Passing and catching are the base of every rugby attack. In rugby the ball must be passed backward or level, never forward, so players learn to pass while running and to catch in stride. A team that passes well can move the ball wide faster than defenders can drift across.
The forward-pass rule
A pass that travels forward out of the passer’s hands is a forward pass, and the other team gets a scrum. The ball can drift forward in the air because the passer is running, but the hands must send it backward.
Types of passes
| Pass | When to use it | How |
|---|---|---|
| Spin (spiral) pass | Long, fast passes across the field | Hands sweep across the body, back hand spins the ball, follow through to the target |
| Flat / push pass | Short and medium passes in attack | Swing through with both hands, no spin, arms extend to the target |
| Pop pass | Short pass to a runner coming onto the ball | A soft flick upward into the space the runner will hit |
| Offload | Passing while being tackled | Keep the ball free and release before the ball carrier goes to ground |
How to pass
- Hold the ball in two hands, fingers spread along the seams, ball in front of your chest.
- Look at your target and turn your shoulders slightly toward them.
- Swing your arms across your body and push through with your fingertips.
- Follow through with your hands pointing at the target.
How to catch
- Show a target early: hands up, fingers spread, palms toward the passer.
- Watch the ball into your hands.
- Catch with your fingers, not your palms, and bring the ball into your chest if needed.
- Catch early, in front of your body, so you’re ready to pass or run.
Drills
- Lines passing: four players run across the field passing down the line and back.
- Two-ball drill: players catch and pass quickly with two balls in the line.
- Offload grids: ball carriers offload into support runners under light contact.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t you pass forward in rugby?
The laws require the ball to be passed backward or level; a forward pass gives the other team a scrum.
What is the most important passing skill?
Passing accurately in front of the receiver so they can run onto the ball.
What is an offload?
A pass made while being tackled, before the ball carrier goes to ground.
