Mastering Rugby Passing: Tips and Drills to Improve Your Technique

Rugby passing is the most fundamental skill in the game of rugby. A well-executed pass can set you apart from others on the field and significantly improve your team's performance. Whether you're a forward, back, prop, or five-eight, you'll need to move the ball from your hands to your teammate's mitts effectively. In this blog, we'll share some tips and drills to help you master rugby passing and improve your technique.

The Basics of Rugby Passing.

Before diving into advanced techniques, it's essential to understand the basics of rugby passing. A good pass should be:

Accurate: Aim for your teammate's chest or hands to ensure they can catch the ball quickly.
Fast: A quick pass gives your team more time to react and prevents the opposition from intercepting the ball.
Spiraled: A spiraled pass is easier to catch and travels faster through the air.

Tips for Improving Your Rugby Passing Technique.

Here are some tips to help you improve your rugby passing technique:

Keep your elbows up and out: This helps generate power and accuracy in your pass.
Follow through with your hands: Ensure your hands are pointing towards your target after releasing the ball.
Use your core: Engage your core muscles when passing to generate more power and maintain balance.
Practice with both hands: Being able to pass equally well with both hands is crucial for a versatile player. Make sure to practice passing with both your left and right hand.

Drills to Improve Your Rugby Passing Technique.

To master rugby passing, you need to practice regularly. Here are some drills to help you improve your technique:

1. The Passing Tree

This drill focuses on accuracy and consistency. Set up a series of targets (such as cones or bags) in a tree-like pattern, with one target at the base and multiple targets branching out. Start by passing the ball to the base target, then move on to the next level of targets, working your way up the tree. The goal is to hit each target accurately and consistently.

2. The Gauntlet

The Gauntlet is a high-pressure passing drill that helps players improve their decision-making and passing under pressure. Set up two lines of players facing each other, with a narrow corridor between them. One player runs through the corridor with the ball, passing it back and forth between the lines of players as they try to intercept or deflect the pass. The player must make quick, accurate passes to avoid losing the ball.

3. Pass and Follow

This drill focuses on timing and communication. Set up a line of players, with one player standing a few meters away, facing the line. The first player in line passes the ball to the facing player, then follows their pass, taking the facing player's position. The facing player catches the ball, then passes it to the next player in line, following their pass. The drill continues in this manner, with players passing and following their passes.

Learning from the Pros.

To truly master rugby passing, it's essential to learn from the best. Rugby Bricks offers virtual coaching sessions with coach Peter Breen, who has worked with some of the world's top international players like Matt Toomua, Aaron Smith, and Charlotte Caslick. These sessions include:

Four virtually coached passing sessions with Rugby Bricks coach Peter Breen.
Timed sessions with work time and rest intervals to maximize skill acquisition.
40 different passing exercises.

By participating in these sessions, you can gain access to the same drills and techniques used by professional rugby players, helping you improve your passing game. Learn more here.

The Importance of Consistent Practice.

To see significant improvements in your rugby passing technique, it's crucial to practice consistently. Dedicate time each week to work on your passing skills, either solo or with a partner. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory, making your passes more accurate and powerful over time.

Mastering rugby passing is essential for any player looking to excel on the field. By understanding the basics, implementing the tips mentioned above, and practicing regularly with targeted drills, you can significantly improve your passing technique. Additionally, learning from professionals like Rugby Bricks coach Peter Breen can provide invaluable insights into the techniques used by top international players. Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering rugby passing and becoming a valuable asset to your team.

Check out the RB programs to help you develop a world class pass:

- Rugby Gym & Field Passing Program

- Online Coached Rugby Passing Program

- Free 8 Page Passing Guide With Aaron Smith

Don't forget to check out our Rebounder Ball where you can use the drills in this blog to train like a pro!