more confidence, allowing them to think about the decisions they are going to make on when to pass, who to pass to and where to attack.

KEY OUTCOMES

Reduces adjustment of the ball once it’s caught.

Increases confidence to catch the ball.

KEY TECHNIQUES

Adjust the hands to the ball to catch it in a passing position.



Bottom hand (nearest hand to the passer) is placed near the back of the ball and the top hand towards the front, with fingers pointing up towards the sky and with the hands away from your body.



NOTE

This is an excellent exercise for scrum-halves taking the ball from the lineout and passing it out quickly and accurately to the backs.

HOW TO DO IT

1. Use a wall and a ball.
2. Stand about arm’s distance from the wall.

1. Throw the ball gently at the wall so the fat of the ball hits the wall at about your head height.
2. It’s best if you throw the ball underarm and upwards.

1. React and adjust your hands to the shape of the ball.

1. If needed, adjust your height to react to the ball. You can do this by bending at the knees, while trying to keep yourself feeling upright.
2. At first this will be tough but once you get your hand positioning right you will begin to read the ball and adjust your hands as the ball is in the air.
3. Perform 10 repetitions one side then the same on the other hand and complete three sets.
4. In each set, make the catch a little more difficult by rotating the ball off the wall.

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