Good rugby players can pass accurately off both hands and use a range of kicks. The foundation is the basic lateral pass, thrown with both hands across the body and followed through to the target, and the punt, a kick from the hands used for distance and finding touch. From there, players add the spin pass for longer, faster distribution, the pop pass and offload for close support, and tactical kicks such as the grubber, chip, box kick, drop kick and place kick. Every pass must travel backward or sideways, while kicks can go forward, making kicking an important way to gain territory. Mastering the basics first, then adding more advanced techniques through regular practice on both sides, is the most reliable way to improve.
Rulebook note: Laws referenced here follow World Rugby’s Laws of the Game for rugby union. Passes must not travel forward, and kicking laws such as the 50:22 and ten-metre law affect tactics. Rugby league, sevens and domestic competitions can differ, so check the current laws for your competition.
Passing techniques
| Pass | Use |
|---|---|
| Lateral (basic) pass | Short to medium distance, hands follow through to target |
| Spin pass | Longer, faster distribution |
| Pop pass | Short, soft pass to a runner in close support |
| Offload | Passing out of a tackle |
| Scrum half pass | Quick pass from the ground at the base of rucks |
| Switch pass | Changing the direction of attack with a crossing runner |
How to throw a basic pass
- Hold the ball in two hands in front of your chest, fingers spread along the seams.
- Look at your target, usually the space in front of the receiver’s chest.
- Swing the ball across your body from the hip, turning your shoulders toward the receiver.
- Release with a flick of the wrists and fingers.
- Follow through with your hands pointing at the target.
- Keep running straight to hold defenders in place.
Advanced passing
Spin pass: Used for longer distances, the spin pass makes the ball spiral, reducing air resistance and improving accuracy. The back hand drives through while the fingers roll the ball at release. It is essential for scrum halves and backs moving the ball wide.
Pop pass: A short, soft pass lobbed into the space in front of a support runner, often as the carrier draws a defender.
Offload: A pass made during or just after a tackle to keep the ball alive. It requires strong ball control and awareness of support runners.
Scrum half pass: A quick, flat pass directly from the ground at the base of a ruck or scrum, keeping the ball moving without lifting it first.
Catching
Passing only works if the receiver catches cleanly. Show your hands early as a target, fingers spread and pointing up or toward the ball. Reach out to catch the ball in front of your body, watch it into your hands and bring it under control quickly. Catching early gives you more time to pass or run.
Kicking techniques
| Kick | Use |
|---|---|
| Punt (spiral) | Distance, finding touch |
| Grubber | Low kick along the ground behind the defense |
| Chip | Short lofted kick over the defensive line |
| Box kick | High kick from the base of a ruck by the scrum half |
| Drop kick | Restarts and drop goals |
| Place kick | Conversions and penalty goals |
How to punt
- Hold the ball with both hands, angled slightly across your body.
- Look at your target and take a short approach.
- Drop the ball onto your kicking foot rather than tossing it high.
- Strike with the laces, ankle locked and toes pointed.
- Follow through toward the target with your kicking leg.
Tactical kicks
Grubber: A low kick that rolls or bounces along the ground behind the defense, useful near the try line or to find touch.
Chip kick: A short, lofted kick over a rushing defense for the kicker or a teammate to regather.
Box kick: A high kick from the scrum half, usually toward the touchline, for chasers to contest.
Drop kick: The ball is dropped and kicked as it bounces up, used for kick-offs, drop-outs and drop goals.
Place kick: Taken from a tee for conversions and penalty goals, requiring a consistent routine.
Passing under pressure
Passing in training is very different from passing with defenders rushing up. Under pressure, many players rush their pass, throw it too hard or look at the defender instead of the target. To pass well under pressure, keep the ball in two hands as long as possible, which keeps defenders guessing about your intentions, and hold your running line to fix your defender before releasing. Communication from support players helps the carrier know where to pass without searching. Drills that add defenders, time limits or reduced space build the composure needed in matches. Practicing when tired, at the end of sessions, also prepares players for the closing minutes of games.
Choosing when to kick
Kicking is as much about decision-making as technique. Good kickers consider field position, the positions of the opposition back three, the wind and the strength of their own kick chase. Deep in your own half, a long kick to touch or a high contestable kick can relieve pressure. In midfield, a well-placed kick into space behind the defense can create attacking opportunities. Near the opponent’s try line, grubbers and cross-field kicks can exploit gaps. Kicking without a plan, or without teammates ready to chase, often hands possession back to the opposition. Teams usually agree on kicking strategies in advance so chasers know where to run.
Developing both sides
Players who can pass and kick well off both sides are more valuable and harder to defend against. Most players have a dominant side, so it is worth dedicating extra practice to the weaker hand and foot. Start with short, simple drills on the weak side and gradually increase distance and speed. Consistent practice over weeks and months usually closes the gap significantly, giving players more options in matches.
Position-specific focus
Scrum halves should prioritize fast, accurate passing from the ground and box kicking. Fly halves need a full range of kicks plus strong passing and decision-making. Centers benefit from quick hands, offloading and short kicks. Wingers and fullbacks need long kicks, catching under high balls and counter-attacking skills. Forwards should focus on short passes, offloads and secure handling in contact.
Practice drills
- Partner passing: pass back and forth over increasing distances, alternating sides.
- Passing lines on the run: groups pass down the field at jogging and full pace.
- Wall passing: practice release and catching rebounds.
- Kicking to targets: punt, grubber and chip toward cones.
- Weak-foot and weak-side work: build skills on both sides.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Throwing the ball forward.
- Passing only with the arms instead of turning the shoulders.
- Looking at the ball instead of the target.
- Tossing the ball high before a punt.
- Neglecting the weak side or weak foot.
- Kicking without a chase plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pass forward in rugby?
No. Passes must go backward or sideways, though the ball can be kicked forward.
What is the most important rugby pass to learn?
The basic lateral pass, since it forms the foundation of all passing.
Which kick is used for conversions?
Usually a place kick from a tee, though sevens uses drop kicks for conversions.
